DEViewer and Moodle

A recent meeting with some MAFLT teammembers explored the differences between the DEViewer and Moodle to try and gain an idea of where each is best used.

Moodle - it provides a classroom-in-a-box, meaning that along with course material student/teacher interactions may be hosted. Also it has a growing body of users and organizations that can build a body of knowledge for a host. 

One drawback is a complicated interface for the student and a somewhat difficult structure for a host/content creator to set up. Another drawback is a large footprint with multiple applications needed to provide functionality. Though installers can get one going quickly dificulties can surface when upgrades to those applications occurs or administration of the various apps is needed. It requires a fairly high livel of IT knowledge to administer over the long term. Finally it most often requires an Internet presence, something difficult to afford in many parts of the world. The MAFLT Portable Moodle effort is an attempt to get around this hurdle.

Overall Moodle is best used in an institutional setting where an Internet presence could be afforded along with the availability of an IT professional. Also desired is a level of computer knowledge of the student to match the complexity of the interface.

DEViewer -  the DEViewer strengths are in its simplicity of its interface, of its size and its deployment. It lends itself to CD based delivery, negating a need for an Internet connection though it also may be hosted on a server to Internet based users. Automated installers make use and upgrading easily accomplished by non-IT personel.

One downside is that the classroom is not handled to much of a degree. Though it supplies an email service to send a student’s quiz answers to a mentor any other classroom interaction must be supplied outside of the viewer. Another drawback has been the requirement to create content in XML without much selection in editors. This will be addressed by the deployment of the DEScribe editor just now coming online.

Overall the DEViewer is best used in situations requiring a simple to deploy and use scenario. This scenario can arise either by an new computer user base or a need for a low tech delivery method.