Category Archive

I finished the revision of the structure of the entire OpenPBL.org site, with at least half of the content already inserted in WordPress. The other half depends on the web app development and ilutration already under way.

I finished the specification of the UI/UX for the OpenPBL app, which has been developed to be a web app. Hopefully, until this october we will be able to launch the OpenPBL tool.

With the advancement of the resumption of the project, I received today the storyboard with the demonstration of a simple case of PBL activity in a medical school. It was developed by someone who had practical experience within the University of Maastritch, and who is responsible for the implementation of PBL in a postgraduate degree in Medicine in Brazil. The case is very basic, to be understood by any educator, and will compose the content of OpenPBL.org.

I did one last attempt, via email, to convince Moodle HQ to transform the Assignment module to allow Moodle implement the OpenPBL methodological model. I was not successfull and I totally understand, since I know (I can’t disclose here) Moodle is passing thgough a very important change, there is no time for new ideas, nor there is some structure to receive these innovative approaches. Thus, I have to give up using Moodle as an OpenPBL tool, at least for now. I know how big is the impact for educators around the world if they can use Moodle not only to implement PBL itself, but it combined with all other Moodle modules. However, for now, I will have to develop an app with its own resources and/or competences. It will be a long way, but it has started since last year. Let’s see how far it goes.

I started a new learning journey today: programming language. Negative experiences depending on third parties to put my ideas into practice left deep marks in my memory. Starting with review about database theory, I will resume what once was: computer code programmer, withe which I already worked on the 90s.

After overcoming all the final bureaucracy for the completion of the second PhD, today I defended the proposed thesis, and was approved. Now it is to go for the practical implementation of OpenPBL. Like plugin? It will depend on Moodle HQ, without the help I will leave for another development option.

The nightmare of the approval of the research project with the Brazilian Research Ethics Committee , after months and three attempts, was finally surpassed. Now is to test the effectiveness of the idea around OpenPBL.

There were many contacts with Moodle Partners in Barcelona, ​​and at least a good conversation with Martin Dougiamas (CEO of Moodle) about OpenPBL and the educational niche focused on more formally structured active methodologies such as PBL. But I got no sign of interest in thriving the plugin project, nor to modify the Moodle Assignment module, to make the platform fit to deal with authentic PBL.

I received the code of the Moodle plugin under development, at least until what was completed. The plugin could be tested and it was approved. But there were still some features that would meet the most sophisticated evaluation actions specified in OpenPBL methodological model. Moodle’s weak documentation on how to integrate a plugin into its rubric management system turned out to be an obstacle. The time window the developer had for work closed. Once again I wasted time and financial resources to arrive the desired plugin.

New attempt to develop the Moodle plugin with a Santa Catarina developer. The document with the specification was referred and, at least with regard to language, we no longer have such a communication problem. Communication is direct via WhatsApp and Google Meet in a weekly basis.