Moodle is a software package for producing Internet-based courses and web sites. Moodle is provided freely as Open Source software (under the GNU Public License). It can be run on Windows and Mac operating systems and many flavors of Linux. The word Moodle a verb that describes the process of lazily meandering through something, doing things as it occurs to you to do them, an enjoyable tinkering that often leads to insight and creativity. Anyone who uses Moodle is a Moodler.

1. Using a Virtual Learning Environment to
Promote Learning & Communication
Sheilla Norton
St. Cloud State University
Summer 2007
nosh0502@stcloudstate.edu

2.  Global vs.
Classroom
 Preparation for the
working world of
the future
 Global
Collaboration
 Critical thinking skills
 Social
constructivism

3.  Definition:
 “Social constructivism
emphasizes the
importance of culture
and context in
understanding what
occurs in society and
constructing
knowledge based on
this understanding”
(Kim, 2001, ¶9).
 Examples?

4.  How can it be
fostered?
 Create communication
&collaboration in
curriculum
 Technology Tools
 Web2.0 and
Classroom2.0
▪ Tools for social networking
and collaboration

5. MOODLE’S CREATOR MARTIN DOUGIAMAS
 Martin Dougiamas
designed Moodle
based on the social
constructivist
pedagogy.
 Built-in social
networking and
collaboration tools
 Most students will
already know how to
use these tools

6.  MOODLE - Modular
Object-Oriented
Dynamic Learning
Environment
 CMS – Course
Management
System or VLE –
Virtual Learning
Environment
 Open source – Free!

7.  Open access to
world-wide
information with
teacher control
 Differentiate learning
& accommodate
multiple learning styles
 Create
communication &
collaboration
channels

8.  Social Networking Tools
 Calendar & Personal
Content
 Resource Tools
 Files created in Moodle,
Office, PDF and web links
 Activities Tools
 Online and offline
assignments
 Individual and group
 Graded and ungraded

9.  Classroom Website
 Place for students and
parents to get
information
 Calendar of Events
 Discussion Forums
 Questions for Teacher
 Homework help
▪ Web links
▪ Forum for tutoring

10.  Blogs – individual
writing projects
 Reports
 Reflections
 Journals
 Wikis – collaborative
writing projects
 Study guides
 Glossary
 Scripts
 Collaborative
presentations

11.  Chat Tools
 Peer tutoring
 Synchronous collaborating
 Forums
 Questions
 Parent information area
 Student information area
 Peer to peer communication
 Teacher to teacher collaboration
 Question Button

12.  Podcasting & Wikis
Activities
 Collaborative script
development
 Performance
 Slideshows
or Video files Embedded
 Remote teaching
 Reviewing in-class materials
 Material for absent students

13. • Use PowerPoint to
construct a
WebQuest.
• Students can access
from anywhere
• Only need Acrobat
Reader
• Example: Energy
WebQuest

14.  Online Testing Using
Quiz Option
 Practice computer
testing
 Offer practice
exams
 Immediate
feedback option
 Paperless testing
 Eliminating student
dishonesty

15.  Many types of
questions:
 Multiple choice
 Calculated
 True/False
 Embedded
answers (Cloze)
 Matching
 Description
 Short Answer
 Essay

16.  Promote Collaboration and
Communication
 Meet NETS and ISTE
Standards
 Consistent method for
online content and
communication
 Easy to use and
customizable
 Readily available
documentation and online
community support.
 Class templates for ease of
development
 Free!!!

17. About Moodle
• Web Resources
•Moodle.org
•howtomoodle.com
• Print Resources
•Using Moodle by Jason Cole
•Moodle E-Learning Course
Development by William Rice

18. Kenny, J. (2006, March 10). Platform for change [Special section
4]. Times Educational Supplement, 4676, p.12. Retrieved
August 8, 2007, from Lexis Nexis database.
Kim, B. (2001). Social Constructivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging
perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.
Retrieved August 10, 2007, from
http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Krechowiecka, I. (2005, October 4). Open source:Please sir, can
we have some more?: Virtual learning environments are
getting kids excited about education. The Guardian: London
(UK), p.5.
Maikish, A. (2006, May). MOODLE: A free, Easy, and constructivist
online learning tool. MultiMedia & Internet@Schools, 13(3), 26-
28. Retrieved August 8, 2007, from Academic Search Premier
database.
Perkins, M. & Pfaffman, J. (2006). Using a course management
system to improve classroom communication. The Science
Teacher, 73(7), 33-37. Retrieved August 8, 2007, from Platinum
Periodicals database. (Document ID: 1148188121)