e-Learning Blog

Moodle is a free and open-source all-in-one learning platform with no licensing fees.

According to Moodle HQ's statistics, it is used in over 170,000 sites, with over 300 million users in 243 countries and regions, making it the largest learning platform in the world. (*As of 2022) It is the number one share in universities in Europe and Japan, and is widely used not only in educational settings but also in global companies, government agencies, and other organizations around the world.

One of the main features is its high level of customization. It is possible to flexibly customize each course according to its specific purpose and needs, making it suitable for classes of any size, from small to large.

In addition, it is equipped with a highly versatile editor, making it easy to insert images and videos, allowing for easy creation of teaching materials. Furthermore, it is compatible with smartphones and tablets, allowing students to comfortably attend lectures anytime, anywhere.

The main reason Moodle continues to be chosen around the world is because it is the world standard LMS※２, meaning it has been refined and standardized by universities and other organizations around the world. By using this world standard system and implementing organizational reforms tailored to the system, it is possible to review the structure and existence of the organization and improve its international competitiveness.

> [Moodle Basic Course] What can Moodle, the e-learning management system, do?
> [Moodle Basic Course] What can be done with Moodle's default features?

There are two main ways to implement Moodle: "on-premises" and "cloud". The installation method varies depending on the implementation method. To briefly summarize each, they are as follows:

■On-premises
This refers to a method of installing IT resources such as servers, network equipment, and packaged software in-house or in a data center, and managing and operating them by the user themselves.

■Cloud
It is the act of using IT resources provided by a cloud vendor over a network. You will be charged based on your usage.

> Benefits and Precautions of Moodle Cloud Services

How to get started with on-premises:

• 1. Download the latest version from the official Moodle website.
• 2. Unzip the downloaded file and place it in the document root of the web server.
• 3. Access the Moodle installation file (install.php).
• 4. When the installation file is executed, the Moodle installation wizard will be displayed.
• 5. Follow the wizard and enter the necessary information to complete the installation.

How to Get Started with Cloud:

• 1. Select a Moodle cloud service provider.
• 2. Register for the service provider's website.
• 3. Once registration is complete, a Moodle cloud instance will be automatically created.
• 4. Access the instance and make necessary settings.
• 5. Create an account to use Moodle and upload learning content.

Learning platforms like Moodle are referred to as LMS.

LMS stands for Learning Management System, and in Japanese it is translated as "学習管理システム".
LMS is a system that centrally manages information such as learners, materials, progress, and grades that are necessary for e-learning.

With the development of the internet, online learning (e-learning) has become more accessible.
E-learning allows for materials to be stored online and easily accessed, resulting in significant cost reduction and easier information updates compared to traditional textbooks and CDs.

However, being in an open space like the internet has created two major issues:
・There is a need to manage students in order to limit access to only specified users.
・It is necessary to inform each student of which materials to start with and the learning policy.

It is difficult for instructional designers and administrators to solve this. This is because specialized knowledge such as internet system and server management is required, resulting in significant costs and time being spent.

LMS was developed to solve the above challenges.
If a "platform" is prepared with the necessary functions in advance and can be easily operated, administrators can focus on creating teaching materials and providing instruction.

Here, we will introduce the basic functions of LMS separately for learners and administrators.

＜Participant Functions＞

• ・e-Learning Delivery:
  "Specific Materials" can be delivered to "Designated Learners" for a "Designated Period" and they can be made to take the course. By specifying conditions such as target and date, automatic delivery settings can be used to deliver course information or important company information. When taking a lecture that deals with important company information, such as security settings that prevent taking the course outside the company network, there are various functions available.
• ・Submission of assignments, tests, and surveys:
  You will be able to submit and manage pre- and post-lecture materials in bulk.
• ・Group Training Management:
  Not only can participants easily check the content and apply to participate on the system, but they can also conduct surveys in advance, attach materials, and centrally manage traditional tasks.

＜Administrator Functions＞

• ・Organization Management:
  Set up a corporate organizational chart within LMS to easily extract target individuals from departments and divisions.
• ・Report Creation and Management:
  This is a feature that allows you to conduct surveys and submit reports on the LMS. After conducting training, it is common to collect surveys and assign report tasks, but aggregating and summarizing them can be time-consuming and can also add unnecessary burden such as reminders to those who have not completed them. With the survey and report function on the LMS, you can automatically distribute surveys at the end of e-learning or training, and manage reports in bulk by submitting them on the LMS.

In recent years, the trend has been for social (communication) functions to become more advanced.
It is something like an SNS that only users can use. Learning is not necessarily something that is given unilaterally from educators. Sharing knowledge that each individual has or having discussions can also be considered as learning, and the term "social learning※" is also gaining attention. Some LMSs have the ability to achieve this within their system.

※Rather than one-sided education that clarifies and solidifies the roles of the teacher and the learner, this form of learning is characterized by participants teaching and learning interactively through a network. In a corporate setting, each employee shares knowledge with each other within the organization or across organizations, promoting innovation and improving performance.

Reference URL:
> Digital Learning Consortium for Non-Profit Organizations

Here, we have introduced the features and characteristics of Moodle. In this chapter, we will divide into three points and introduce what to be careful about when actually introducing it.

Open source software is provided for free under the conditions of GPL※. There is no need to pay a license fee to use it.
If you are introducing Moodle, you will need to consider the cost of server rental if you are using a rental server, or the cost of a server administrator with technical knowledge of server hardware specifications and middleware installation if you are operating on-premises.

