Abstract:

Both undergraduate courses; CROP4011 Plant Propagation and CROP2011 Ornamental Horticulture were taught heavily on Moodle as e-Learning system at department of Crop Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman. Forum was set up so student can voice opinions, make comments, and suggest ideas for the courses improvement. Students can also share their knowledge between each other and their instructors. In addition, students can share photos related to course content by uploading from internet during the course semester. Instructors used forum for short, focused discussions, questions and answers as well. Forum was used to improve students learning enthusiasm and enhancement. Instructors used forum to support and supply students with additional information. Students and instructors were able to start a new topic and questions at any time during the semester. Besides, lectures, laboratory sessions and all announcements for lab assignments, field trips schedules, quizzes and exams were made through Moodle system. A trend showed that forums enhanced learning skills between students in both courses, which promoted effective learning communication and good practice on Moodle system. Forums enhanced the quality of learning and teaching and created environment of learning competition between students. Those forums were good in Moodle as e-learning virtual system and supporting teaching. Forums can provide the best possible learning experience for all students studying at the Sultan Qaboos University.

Keywords:

Moodle, Forum, Enhancement, e-learning, Sultan Qaboos University.