Revamped personalized script operations to ensure reliable Moodle management.
Aizu University, Public University Corporation, faced challenges with the Moodle course structure to accommodate complex class configurations. Because they relied on custom-developed scripts, the operation became dependent on specific personnel, making continuous support difficult.
Human Science optimized the integration between Moodle and the academic affairs system to eliminate personalization and improve operational efficiency. After implementation, the underlying system was significantly improved without compromising the usability for faculty and students.
Aizu University, Public University Corporation
Student Affairs Section, Academic Affairs Staff
Information Center, Information Processing Center Staff
- Implementation and Operation Support
- Improvements
- : Redesign of Personalized Scripts
- Improvement Measures
- : Moodle Operation Support
Customer Requests
――HS: First, could you tell us the background that led to this project?
Person in charge of the Student Affairs Section: At Aizu University, Moodle has been implemented university-wide since the 2019 academic year, but the course structure was complex. For example, a single subject included both lectures and practical exercises, and the same subject was conducted across multiple classes, making course design very challenging.
Person in charge of the Information Center: To address this, we developed in-house scripts that processed data output from the internal academic affairs system to construct Moodle courses. However, due to the complexity of the processing and the need for modifications with annual processing and changes in curriculum and timetables, the response became dependent on specific individuals, posing challenges to business continuity.
Person in charge of the Student Affairs Section: We had concerns about operational abnormalities caused by script modifications and disruptions to work due to a maintenance environment dependent on specific individuals. That was the trigger for starting to look for a new external partner.
――HS: Among many companies, could you tell us why you chose to contact our company?
Person in charge of the Student Affairs Section: Being an official Moodle partner and having case studies from other universities published were major factors. We had the expectation that you would be able to flexibly handle even complex requirements.
Person in charge of the Information Center: Actually, we approached several other companies, but there were very few that seemed to fully understand our university’s curriculum, class organization, and the concerns regarding the script content and could respond appropriately. Your company’s technical staff were positively engaged in consultations from the very beginning, which left a strong impression.
Related Services >> Moodle Implementation Support and Operation Services
Key Points of the Proposal
At Human Science, we focused on the following points in our proposals and responses.
① Elimination of Personal Dependency and Improvement of Maintainability
We analyzed the existing script structure, expanded parameters for requirements that needed changes, eliminated the need for manual handling during the transition between academic years, and reviewed the entire integration process to restructure it so that it can be operated solely by the Student Affairs staff.
② Flexible Integration with the Academic Affairs System
Achieved design and operation tailored to the class formats at Aizu University. Script modifications due to data additions requested by faculty are now automatically reflected through parameter settings.
③ Understanding and Flexibility for Advanced Requirements
We carefully understood university-specific requirements such as curriculum and course registration systems, and proposed the optimal configuration from both technical and specification perspectives during the implementation phase.
Customer Feedback from Clients
――HS: What changes have you noticed since the implementation?
Student Affairs Staff: The biggest change is that I, as the academic affairs staff, can now complete operations without having to think about the scripts. Since I can handle yearly changes simply by adjusting parameters, the risk of mistakes has also decreased.
Information Center Staff: From the users’ (teachers and students) perspective, the appearance and usability haven’t changed, but in reality, the underlying system has been completely revamped. Honestly, I’m amazed that it’s running smoothly despite that.
――HS: We’re glad to hear that.
Student Affairs Staff: Also, the regular meetings and the setup of the test environment made the support system thorough and reassuring.
――HS: What specific results have been achieved through this support?
Student Affairs Office Representative: It is significant that the tasks which used to be handled by both myself and the person who created the scripts can now be done by me alone. Even during the busy year-end period, I am grateful to be able to work at my own timing.
Information Center Representative: My work has almost disappeared. I feel reassured that the scripts I created were taken over and improved upon.
Future Outlook
――HS: Are there any further goals you want to achieve or improvements you would like to make going forward?Student Affairs Department Representative: Since the Moodle storage capacity has been increasing, we are also consulting about improving backup efficiency. Because it is an indispensable system for classes, we hope to continue receiving support so that it can be used with peace of mind in the future.
Information Center Representative: For example, if there are useful plugins that can supplement areas difficult to handle with standard features, such as attendance management, we would appreciate it if you could introduce them to us.
From Human Science representatives
This project tackled the major challenges of eliminating personalization and improving efficiency.
With the cooperation of Aizu University, the scripts supporting the university's course management have been revamped into a form that is easy for anyone to use and maintain. Human Science will continue to provide optimal support tailored to the unique characteristics of each university going forward.
Related Services
>>Moodle Implementation and Operation Services
Related Materials
>>Introduction to Moodle Guide
>>Moodle Implementation and Operation Guide
Posted on 2025.09.30
