Check out our new online Moodle masterclass presented Dr. David Waddington, Assistant Professor, Education. These basic training sessions will introduce you to the pedagogical possibilities of using Moodle including user generated blogs, group work and easy to use instructions for uploading handouts and PowerPoints slides, managing feedback, and grading assignments online .

Now you can learn to use Moodle for teaching anytime you want using our screencast quick-tips.

Get started here...

 

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What is Moodle?

Moodle is an e-learning system* that enables you to create and manage a course website for:

• posting documents (reading lists, PowerPoint slides, images, etc.);
• managing online discussions;
• running quizzes, polls, and surveys.

How you might choose to use some of these tools in your teaching is entirely up to you; your course website will be as individual as you, your subject, your teaching, and your class.

Moodle is an open source community system. This basically means that it isn't owned by a company, but is developed and improved by some of those who use it. And it's free. Want more information? Try the wikipedia entry for Moodle.

*Jargon is abundant, and varied - seemingly arbitrarily. Other terms for the same thing include: LMS (Learning Management System), CMS (Course Management System), and VLE (Virtual Learning Environment).

What are the benefits of using Moodle?

Using Moodle has several advantages when it comes to teaching your course. Allow yourself as much time as you can to familiarise yourself with Moodle - you'll need to learn about the new interface.  Here are some of the benefits of using Moodle. 

1. Portal integration - all the student registration is managed automatically via the myConcordia portal. So when a student logs in to the portal they see all their available course websites in one place - no messy URLs or access management on your side.
2. Flexible content structure - you'll no longer have to stick to the linear lecture structure for materials. Moodle offers you a great deal of flexibility in the way you organise things.
3. Better quizzes - more features, whistles & gizzmos.
4. Better file management - editing files that are already on the system is easy peasy; you can also host entire HTML sites within a Moodle course if you want.

How can I create a new Moodle course?

Contact ccw-support@concordia.ca. Once created, your Moodle course(s) will be accessible directly from the MyConcordia portal under "Course websites" in the MyConcordia menu.

Where can I get help with learning about Moodle?

IITS runs short introductory workshops to help you get started with Moodle. Check their website for details or contact them at workshop@alcor.concordia.ca.

If you want help with the pedagogical aspects of using Moodle, or any other course website, the Centre can help you in number of ways:

• If you have a query or need help setting up your Moodle space call us for a consultation.
• We can review your course website(s) and provide a report outlining recommendations for improving structure, content, and online activities. Contact John Bentley on x2494 for further information.