**1. Introduction**

In the current age of technology, which is supported by flexible (hand-held) devices like iPad, the use of managed learning environments (MLEs)/platforms of various sorts can support virtual learning through synchronisation with available technologies. The advent of modern technology has made it possible for new terminologies to be added in the discourse of professional undertakings. In these cases, the use of words like managed learning environment

© 2016 The Author(s). Licensee InTech. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2018 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

(MLE), virtual learning environment (VLE), technology-enhanced learning (TEL) and many more has become the terminologies of everyday language for people engaged in virtual space of work, be it for formal learning or other means of collaboration like video conferencing and blogging.

landscape of professionalism as staff are mostly engaged in the rote approach to learning and without many opportunities for them to be actively connected with virtual world of learning. The benefit of proposing Moodle as a means of learning for the financial sector is that its flexible feature makes it possible for anyone to be actively engaged in continuous learning, more without the need to worry about distance and location. The learning process is always done

Moodle Platform: A Case of Flexible Corporate Learning in the Financial Sector in Sierra Leone

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Moodle is a learning environment whose topology is defined by an easy access for users to select appropriate tool(s) that enhances their access to learning resources. Based on an excerpt from Jackson [5], the term *topology* from its derivative in mathematics and as applied in the context of this chapter refers to the physical description of Moodle features that makes learning for both teachers/instructors and learners more adaptive, with its flexibility of usage in a static/m-learning environment using gadgets like tablets/mobile phones. By definition, 'Moodle is a learning platform designed to provide educators, administrators and learners with a single robust, secure and integrated system to create personalised learning environment (Moodle: online)'. The complex feature of the platform has made it possible for users to take advantage of modern technology through flexible means of engagement, which can take the form of self-paced learning, video conferencing, real-time collaboration with users and many more. **Figure 1** provided an illustrative discourse of the architecture of Moodle with its integrated features for promoting flexible means of learning, while also ensuring details for

According to Kesse [6] as shown in **Figure 1**, the concept 'Moodle was originally an acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment', with its main philosophy geared around supporting a style of learning called social constructionist pedagogy, which is simply about interaction. The system has developed a flexible approach to dynamic learning, and regardless of where the user is, learning can still be made as an integral part of the person's professional impetus to aim higher. With the right level of support and internet capability, access to Moodle platform creates a new wave of thought into people's approach

According to Kesse [6] and more so Moodle (online), the architecture supports collaborative virtual pedagogy with both learner and instructor at the centre of virtual/collaborative engagement. This is the most important feature of Moodle as it creates the means through

The assignment tool button in **Figure 2** allows task(s) to be created which can be assessed with constructive feedback and graded by the instructor. Most importantly, there is also a feature for instructor and learner to engage in collaborative virtual 'feedback', thereby creating scope for flexible means of differentiated learning engagement. The benefit ascribed to the pedagogy tool is such that all users will have equal chances of being monitored due to the fact that the platform allows MIS data integration/synchronisation of user records. It matters not

which users can be actively engaged in their learning process and at a flexible pace.

electronically with real-time engagement with other participants in the world.

**2. Moodle learning environment and its architecture**

the achievement of high professional standards are met.

to learning.

All around the world, e-learning is becoming widespread, and not only in the academia where its usage is the common ground for enhanced teaching and learning, but corporate organisations such as legal, medical and financial institutions are also embracing it as a way of improving knowledge of people in the dynamic world of technological advances [1, 2]. The pace of MLE is expediting the speedy globalisation of institutions through enhanced virtual collaboration features present. It is now possible for users to improve their learning opportunities without being physically present in a classroom situation. An approach used by most established organisations to gauge performance management of employees without having to watch them all throughout the time as all activities or tasks were performed on MLE platforms like Moodle can be tracked.

Developing countries like Sierra Leone are still treading in the direction of making advances in the global community of technology, but this needs serious strategic planning to make sure institutions of all types (corporate, educational, governmental and non-governmental) harness the chances of keeping pace with countries around the world. With the current high state of non-compliance present in the financial sector, it is but necessary for technological advances like MLEs to be given serious consideration in the breakthrough of ensuring that professional working standards are embraced. Currently, institutions across the world, particularly those in the advanced economies, are embracing the opportunities, given the benefit this sort of technology brings to improved operations and work standard, with the capacity to synchronise management information systems (MIS) where employee details are automatically updated on the system to take full advantage of facilities.

This advanced and digitised technology brings with it the advantage of synchronous or asynchronous means of learning/communication around the world; the former refers to the exchange of ideas and information with one or more participant at the same time; for example, this could involve face-to-face discussion and also online real-time discussion, incorporating feedback from participants. On the other hand, the latter (asynchronous) is a form of self-paced means of communication/learning where participants are engaged in ideas or discussions without the dependence on another participant in a real time (e.g., this may include blogging, emails and discussion board). Both synchronous and asynchronous methods are said to have moved society to a point where individuals can improve their opportunities for collaboration, with knowledge acquisition set at the centre of embracing a variety of learning opportunities the technology has brought to people's lives [3, 4].

The facility of Moodle platform is not so common in the learning environment in many developing economies and in particular Sierra Leone where learning process is still based on the old didactic approach to teaching. Given the current age of technology, it is now a choice for those engaged in learning to decide as to whether they should engage in 100% online learning or part way depending on their commitments to work. The decision to move into a flexible approach to learning by staff in a country like Sierra Leone will certainly change the landscape of professionalism as staff are mostly engaged in the rote approach to learning and without many opportunities for them to be actively connected with virtual world of learning. The benefit of proposing Moodle as a means of learning for the financial sector is that its flexible feature makes it possible for anyone to be actively engaged in continuous learning, more without the need to worry about distance and location. The learning process is always done electronically with real-time engagement with other participants in the world.
