The Open University is migrating from Moodle 1.9 to Moodle 2.1, aiming to improve functionality and scalability while managing a large user base of 770,000 registered users. The transition involves running both versions in parallel to maintain service continuity, with significant upgrades like enhanced modules and better mobile support. Key performance metrics indicate high transaction rates, with new tools like an annotation feature being introduced for improved user experience.

1. Moving the Open University to Moodle 2.1Ross MackenzieThe Open University

2. Starting PointMoodle 1.9 Lots of core customisations 770,000 users in database176,000 users active on 559 courses 40,000 – 60,000 users per day Peaking at c.1.4M transactions per day (30 trans/sec)

3. InfrastructureSix webservers (4 student-facing, 1 admin, 1 housekeeping)Postgres database cluster (2 systems, active/passive pair)NFS cluster (2 systems, active/passive pair)

4. A typical day

5. A typical day – last Monday1.16M transactions, 56.7K users, peak 30 trans/s

6. A typical year

7. Migration TargetsLose the localisations to coreRework OU-modules Demonstrate we can run M2 at scaleAdd cool new stuff

8. Where are we now…Localisations to core Very few in M2.0 / even fewer in M2.1OU specific needs constrained to OU modules

9. Where are we now…Reworked/enhanced OU modules Forum / blog / wikiQuizAuthoring tools DataplusStudy Planner Subpage (resource page)

10. Where are we now…Running at scale / numbers3M transactions in 24 hour period (using M2.0)35 transactions/secondAverage transaction time 0.6sModelled based on our most heavily used transactions

11. Where are we now…Running at scale / Infrastructure9 web servers (+2,+2 ) – all virtual6 students, 1 admin, 1 house-keeping, 1 stats4 (2xstaff instance, 2xall students)Postgres clusterNFS cluster

12. Where are we now…Add cool new stuffIntegration with Google Apps for Education Better mobile support Improved personalisation Annotation tool

13. Bringing M2 into serviceThe OU never sleeps

14. OU patternsLots of courses running to their own pattern Usage peaks in February, May and November Lots over 9 months, more 6 months longMigrate progressively at end of courseRun Moodle 1.9 and Moodle 2.x installations in parallel

15. Parallel runningWill keep current VLE running Current 1.9.11, 1.9.12 in Sept 2011Expect to retain in service until end 2012 (?)New VLELive to academic teams in August (using M2.1)Live to some students in late September

16. Issues / updatedPerformanceDo now think this is going to be OKAccessibilityWe’ve made some fixes, M2.1 includes moreHaven’t got Elluminate integration sorted out yet.Basic bridge available, does not meet OU needs

17. New DesignImplementing new set of themes for M2Wanted visual distinction between old and new platformsBuilding on experience with M1.9 themes

22. Mobile MattersSeeing increasing mobile device traffic to VLELatest numbers c. 2.4M pages last month (to over 14,000 users) 58% Apple / 23% Android / 9% Blackberry

24. Annotation ToolReinventing the highlighter pen and post-it noteMake/manage annotations on any websiteShare annotations with other users (groups/OU/World)Follow other users

27. More from the OUSam Marshallhttp://learn.open.ac.uk/mod/oublog/view.php?user=11Tim Hunt http://tjhunt.blogspot.com/Jenny Gray http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/oublog/view.php?user=60Jason Platts(DOULS project) http://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/douls/James Brisland (load testing with Jmeter)http://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/XHProf/?page_id=64Ross Mackenziehttp://bit.ly/rossmac

28. Any Questions?Ross MackenzieEmail: r.a.mackenzie@open.ac.ukWork blog: bit.ly/rossmacSlideshare: slideshare.net/ram65Twitter: twitter.com/rossmackenzie