The document discusses using Moodle for language learning. It can be customized for different classes with weekly or topic formats. The messaging system allows easy communication and files are not cluttered in email. Assignments include online texts, offline activities, and file uploads. Advance uploading of files is useful for drafting writing assignments and presented the main challenge for students to learn. Overall Moodle allows flexibility in course set-up and focus on teaching over technology.

1. Nancy A. McKeand Moodle Pilot Conference Eastern New Mexico University November 4, 2009 Using Moodle to Facilitate Language Learning

3. Students can learn their way around quickly.

4. Customizing the set up Courses can be set up with different formats. I use weekly formats in two courses and topic formats in two others.

5. Weekly Format

6. Topic Format

7. Messaging I wanted to use Moodle messaging so my students could contact me easily and their messages wouldn't clutter my email inbox. * Contacts * Search * Settings □ Automatically show Message window when I get new messages (your browser needs to be set so that it doesn't block popups on this site) □ Block all new messages from people who are not on my contact list □ Beep when a new message comes in (may require browser plugin that can play sounds, such as Quicktime) □ Use HTML editor (some browsers only) □ Version without frames and JavaScript □ Email messages when I am offline For more than ___ mins Email address __________________ Format ______________

9. Offline activity

10. Upload a single file

11. Advance uploading of files I primarily use offline activity and advanced uploading of files.

12. Offline Activity This is useful for grading oral presentations and group work. It is also useful for work students do someplace else online, like on a blog or wiki.

13. Upload a single file I use this assignment type for work that they are graded on for having done – like grammar activities and vocabulary work.

14. Advance uploading of files This is the assignment type I use most. It is especially appropriate for writing assignments with multiple drafts.

15. Challenges for students This assignment type presented the only real difficulty my students have had with Moodle.

16. Using Moodle allows me to use different course set-ups, stay in touch with my students, use different assignment types, concentrate on teaching rather than on the technology.