Moodle – LMS

Businesses frequently use learning management systems (LMSs) to enhance online training and elearning initiatives

That’s why these systems are increasingly becoming key parts of instructional design and employee training. These articles explain some of the major LMSs for the following:

• Instructional designers and training professionals trying to stay up to date with all the different LMSs organizations are using, and,
• Business leaders looking to implement a new LMS or better understand the one they have

This article series explores different LMSs on the market today, considering their various applications for designing and conducting corporate training and education initiatives.

Moodle

Moodle, which stands for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment, is an open source LMS. It is commonly used in education, training and development, and business settings.

Moodle is a robust system with a wide array of tools. It offers standard LMS features like calendars, forums, download/upload capabilities, grading tools, and instant messenger. Generating and maintaining a course website is central to Moodle’s application.

Content Upload: Users can submit assignments and post quizzes and activities to the course website. Well-tested updates and plug-ins such as content filters and authentication methods expand and enhance the Moodle system.

Innovative Tools and Multimedia Flexibility: Moodle provides access to a variety of innovative tools that interface with Moodle platforms. These tools include a glossary, participant poll options, lesson plan creation, and an interactive journal. Moodle is set up so instructors and participants can incorporate multimedia elements to the course website. Instructors can track participant progress and activity, as well, to observe which areas of the course are most active and adjust training to participant needs.

Customization and Content Creation: Instructors can create course websites with no program knowledge necessary. The LMS is therefore customizable to meet course requirements; it is ideal for complete online courses or simply additional interaction for face-to-face classes.

Open Source: One of the particular benefits of Moodle is that it is an open source system, as opposed to a proprietary system. This allows access both to Moodle’s program for intensive customization and to the active community modifying and expanding the system’s functionality.

Installation and Hosting Options: Moodle is a free web application that is installed on the server, either on local computers or through a web hosting company. Unlike some of Moodle’s competitors, it does not offer system hosting, but partners with other organizations for this service.

Flexibility: The versatile system can be used for large or small-scale projects. In addition to providing system services for educational institutions, Moodle is now being more frequently applied in the small to medium business market.

Convenient Upgrades: Moodle can be upgraded without having to pay additional “expansion pack” fees. It is a low-cost, easy-implementation system. It can also be modified and customized by adjusting the source code.

System Compatibility

It can be run on any system that supports a PHP and database. Moodle also offers special installation packages for Mac OS X and Windows.

Overall, Moodle is a secure, low-cost, open source LMS. This versatile, SCORM compliant system for courses and learning management has a significant variety of features and tools that improve participant-instructor interaction.

Source: Moodle.org, learningsolutionsmag.com, scribd.com