How often do you get truly excited over new classroom technology? Moodle of course is not new, but it lacked a top notch integrator to handle installation, configuration, training, and support. No more my friends, the white knight now has a horse named MoodleRooms. I had the pleasure of sitting through a training with Bob McDonald, manager of sales and client relations at MoodleRooms, and it was such a positive experience that I had to drop his name. The more I spend time in this edtech space, the more I realize how integration is a key to the success of every effort.
So Moodle is a course delivery system that is web based. It’s open source so besides being free (FREE!), there is a thriving open source community dedicated to creating modules that can be snapped in to increase functionality or customize the experience. We all want something that will aid the teaching/learning process but not get in the way (some like to say invisible). One of the biggest obstacles in making the technology invisible is finding one product that can do it all. Moodle does it all, it’s free, and with an integrator involved, you get all the benefits of purchasing a commercial product without being locked into a contract and without being locked into their update cycle.
So what does a good course delivery system do?
- delivers media rich content for a truly differentiated learning experience (audio, video, attachments, flash modules)
- provide for multiple forms of assessment (computer based tests & quizzes that are highly customizable, peer review, surveys)
- be available anytime anywhere (web based secure login)
- foster self-guided (student directed) learning (students can see what’s required to complete the course from one screen and can pace themselves)
- be compatible with other learning systems (because Moodle is SCORM compatible, any learning modules made with this industry standard protocol will snap in and work)
Whether you’re creating a fully online course, or using it as a traditional class materials/class guide, Moodle will exceed your expectations.
4 responses so far ↓
Lisa Nielsen // April 14, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Thank you for providing a clear and concise review of Moodle. I agree with your feedback. The system is extremely intuitive and even more in that it seems to lead you by the hand and invites users to create classes that are even more robust than they may have initially imagined because of all the options that are present. I also see tremendous potential for this system to foster professional learning communities during the building of classes in that it allows for tremendous collaboration potential. It also fosters the ability of participants to communicate and collaborate using a variety of tools such as online forums, chats, etc. Finally, I loved how easy it was to allow teachers creating classes to just begin creating without having to rely on others to adjust settings, approvals, etc. and as a result they could get to the thinking and developing faster.
mrfordsclass // April 22, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I love Moodle as well. I use if for my entire Computer Maintenance course. While I have heard of MoodleRooms I prefer SiteGround. They use the one click option to install Moodle and it is dirt cheap.
Jim // April 23, 2008 at 10:25 am
Sounds like a good option when you’re on a budget and can provide yourself with the integration services… Makes sense though that MoodleRooms would cost more because their level of involvement and support is over the top.
The World Is Changing Part 02- Course Management Systems « The Ed Tech Guy:Technology in Education // April 27, 2008 at 9:41 pm
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