The document discusses different ways that Moodle tools can be combined to create effective course sequences. It identifies three main types of sequencing: 1) One-to-many sequencing, where one learning concept is supported by multiple activities targeting different skills. 2) Linear, instructor-led sequencing where resources and activities build upon each other in a defined order. 3) Linear, student-led sequencing where students define the content within a provided framework of activity sequences. The document encourages reworking example course topics to incorporate these three sequencing approaches and emphasizes that the most engaging courses allow students more control through Type 3 sequencing.

1. Combining Moodle tools
for best effect
#mootau13 Masterclass
Mark Drechsler

2. How Moodle was designed to be used
"The heart of Moodle is courses that contain
activities and resources. There are about 20
different types of activities available. The main
power of this activity-based model comes in
combining the activities into sequences and
groups, which can help you guide participants
through learning paths. Thus, each activity can
build on the outcomes of previous ones.”
Source: http://docs.moodle.org/25/en/Pedagogy

3. How Moodle is often used
Image Creative Commons licensed thx to http://www.flickr.com/photos/tim_ellis/

4. What makes a good Moodle course?
Full presentation @ http://www.slideshare.net/mark.drechsler/moodle-course-design
2010 Slideshare presentation
53,000 hits
Around 1000 per week in 2013

5. What This Session Is
An attempt to reshape a
‘dump and pump’ course
into something where
students can engage,
construct and self-direct.

6. What This Session Isn’t
(Making things look pretty is sadly not my forte)

7. Question:
What are the three most
commonly used tools in Moodle?

8. Of 240,000 items across one site:
• 80 workshops
• 300 databases
• 1000 glossaries
• Around 7000 forums (excluding News forums)
• 11,000 assignments
• 38,000 labels
• and…

9. …96, 451 files

10. One typical triad…
Absorb
• ‘Learning’
• View files,
links, books
Review
• Self-
assessment
• Complete
quiz
Assess
• Formal
assessment
• Complete
assignment

11. A lot of the time sequences are:
• Strictly defined in terms of content
• Instructor led
• Driving towards a fixed assessment
• Anyone done a MOOC lately? Bingo.
• Enter our demo course: Ukulele 101

12. Welcome to Ukulele 101

13. Goal for today:
Re-work this course to incorporate
three different kinds of activity
sequencing

14. Task:
Get a copy of the course for your
table to work on.

15. Type 1
One-to-many sequencing
• One piece of content/learning concept
• Multiple activities targeting different skills
• Replace/augment quizzes & assignments
• Not even really a sequence…

16. Type 1 Examples
Resource
(Concept)
Forum:
Discuss…
Choice:
Select…
Glossary:
Define…
Wiki:
Construct…

17. Task:
Re-work Topic 1 to use Type 1
sequences.

18. Hint: Action words for Moodle tools
• Choice: Select, Pick, Choose
• Forum: Discuss, Review, Debate, Reflect
• Glossary: Define, Describe, List
• Wiki: Construct, Collaborate, Develop
• Workshop: Review, Assess, Reflect
• Database: Share, Upload, Complete, Review
(This list isn’t exhaustive! Third party tools?)

19. Type 2
Linear sequencing – instructor led
• Multiple pieces of content/learning concepts
• Sequences of resources & activities that build
on each other
• Instructor defines content & sequences
• Still ‘controlled’, but sequencing aims to build
on knowledge during sequence

20. Type 2 Examples
Resource
• Introduce
concept
Glossary:
• Define…
Resource
• Extend concept
Forum:
• Discuss…
Resource
• Extend concept
Database:
• Review…

21. Task:
Re-work Topic 2 to use Type 2
sequences.

22. Type 3
Linear sequencing – student led
• One seed of content/learning concept
• Sequences of activities only that build on each
other
• Instructor defines sequences, students define
content

23. Type 3 Examples
Resource
• Introduce
concept
Database:
• Contribute…
Forum
• Select &
discuss…
Workshop:
• Select, critique &
peer assess…
Assignment
• Reflect, analyse…

24. Task:
Re-work Topic 3 to use Type 3
sequences.

25. Final words
• There is no such thing as the ‘perfect’ Moodle
course for all purposes.
• The best courses are the ones that meet the
needs of the learner, but….
• …the most interesting ones I’ve seen make
good use of Type 3 sequencing.