Moodle is a free and open-source learning management system (LMS) that was created by Martin Dougiamas in 2002. It allows educators to create online courses with activities, assignments and quizzes. Moodle uses a social constructionist philosophy and is highly customizable through plugins and modules. Support is available through online forums and training programs. Moodle can be used to create both structured courses and unstructured learning environments.

1. Moodle: (noun) Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment To moodle: (verb) the activity of tinkering with things as they come to you, which causes creativity and development. Ideally the way that Moodle is used and was originally created.

2. A – Nothing B – Heard of it but haven’t used it C – Used it as a learner or participant D – Used it as a teacher E - Used it as an developer/administrator What do you know about Moodle?

3. Code is made freely available for modification and improvement for educational purposes This benefits both users and developers as improvements are made for all to access and ideally increases the quality of the product In comparison to commercial platforms, there is no financial gain in development or intellectual property, so a wide audience is welcome and happy to contribute to it’s growth without holding onto IP Free and open source software

4. Origins Created by Martin Dougiamas, originally a developer for WebCT at Curtin University Influenced by a thesis he wrote on the use of open source software to support a social constructionist philosophy to teaching Moderated by the Moodle company in Perth Western Australia

5. Features of Moodle It is highly compatible and interoperable with other content management systems, web 2.0 tools, RSS and Atom feeds, supports Flash content, webpages, video and most other widgets and interacts with many student management systems eg. CAS Has wysiwyg and html editing so offers both easy and flexible editing Is SCORM compatible and compliant to the Australian eStandards

6. Features of Moodle Activities Resource types Question types Reporting functions Graphical themes – editable and tailored Authentication methods Enrolment methods Permissions Blocks

7. Features of Moodle Activities, resources and questions Calendars Forums Chat rooms Glossaries Wikis Workshops Choice Hot Potato Lessons Questionnaires Quizzes Web links Web pages Assignments File uploads SCORM Text Pages

8. Extras Moodle has a huge range of plugins and modules that can be used to enhance and tailor you Learning Management System for the benefits of your learners and staff These may include: Podcasting Enrolment methods RSS feeds Google search bars Audio and Videoconferencing Bookings Brainstorming And many, many more. http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=_XPZl6LLvik

9. Support for Moodle Moodle is generally used by the internet savvy but information is available and reasonably easy to understand. Forums are available for members to search and post questions Face to face training is available from Moodle.com.au Registered Moodle owners are listed on the Moodle website and are easily contactable for implementation advice Free instructional Moodle compatible training programs can be found by searching the Moodle website or Google Many publications available Instructional videos – YouTube etc.

10. How do you use it? There is a range of ways that Moodle can be introduced into elearning. Structured courses by topic Structured courses by date Non structured learning resource environments Collaborative spaces for project management Forums

11. Lets show you around Moodle website Download Moodle Modules and Plugins Moodle Docs Moodle Forum CEB Moodle Behind the Moodle – the files you can edit

12. Thank you Sarah Phillips eLearning Coordinator Continuing Education Bendigo Ltd [email_address] (03) 5430 2100