Comparing Writely and Moodle online assignment submission and assessment

Abstract

[Abstract]: This paper discusses the diverse and changing teaching environments in the higher education sector. With the extensive use of Internet and the availability of numerous online interaction tools, students are increasingly participating in, and requesting access to, features such as electronic course materials, online forums, automated response facilities and mechanisms for electronic assignment submission. As USQ moves to provide more of these flexible online environments, particularly to assist in the assessment of student learning outcomes, it is equally important for lecturing staff to select the most appropriate mechanisms and assignment submission tools to assist their students in this process. This paper reports on a pilot study performed to investigate student perceptions of using two online collaborative software systems for submitting assignment work and receiving feedback; Writely and Moodle. An online survey was presented to the students to quantify their preferences in using these two online facilities with respect to intuitiveness, convenience of use and responsiveness. Comments were also sought from students to: Explain why they made their particular choices and report on any problems they encountered. The survey also offered them the opportunity to provide further feedback. The quantitative data provides a clear indication that the students prefer using the Moodle system over Writely while the qualitative data give a clear indication as to why this was the case.