e-Learning Blog

What is Moodle?

Moodle is the most widely used open-source LMS (Learning Management System) in the world. It is equipped with a rich set of features necessary for learning, such as content delivery, course management, test creation, and reporting functions, and is utilized by a wide range of organizations including universities, companies, and government agencies.

＞Moodle Basic Course: What is Moodle?

What is a Moodle Certified Partner?

A Moodle Certified Partner is a specialized company officially certified by Moodle Headquarters (HQ).

Certified companies, which possess advanced expertise and proven track records in Moodle construction and development, exist worldwide (Human Science Co., Ltd. is a certified partner). They provide services while receiving technical information and sharing the latest trends from Moodle Headquarters.
Certified partners play an important role in maintaining Moodle's quality and providing expert support to ensure safe implementation and operation.

A Moodle Certified Partner is not simply a company that is knowledgeable about Moodle. Certified Partners operate under a system where a portion of the revenue earned from Moodle-related services is returned to Moodle HQ, and these funds are used for Moodle’s development, quality improvement, security measures, and maintaining a global operational framework.
In other words, using Moodle through a Certified Partner ultimately supports the continuous growth and advancement of Moodle itself.

On the other hand, if you request Moodle setup or operation from a company that is not a certified partner, no revenue will be returned to Moodle HQ. As a result, the funds supporting Moodle’s development and operation will decrease, which may negatively impact the healthy management of Moodle as a whole in the long term. Although Moodle, as open-source software, can be used for free, behind the scenes, sustainable operation is supported by this certified partner system.

Furthermore, only Moodle Certified Partners are officially permitted to use the Moodle logo and the name "Moodle" on websites, promotional materials, and similar media. Companies that are not certified partners are not allowed to use the logo or name to claim "Official Moodle" or "Moodle Compatible." This is also an important criterion for users to identify trustworthy providers.

Being certified as a Moodle Certified Partner carries the following significant meanings.

Proof of recognized achievements and technical skills in plugin development

Moodle HQ certifies partners after reviewing their technical skills and achievements related to construction and development. Therefore, being a certified partner itself serves as proof of high technical capability and reliability.

Access to a partner-exclusive site and availability of the latest information

Certified companies can access the partner-exclusive site and technical information provided by Moodle HQ. This enables them to accurately grasp the latest Moodle version information, security updates, and upcoming specification changes, supporting implementation and operation.

You can convey requests to Moodle HQ and have them reflected in development

Certified partners can directly provide feedback on user needs to Moodle HQ. This means that client voices have the advantage of being reflected in Moodle's future development.

Moodle Certified Partners provide extensive support, from resolving questions before implementation to technical assistance during the operational phase. They are especially effective in the following situations.

When you are new to Moodle implementation and have many uncertainties requiring support

While Moodle is flexible and highly functional, it can be challenging to make decisions regarding initial setup, plugin selection, and security measures. Certified partners can propose the optimal implementation method tailored to your organization's objectives.

Want to accurately perform version upgrades and security measures

Since Moodle undergoes major updates every year, a certain level of technical expertise is required for its operation. Certified partners can advise on safe and reliable upgrade procedures and security measures, and can also perform the actual work on your behalf.

Want to migrate to the cloud or develop plugins but lack in-house expertise

Specialized engineers can support technically advanced initiatives such as migrating to a cloud environment and developing custom plugins for your organization.

When you request construction and implementation operation from a Moodle Certified Partner, support generally proceeds according to the following flow.

(1) Current Situation Hearing

First, we listen to the current issues, objectives, and operational structure, then propose the optimal construction and operation methods.

Example Proposals:
　Server specifications and configuration
　Selection between on-premises or cloud
　Proxy installation work
　Initial Moodle setup
　Various lectures and training, etc.

(2) Moodle Setup

Based on the hearing results, the actual environment setup and development will be carried out.

Main Tasks:
　Implementation design
　Moodle core setup (server configuration, TLS settings, etc.)
　Customization and plugin development (as needed)
　Performance tuning
　Operation verification and testing

(3) Moodle Operation Support

Continuous operational support is available even after implementation.

Examples of Services Provided:
　Usage seminars
　Creation of operation manuals
　Regular maintenance
　Inquiry support
　Version upgrade assistance
　Troubleshooting and more

The longer Moodle is operated, the more important updates and security measures become, making technical support from certified partners a great source of reassurance.

Human Science Co., Ltd. is a Japanese company certified as a partner by Moodle Headquarters (Australia) in 2017.
https://moodle.com/partners/human-science/

Based on the know-how cultivated over many years in implementation, development, and operation, we have supported the utilization of Moodle across a wide range of organizations including educational institutions, companies, and government agencies.

Main services provided:
　Moodle construction and development
　Plugin development
　Cloud operation support
　Version upgrade assistance
　Usage inquiry support
　Help desk, etc.

Initiatives as a Moodle Certified Partner

Moodle Certified Partners contribute a portion of their service sales revenue to the Moodle headquarters. These contributions are used for Moodle’s development, operation, security enhancement, and addition of new features, supporting the continuous improvement of the open-source LMS.
In other words, using services through certified partners directly contributes to the sustainable development of Moodle.

Our company is actively involved in the Moodle management system and community through the following initiatives.
・Regular participation in the "Moodle Moot," held annually at the end of February by the Moodle Association of Japan, where we share the latest information and interact with domestic users.
＞Moodle Association of Japan
・Holding regular meetings with Moodle Headquarters to communicate domestic needs and challenges. Based on this feedback, Moodle Headquarters proceeds with improvements and new feature development.
・Active participation in the Moodle community to contribute to the development of open source.

To maintain an environment where educational institutions and companies can use Moodle with confidence, please make use of the services provided by certified partners.

Case Studies

Introducing successful cases of Moodle utilization in educational institutions.
Human Science Co., Ltd. has resolved Moodle implementation and operational challenges at Gakushuin University, University of Aizu, and The Open University of Japan, achieving improved efficiency and enhanced learning environments. We present the support content and outcomes tailored to each institution's needs, ranging from large-scale operations to complex course structures.

Gakushuin University
When the entire university transitioned to Moodle, inquiries from faculty members surged. Our company provided a help desk staffed by specialists, operation manuals, and online seminars, reducing the number of inquiries from about 200 per month to around 50.

・For detailed article: Instantly resolving Moodle issues with a highly specialized help desk (Gakushuin University)

Aizu University
Resolved the issue of relying on personalized script operations to handle complex course structures. Redesigned the scripts and optimized integration with the academic affairs system. Established a system where a single academic affairs staff member can manage operations independently.

・For detailed article: [Aizu University Case] Revamping Personalized Script Operations to Ensure Reliable Moodle Management.

The Open University of Japan
In a large-scale operation handling 85,000 learners and 250 courses, the workload of configuration tasks and error prevention were challenges. Our company developed a bulk configuration feature, conducted load testing and parameter tuning, and managed Moodle version upgrades, achieving operational efficiency and stable performance.

・For detailed article: [Case Study: The Open University] The Open University Web Learning System and Distance Guidance

Moodle Certified Partners are "trusted technical partners" for Moodle implementation and operation. Based on advanced technical skills and extensive experience, they provide consistent support from implementation design to construction and operational support.
If you want to use Moodle with confidence or strengthen your organization's learning environment, please consider seeking support from a certified partner.

＞ How Moodle is Developed and Supported
＞ Human Science's Moodle Support