Recently we had a speaker visit my Training Systems course. Her name was Felicia Collins and she is an Adjunct Virtual Instructor for the SC Department of Education. She spoke to us about teaching with Moodle, which is an Open Source Learning Management System.
Moodle (Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment) is a software package for producing Internet-based courses and websites. Ms. Collins' primarily trains teachers on how to implement this software into classroom environments.
There are numerous learning objects that can be used in Moodle. Examples of these objects are: Forums, Assignments, Blogs, Quizzes, Database, Chat, Educational Games, etc. There are also Add-On Modules that can be used with Moodle. These include: Polls, Certificates, Portfolio, Presentation, etc.
The advantages of applying Moodle in the classroom are numerous. Students have 24/7 access, which basically extends education time. Numerous activities can be added for the students to practice on their own time. There are opportunities for collaborative opportunities and also open discussion in Discussion Boards.
There are some limitations when using Moodle. Some students may not have Internet access. This will limit their activities outside of the classroom. Ms. Collins spoke of how she overcame this problem when she taught her 5th grade class. She would simply allow those students extra time on the workstations in her classroom. Another limitation is that student artifacts will be locked in the Moodle; therefore, outside users cannot view them.
Moodle can be used as a virtual classroom, a hybrid, a independent learning environment, and many other ways. It is used on many educational levels: Elementary, Secondary, University, Business Training, and Personal Sites.
The most important thing you should know about Moodle is that it is FREE!!!
If you would like additional information on Moodle you can visit these sites:
Moodle.org
Docs.moodle.org
Moodle.tcaps.net
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