Moodle
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[edit] Conceptual model
[edit] Concepts and objects
Moodle is an acronym which stands for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment. It was developed by Martin Dougiamas. It is at least a second-generation course management system, and includes a large number of features:
Overall design features:
- Based on a social constructionist learning pedagogy
- Offers a personal homepage listing all courses in which the learner is enrolled
- Based on the LAMP environment (Linux, Apache server, Mysql, Php)
[edit] Modules
- Assignment module:
- due date, maximum grade, uploading feature, instructor feedback per assignment
- Chat module:
- synchronous communication, inclusion of profile pictures, attached URL's, images, etc.
- Choice module:
- quick survey module allowing for class polls and student review of poll results
- Forum module:
- many different types, subscription possible so that new posts are automatically forwarded via email, peer evaluation of student postings
- Journal module:
- private instructor/student communication on course-related issues
- Quiz module:
- instantly graded online quizzes
- multiple choice, true/false, matching, random questions, numerical questions
- Resource module:
- display of many different types of electronic content
- Survey module:
- built-in surveys (COLLES, ATLAS)
- student feedback of class data
- Workshop module:
- online submission of workshop (e.g. lab) data
- peer evaluation and evaluation of student's own grading reliability
[edit] Operations
- Moodle runs without modification on Unix, Linux, FreeBSD, Windows, Mac OS X, NetWare and any other systems that support PHP, including most webhost providers.
- Data is stored in a single database: MySQL and PostgreSQL were the only feasible options in Moodle 1.6. The current version of Moodle, version 1.7, was released in November 2006, and makes full use of database abstraction so that other databases can be used just as easily (Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server are two specific target DBMSes).
- But it is said that the LAMP environment (Linux, Apache server, Mysql, Php) will make Moolde run best.
- See this page for installation.
- For an unofficial video tutorial on how to install Moodle on a Windows platform see:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAztMLGoOj0
- For an unofficial video tutorial on how to install Moodle on a Unix/Mac platform see:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vasOVIRLV6w
[edit] Prerequisites
- If you want to create a good website as CMS, you probably should have some knowlege about php and database like Mysql, and you should be familiar with Tomcat,because it's your web server.
[edit] How accessed/used
- Moodle is a e-learning platform. To use Moodle, As an administrator you first need to install it on a Web server that people can access (both at school and at home). Then you need to set up the teacher accounts so that you can create your online course. You begin by specifying course settings, such as the format of the course, its title, when it starts, and so forth. From there, you build your course!
[edit] Three Format Types
- A Moodle course can be set up in one of three formats — weekly, topics, or social. The social format revolves around a discussion forum for its participants.
- Many modules can be implemented in Moodle, including Lessons, Quizzes, and Resources, three very useful modules. The Lessons module is exactly that — lessons you develop and post online for your students to navigate. Questions at the end of each page in a lesson can be multiple choice, true/false, short answer, numerical, matching, and essay. As an example, to create a question page you would decide on the type of question, give the page a title, add page contents (for example, ask the question), provide the answer(s), include feedback to be displayed depending on the student's answer, and also supply a "jump," to where the student should go next depending on the answer given.
- Quizzes test pupils on content. Resources give your class access to Web sites, articles, and readings for reference. In addition, Assignments can be given; these can be typed directly in to Moodle, uploaded (for example, a word processing file), or done offline, with results graded and listed online. Through Chat users can "talk" to each other in real time, just like an instant messaging system. Want to take a poll to get your class' opinion on a topic? Use the Choices feature in Moodle.
- Forums, and glossaries are also available, with forums allowing your students to discuss a wide range of topics; teachers can create glossaries of terms and link to them from other areas of Moodle. Other available features include workshops and surveys.
