About the CMR

What is the CMR?

The Course Materials Repository (CMR) is a managed learning environment (MLE). It is a service that allows module content providers to publish materials to the web that are relevant to a specific module.

Features of the CMR:

• module materials may be hosted in an officially designated area, separate from personal material, non-module material, student home pages, etc; information will also be held about module materials hosted elsewhere (eg on the private webserver). See Getting started: a guide on how to add materials to the CMR for details of how to add resources to the repository.
• The CMR server supports scripting, database connectivity, bulletin/discussion boards and other dynamic and interactive technologies, none of which are available on privatewww.
• The CMR is searchable, both by our main search engine and by a local, repository-only search option (privatewww is not searchable).
• module materials are visible via both the main CMR home page, and also through a personalised version available to students using the myEssex portal.

Limitations

Unlike virtual learning environments (VLE) or specialist software, the CMR cannot provide elements of interactive learning such as online assessments. However, Essex provides a number of VLE tools which have extra functionality:

QuestionMark Perception
Perception is a suite of software applications including a Windows authoring package; a server to deliver assessments, both formative and summative over the Web; and reporting tools for staff to analyse assessment and survey results. The University has QMSecure, an add-on to Perception, which enables the delivery of secure online exams.

Moodle
Moodle is an example of a Virtual Learning Environment software. Moodle is a web based tool and provides an integrated set of tools, enabling easy upload of materials and a customisable and consistent look and feel. Moodle can be used to facilitate a complete teaching and learning experience such as:

• Delivery of learning resources and materials
• Communication between tutors and students
• Shared work group areas
• Support for students
• Management and tracking of students
• Self-assessment and summative assessment
• Student tool

For more information on these tools, please consult the E-Learning Network.

Project background

The pilot stage of the CMR included materials from two departments: History and Language and Linguistics. The pilot stage of the project was made available for students in October 2000, since then the CMR has been expanded to cover modules across the University.