What you can do with Moodle ~ Features and Customization | e-Learning Blog

2022.09.16

2023.06.08

Moodle

Know-how

【Moodle Basic Course】What You Can Do with Moodle's Default Features

Moodle Implementation Support and Operation Services

1. What is Moodle?
2. What can you do with Moodle? ~Normal Functions~
3. What can you do with Moodle? ~Administrator Functions~
4. Can you use Moodle with just standard functions?
5. Moodle Customization and Plugins
5-1 What are Moodle Customization and Plugins?
5-2 What can you do with Moodle Customization and Plugins?
6. Summary
6-1 What is Human Science Co., Ltd.?
6-2 Introduction Design
6-3 Operational Support

1. What is Moodle?

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 and improve the structure and way of existence of the organization, thereby enhancing international competitiveness.

In the next section, let's take a look at some of Moodle's standard features.

※1 e-learning is a general term for educational systems that utilize IT technology centered around personal computers and the internet. This includes watching videos on video sharing sites, solving problems with learning apps, and all forms of remote learning through web conferencing tools.
※2 LMS is an abbreviation for Learning Management System and is translated as "learning management system" in Japanese. LMS is a system that centrally manages information such as learners, materials, progress, and grades that are necessary for e-learning. In recent years, there has been an increase in systems that not only manage but also integrate with employee performance management and can be operated as a Learning Experience Platform (LXP) that provides personalized learning experiences for each employee.

From the next section, we will introduce the features that can be done with Moodle from both the regular functions and the administrator side.

> [Moodle Basic Course] What is Moodle?

2. What can be done with Moodle? ~Normal Functions~

・Modern and user-friendly interface
Designed to be accessible and responsive, the Moodle interface allows for intuitive operation on both desktop and mobile devices.

・Personalized Dashboard
The dashboard is a customizable page that provides users with details on progress and upcoming deadlines. In the center, there is a course overview block where students and teachers can easily track necessary activities and filter courses.
By default, there are 8 items (navigation, administration, course overview, private badges, latest badges, calendar, upcoming events, online users) but the dashboard can be easily customized.

・Collaborative Tools and Activities
Activities refer to the general term for the functional groups in Moodle courses. Typically, activities involve interactions with other students and teachers, and there are 14 standard types of activities (assignments, chats, polls, databases, feedback, forums, glossaries, lessons, external tools, quizzes, SCORM, surveys, wikis, workshops).
In Moodle terminology, "activities" such as forums and quizzes refer to things that students can participate in by submitting or posting, and are in contrast to resources such as files and pages that are presented to them by teachers. However, the term "activities" may also be used to refer to both activities and resources as a group for convenience.

・Calendar
In the calendar, you can view events for sites, courses, groups, users, and categories in addition to deadlines for assignments, quizzes, chat times, and other course events.

・Convenient File Management
You can add files to your course and add resources and activities by dragging and dropping files from cloud storage services such as OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive.

・Notifications
When enabled, users can receive automatic alerts for new tasks, deadlines, and forum posts, as well as send private messages to each other.

・Track Progress
Educators and learners can track progress and completion at the course level using various options to track individual activities and resources.

3. What can be done with Moodle? ~Administrator Functions~

・Bulk Course Creation and Backup
Easily add multiple courses at once and restore backed up courses.

・User Roles and Permissions Management
By defining roles to specify and manage user access, security issues can be addressed.
Roles are collections of permissions defined for the entire system that can be assigned to specific users in specific contexts. The most common example is the roles of students and teachers in the context of a course.

・Security Updates
To ensure the security of the Moodle site, Moodle is regularly updated with the latest security patches.

If you are concerned about Moodle's security measures, please also refer to this article.
> Moodle Security Measures

・Detailed Reports and Logs
You can view and generate reports on activities and participation at both the course and site levels. In addition to reports available at both the site and course levels, administrators can also access reports for the entire site.

Reference URL:
https://demo.tkita.net/moodledocs/35/en/0683c856eaf1a8d3e2a3187829a05ceb.html

> [Moodle Basic Course] What can Moodle, the e-Learning management system, do?

4. Can it be utilized with just standard functions?

It is recommended to set up a demo site and confirm the actual behavior while tuning the settings and functions to see if they can actually be utilized with standard features.

