N.U.S. students worried with Moodle issues

By Vaelei Von Dincklage 28 April 2020, 5:00PM

Connectivity issues appear to be a major challenge for some National University of Samoa (NUS) students, who are currently using the Moodle online learning platform.

Undergraduate students Isadora Auvaa, Florida Smith, Beck Lomitusi and Mark Togia told Samoa Observer that there were benefits in using the online learning platform but logging on to the network has its challenges.

Moodle, which two major colleges have already signed up to, is helpful according to Ms Auva who is a student at the Faculty of Business and Entrepreneurship.

"The Moodle has been very helpful in terms of our assignments and also our updates. If I remember correctly, it was only down for one day or so but not daily," she said.

A third-year student at the N.U.S. Faculty of Arts, Ms Smith, expressed similar sentiments and added that Moodle is a step up for the university, though others have complained about it.

"Online classes keep us updated on our lessons, especially for degree students like myself. I believe this is one level of step up and improves the standards of the university,” she added.

“I have heard and seen a lot of complaints by the students in regards to the Moodle platform but I am sure there is a way to solve their issue. If we work together I'm sure everything will be easy.”

But Ms Lomitus, a N.U.S. Foundation program student, said they continue to experience difficulties trying to access it.

"Me and some of my friends are experiencing difficulty in trying to access our assignments and our notes, it has become a hindrance in our studies. Poor connection is our main problem right now," she said.

"I submitted my test one hour and 52 minutes late the other night because of the poor connection. I have also spoken with one of my friends and they say that they too are having the same problem and they couldn't access the test. They contacted the tutor but he didn't respond back in time.”

The online accessibility issues for Moodle is a concern for N.U.S. Foundation program student, Mr Togia.

He said he had to use his Gmail account to submit his assignments as he found it difficult to log onto the platform. 

“We have sent our assignments through email since it's easier to access and easy to understand. Many of us are new to Moodle and maybe that is why these problems are affecting me, I am only worried because this might affect my studies and no student would want to fail in their foundation year," Mr Togia said. 

By Vaelei Von Dincklage 28 April 2020, 5:00PM

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