※The GPL (GNU General Public License) is a license that sets the terms for using software, and is translated into Japanese as "General Public License". It has two main components: ① the freedom to use, redistribute, modify, and distribute derivative software, and ② the requirement to publish, use, redistribute, and modify the source code of derivative software (modified or integrated software) based on the GNU GPL license.

Since Moodle is open source, maintenance and operation must be taken care of by the user.
There is also a security manual on Moodle's website, but it is not always fully updated.

In the past, hackers were able to change exam and homework grades, as well as register or unregister students from classes, due to vulnerabilities found. This affected Moodle users worldwide.
Reference article (https://www.hackread.com/6-year-old-moodle-account-takeover-vulnerability/)
> [Moodle Basics] Security Measures for Moodle
> Moodle Maintenance and Operation

It is recommended to set up a demo site and tune the settings and functions while checking the actual behavior to see if it can be used with just the standard features.

Moodle has a wealth of standard features, but for functions that are difficult to achieve with just those, customization※1 and plugin development※2 are necessary.

Reference URL:
> 4 Points to Compare e-Learning and LMS (Learning Management System) | e-Learning Blog | e-Learning by Human Science Co., Ltd. (hs-learning.jp)

> [Moodle Basic Course] What You Can Do with Moodle's Default Features
> 4 Points to Compare e-Learning and LMS (Learning Management System)
> Moodle Plugin Customization

In the previous chapter, we described what to be careful about when introducing Moodle.
Of course, it is possible to operate Moodle only within the company, but it is best to seek the help of a Moodle official partner to make the most of Moodle.
In Japan, there are several official Moodle partners, but this time we will introduce Human Science Co., Ltd., which has a wealth of experience.

Human Science is an official partner※ of Moodle. In 2017, we were certified by the Australian headquarters of Moodle and became an official partner. Only companies with expertise and achievements in building and developing Moodle are certified. Certified companies exist all over the world, but there are only a few in Japan.
We utilize our expertise and track record as the number one provider in Japan (over 700 projects and more than 80 cases for companies, schools, and organizations) to offer a total solution for Moodle implementation and support.

Next, we will explain the services provided by Human Science Co., Ltd. in stages.

<Client Situation Hearing and Proposal>
We will support the configuration of Moodle in order to realize the education flow that the client wants to perform.
Since Moodle has a wealth of features, we will make it easy for learners to use by assuming how to use it. With Moodle's settings, you can show or hide functions.

• ・Requirements Definition
  We will listen to what the customer wants to achieve when introducing e-learning and refine the specifications.
• ・e-Learning Operation Process Construction Support
  There are various tasks involved in e-learning operation, such as course registration, communication with users, delivery, and effectiveness measurement. We will assist in building the workflow to ensure successful implementation and operation.
• ・Building a demo site
  We will launch a demo site and fine-tune the settings and functions while allowing customers to confirm the actual movement of Moodle.

> Moodle Implementation Support and Operation

＜Moodle Construction＞
Install Moodle and make it available for use.
We also provide construction to the cloud, such as AWS and Azure, in addition to on-premises (self-owned, self-operated).
We also perform replacements from existing systems to Moodle.

• ・Hardware specification selection
  Determined by number of users and usage.
• ・Middleware Installation
  Install open source middleware such as apache (Nginx), php (php-fpm), and postgresql.
• ・ Moodle Installation
• ・ Moodle Settings
  Configure Moodle based on usage assumptions.
• ・Customization, Plugin Development
  We provide customization and plugin development services for features that are difficult to achieve with Moodle's standard functions.

In addition, we also offer a cloud service called e-CoreLea.
You can use an environment with Moodle already installed and configured, so there is no need for you to prepare, build, install, or set up servers, networks, etc.
We also have plans that include video distribution and teaching materials. Please contact us for more details.

> Moodle Construction
> Moodle Cloud Package (e-CoreLea)

＜How to Use Seminar＞
We will hold a seminar on how to use Moodle.
The seminar will be conducted in a lecture format using a web conferencing system (such as Zoom) for approximately 5 hours per day. The topics covered will include preparation, user registration, course registration, creating quizzes, downloading grades, and creating surveys.

Operation Manual
We will create a tutorial manual on how to use Moodle.
> Moodle Implementation, Seminar, and Manual

Regular Maintenance (Version Upgrade)
Moodle has many versions available.
Human Science Co., Ltd. supports version upgrades.
> Moodle Version Upgrade

Contact Support
We provide Moodle support services via phone and email.
Moodle is open source and free, but maintenance and operation are the responsibility of the user.
The main services include the following:
> Moodle Maintenance and Operation

• ・Support via phone and email for inquiries regarding Moodle operations
• ・Deliver a monthly report summarizing the contents of inquiries as a monthly report
• ・Investigation of Moodle bugs (fixes will be done separately)

※We provide support for operating and using Moodle, as well as regular maintenance such as server environment updates and new information on new features that come with frequent Moodle updates.

> Frequently Asked Questions for Moodle Implementation and Operation Support

From the above, it can be understood that Human Science Co., Ltd. provides support for the implementation and operation of Moodle. For those who want to know more details, you can obtain materials from the link below.

> Introduction to Moodle Implementation Support Service | Case Studies and Useful Materials Download | Over 2,693 Achievements from Human Science (hs-learning.jp)

At Human Science, we offer various services to help our customers introduce and operate e-learning.
If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us.

> e-Learning Material Production
> e-Learning Material Translation
> In-house Material Production Support
> Articulate Storyline, Studio Implementation and Creation Support Service
> Microlearning Implementation Support
> Flash to HTML5 Migration and Conversion
> Moodle and Totara Learn (Open Source LMS) Implementation and Operation Support

Contact Form: (https://hs-learning.jp/contact/)