Moodle or WebVista?
A Comparison of Two Web-based Course Management Systems
by Jian Wu
Charlotte knew enough about creative web-use to save Wilbur’s life, but many two-legged language instructors who want to use the web to enhance their classes are now beginning to hear more and more about the Moodle course-management system. Is it better than WebVista? How is it different? Is it hard to learn? Can materials from a WebVista site be imported into a new Moodle site?
The tables below summarize answers to these questions.
Major differences
| WebVista | Moodle |
|---|---|
| Folder motif, hierarchical and closed structure | Outline motif, flexible and open structure, flat view |
| More teacher-centered | Student participation encouraged |
| Easy to learn basic features, more difficult to learn advanced features, less intuitive | More user-friendly, easier to learn and use, with contextualized help files |
| Java-based, slower speed, can only open one window at a time | Non Java-based, faster speed, can open many windows at the same time |
| Commercial license, all new features will need to come from the company, may take more time | Open Source, new features may be added locally and more quickly |
Major features unique to WebVista
- More sophisticated selective-release features
- White Board
- WebDAV support for easy file transfer (drag & drop)
- Additional add-ons/powerlinks, such as TurningPoint keypad entry
Major features unique to Moodle
- Social-constructionist design with tools focused on student participation, group work, collaboration dialogues, peer feedback, reflection, etc. Web 2.0 enhanced
- Built-in Wiki
- Enhanced forum (discussion) features
- Open glossary (students can participate)
- Workshop (peer review, self-assessment and teacher evaluation)
- Lesson (with branching for adaptive learning)
Which one, then, should I use?
First, it is fair to say that Moodle can do most of what WebVista can, and more. So, if you have never used a course-management system before and are interested in trying one now, I would suggest that you start with Moodle. Moodle is also the right choice if you are interested in social-constructionist design and enhanced Web 2.0 features. But if any of the unique features of WebVista are important to you, keep in mind that you are probably better off using WebVista. It is possible to transfer files from WebVista to Moodle. However, if you are already familiar with WebVista and satisfied with it, then stick with it, if only to avoid the hassle of learning a new interface and transferring materials. More information about WebVista and Moodle can be found at the Digital Media Website.