Introduction
The report was requested in April 2022 for the Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology. Its creation aims to find out whether the learning management system (LMS) Moodle is the best one or if there are any good alternatives. A recent study demonstrated that Moodle increases student achievement, satisfaction, and engagement (Gamage, Ayres and Behrend, 2022). There are investigations confirming that Moodle remains the most popular and preferred LMS (Altinpullic and Kesim, 2021; McCormack, 2020). It is proposed to compare Moodle with one of the leaders in the same area – the Mindflash tool. The comparison will be made on the basis of key features, user experience, and graphical interface.
Methodology
For the current study, a sampling method was used to analyze data on the advantages and disadvantages of each of the analyzed programs. Information from XLPro and eLearning Industry websites was examined to define the key features of Moodle. These sites were chosen because the articles published contain a critical review of the properties of the learning system (Kumar, 2018; Shanavaz, 2019). Next, TrustRadius proved to be a useful resource; there, the information on which program was better was presented in graphs. The statistics are confirmed by the opinion of experts from the IT industry, which makes this website an important reference (Moodle vs Trakstar Learn, 2021). A detailed analysis of how Mindflash (now called Trakstar Learn) functions is also available on the G2 website (Mindflash features, 2019). There, one can see user feedback and ratings on key metrics. In particular, information is posted about how good the system’s graphical interface is.
In addition, it seemed important to mention an article on the Digital Project Manager website, which compiled the top of the best learning management systems. This resource was added because it is reputable, so the authors’ failure to include Mindflash in the ranking suggests that such LMS is not the best one (10 best learning management systems for 2022, 2021). McLaughlin and Martinez (2019) published a review containing the pros and cons of Mindflash, and Delos Santos (2022) wrote an article with similar content. These three authors are experts in the field of technology, which confirms the validity of their conclusions. The selected sources served as the basis for the present comparative analysis.
Results
Based on what the key characteristics of the system are, it is possible to understand how good it is. First, in Moodle, users can customize the course content significantly (Shanavaz, 2019). The program has extensive analytics possibilities, and there is a built-in chat for student interaction (Kumar, 2018). It is no wonder why this company regularly tops the best systems for learning. However, Mindflash is not inferior to Moodle – the program has built-in video calls, and creating a course is extremely easy (McLaughlin and Martinez, 2019). Mobile support is provided, and the analytics tools create tremendous opportunities for customized courses (Delos Santos, 2022). In general, there is no significant difference between the key properties of the two applications.
The next criterion for comparing the two learning systems is the graphical interface. An important role in the Moodle platform is played by plugins – modules that help change the design and expand the system’s functionality (Moodle vs Trakstar Learn, 2021). Thus, the program’s interface can be easily changed, which cannot but be considered an advantage of the system (Kumar, 2018). Members of the Moodle community develop the plugins, and for the most part, they are available for free. Mindflash does not support these features, and its interface design is predominantly white (Mindflash features, 2019). Customization is what is highly valued by customers, and therefore in terms of such criteria as the interface Moodle is a leader.
User experience is what ultimately determines whether a program will be in demand. Trastradius states that Moodle is slightly ahead of Mindflash in cumulative performance (Moodle vs Trakstar Learn, 2021). Moreover, many users have left more positive feedback on the program. However, the insignificant difference in the overall score between the two systems indicates that Mindflash may well become an analogue of Moodle.
Discussion (Conclusion)
In general, it can be concluded that Moodle is not an indispensable program for learning. An analysis of the functioning of this program with the competitor Mindflash showed that there is no significant difference between these too LMSs. At this stage, Moodle is more suitable for MCAST purposes since there is no need to switch to a new learning management system. Moreover, Moodle still remains the best learning management system in terms of customization and mobile app performance. To maintain Moddle’s leadership position, attention will need to be paid to those aspects in which the system lags behind its competitors.
Reference List
10 best learning management systems for 2022: comparison (2021) Web.
Altinpullic, H. and Kesim, M. (2021) ‘A systematic review of the tendencies in the use of learning management systems’, Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 22(3), pp. 40-54.
Delos Santos, J. M. (2022) ‘Mindflash software review: overview – features – pricing’, Project Management, Web.
Gamage, S. H. P. W., Ayres, J. R. and Behrend, M. B. (2022) ‘A systematic review on trends in using Moodle for teaching and learning,’ International Journal of STEM Education, 9(9), pp. 1-24.
Kumar, O. (2018) ‘10 key features of Moodle LMS’, XLPro, Web.
McCormack, K. (2020) ‘Why Moodle workplace might be the best LMS for you’, Synergy Learning, Web.
McLaughlin, M. and Martinez, J. (2019) ‘Mindflash review’, PCMag, Web.
Mindflash features (2019) Web.
Moodle vs Trakstar Learn (formerly Mindflash) (2021) Web.
Shanavaz, S. F. (2019) ‘8 reasons why Moodle is still awesome’, eLearning Industry, Web.