As summarized in the previous section, Moodle has a wealth of standard features, but for functions that are difficult to achieve with just those, it is necessary to perform customization ^※１ and plugin development ^※２.

※1 If you customize (change the standard function), you will need to reapply the modified part when upgrading Moodle itself.
Example of customization: Want to link with user data of already operating portal site or other system, want to streamline operation, etc.
※2 In case of plugin development (adding functions that are not standard), it is often possible to migrate with simple testing when upgrading, and it can be said that it is a means that is relatively less likely to affect Moodle itself.
Example of plugin development: Mail plugin (reservation, inquiry mail sending), login merit display, etc.

> [Moodle Basic Course] What can Moodle, the e-learning management system, do?
> Moodle Plugin Customization

5. Moodle Customization Plugins

5-1. What are Moodle customization plugins?

■What is Moodle customization?
Moodle is open-source software, so it can be customized. To use it in a unique way, customization of the Moodle core is necessary.

Benefits of customization:
You can add functions that are not available in Moodle's standard features.

Disadvantages of customization:
When modifying the Moodle core, it is necessary to reapply the modifications when upgrading versions.

■What are Moodle plugins?
Moodle has many plugins that can extend its functionality. By developing and installing plugins, you can use features that are not available by default settings.

Plugin Benefits:
Since it does not require modification of the Moodle core, it is easy to migrate when upgrading Moodle.

Disadvantages of plugins:
You need to check whether the plugin is compatible with the version of Moodle you are about to introduce or have already introduced. Especially when Moodle has a major version upgrade, it is often the case that the plugin is not catching up.

5-2. What can be done with Moodle customization plugins

■What can be done with Moodle customization
By customizing Moodle, it is possible to make progress easier to understand and streamline operational tasks.

Customization Examples

■What can be done with Moodle plugins
Currently, there are over 2,000 open source plugins available on the Moodle plugin directory (https://moodle.org/plugins/). These include themes for changing site design, features for creating gamified tasks for students, as well as extensions for improving accessibility and making authentication more secure.

This page introduces the types of Moodle plugins and popular plugins.
> What are the types of Moodle plugins?

6. Summary

We have found that Moodle has all the necessary features to be used as an educational platform, even with just its standard functions. However, to fully utilize Moodle, it would be best to seek the help of an official Moodle partner.

In Japan, there are several official partners of Moodle, but this time we would like to introduce Human Science Co., Ltd., which has a wealth of experience.

6-1. What is Human Science?

Human Science is an official partner※ of Moodle. In 2017, we received certification from 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 the implementation and operation support of Moodle.

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

> Moodle Implementation Support and Operation

6-2. Introduction Design

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

・Requirements Definition
We will listen to what the customer wants to achieve when introducing e-learning and finalize the specifications.
・e-Learning Operation Process Construction Support
e-Learning operations involve various tasks such as course registration, user communication, delivery, and effectiveness measurement. We 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 our 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 the 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 scenarios.
・Customization, Plugin Development
We perform customization and plugin development for functions that are difficult to achieve with Moodle's standard features.

> Moodle Construction
> Moodle Plugin Customization

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 information.

> Moodle Cloud Service (e-CoreLea)

6-3. Operational Support

Usage Seminar
We will hold a seminar on how to use Moodle.
The lecture will be conducted in a web conference system (such as Zoom) and is expected to last about 5 hours per day. The explanation will cover 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 support services for Moodle 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:

・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.

> Moodle Maintenance and Operation
> Frequently Asked Questions about 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 Co., Ltd., we offer various services to help our clients introduce and operate e-learning.
If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us.

> eLearning Material Creation
> eLearning Material Translation
> In-house Material Creation Support
> Articulate Storyline, Studio Implementation and Creation Support Services
> 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/)

Contact Us:

Phone Number: 03-5321-3111
hsweb_inquiry@science.co.jp

No.1 in domestic achievements for schools and organizationsIntroduction to Moodle implementation support service

Introduction of No.1 Moodle Implementation Support Service for Schools and Organizations in Japan

Moodle is a learning management system (LMS) that provides features for both face-to-face classes and e-learning support.
Human Science is an official partner of Moodle and we utilize our expertise and extensive track record to provide support for the implementation and operation of Moodle.

Project: Over 700 cases
Corporations, Schools, Organizations: Over 80 Case Studies

Download Useful Materials