How does Aula compare to Moodle, Canvas, or other VLEs I am used to?
Traditional VLEs like Moodle, Canvas, or Blackboard are designed with a content-first approach and used to simply deliver content to students. You probably already think of the VLE as a digital filing cabinet or content repository where you upload module materials—but these platforms lack functionality for students to engage with the content and/or interact with one another and the teaching staff.
In contrast, Aula feels like a great class with an engaged learning community. Learning happens within Aula as students ask questions, share resources, interact, and reach out to educators. In Aula, every educator is given the tools to create a learning experience that is as much about academic challenge as it is about meaningful connection.
What do other educators think of this experience?
We compiled some of their thoughts and experiences on this page, where you can also see how students react to Aula.
Does Aula own the IP for my modules, content, or student data?
Aula simply houses and protects your institution’s data: we do not own modules or the content used within them. We do not share institutions’ data with other partners, including courses, modules, or content created by educators.
We host every institution in a unique environment, siloing data from other institutions’ environments as well as recording some events within the platform. Institutions may access this data at any time by accessing the module's Engagement section
Which of my current tools does Aula integrate with?
Aula integrates with numerous external apps and services. Follow this link to find a list of some of the available integrations and recommended software that you can use to further support your teaching at Aula.
Generally, “Integrations” have to be enabled on our side in cooperation with your institution, so you might not see all of them in your module. However, “Default Integrations” are available on all Aula environments! Apps marked as “Link embeds” usually don’t require a specific setup and they can be used by anyone. Feel free to head to your Educator Area and test out available options by creating a new test page and adding content.
How do students get added and onboarded on Aula?
This will depend on your institution’s specific process. You should have received internal communications from your institution with more details on this.
As a first step, your university’s Registry department will be able to help you ensure all students are where they need to be. Once a student’s account has been created in Aula, they will receive an onboarding email including some information on what Aula is, along with a short walk-through recording.
If you happen to run into any issues or questions with student enrolments in Aula, your university’s Registry will be best placed to assist.
How do I set up virtual classrooms?
We recommend the use of tools such as BigBlueButton, Zoom, or Nearpod to do virtual classrooms in Aula.
BigBlueButton offers real-time sharing of audio, video, and screen and students can also be split up into smaller breakout rooms.
Zoom can be used for online synchronous teaching. This offers the option to record sessions so they can be uploaded to your module afterward, adding closed captions, breakout rooms, and screen sharing.
Nearpod is an interactive presentation and assessment tool which can be used to encourage alternative and dynamic forms of learning and interacting with lecture materials.
See more in here.
How does the assignment tool work with our SRS? What kind of grades and feedback options are there?
Assignments in Aula offer percentage grades, free form, pass/fail, rubrics, and letter grade. You can read more about grading Handin assignments and providing feedback here..
As for whether or not your institution’s Student Record System integrates with Aula, this depends on the agreed configuration. To find out more, we invite you to reach out to your university’s registry who will be able to provide you with relevant instructions on exporting grades. Meanwhile, this article about our native Student Success App might be useful!
What are the different permissions?
Community Feed
Both Students and Educators are able to see the exact same Community Feed. Here are some differences:
Educator
- Scheduled posts are only visible to Educators until they’re published.
- Can delete posts of other users
Students
- Can only delete and edit their own posts.
Materials
Educator
- Schedule the release of pages
- Add, edit, and delete content
- View hidden content
Students
- View released materials
- Participate in discussions
- Download files
Assignments
Educator
- Create, edit, and delete assignment links
- Hide and unhide submission links
- Grade and provide feedback on submissions
- Export grades
Students
- View visible assignments
- Submit files to assignments that are open for submissions
- Check if submission was successful
- View grades
Engagement
Educator
- View engagement area
Students
- Unable to access Engagement area