MOODLE+and+Blackboard,+what+are+they?

MOODLE: **M**odular **O**bject **O**rientated **D**ynamic **L**earning **E**nvironment:
A free open-source software learning management system, developed by Martin Dougiamas in 2002. E-learning is reaching a turning point in its history. In the fields of literacy, ESL, foreign language learning and providing management of learning records, multi-media materials, interactive communication MOODLE has become very popular in educational facilities all over the world.
 * //Martin Dougiamas//**

Here are the statistics to date: @http://moodle.org/stats/ and the sites in NZ: @http://moodle.org/sites/

Dougiamas developed MOODLE with the philosophy that constructivism occurs especially well when learners are engaged in constructing something for others to see, and working with others in a collaborative fashion.

Although MOODLE is not designed specifically for language teaching, it provides teaching and learning tools that can be used in ESL settings. In particular, audio/video files for language practice and testing. However, in conjunction with Quizlet, MOODLE courses can easily incorporate games, quizzes and tests. @http://quizlet.com/languages-and-vocab/

MOODLE is ideal for cultures that prefer collaborative learning, especially utilising forums for discussions. In addition, MOODLE utilises tools that allow the integration of assignments, activities, and multimedia resources, synchronous and asynchronous teacher-student and student-student communication, testing and assessment of students’ work.

In 1995 Murray found web based systems learning was working well with students at tertiary level, and generating improved results and performance, and enhancing student satisfaction, Leading to the creation of WEBct in 1996, in 2006 this was acquired by Blackboard. Blackboard Inc
 * //Murray Goldberg //**

Blackboard 9.1 is Blackboard’s newest upgrade to its Learn Package, with improvements in its uses for higher education including course wikis, blogs and journals that stimulate conversation and reflection on a course, and group tools that make group collaboration and communication easier than previous versions. Its most notable feature is its Web 2.0 interface, which makes it easy for educators to navigate when adding content to an online course and student navigation when accessing course content. What's new in 9.1 