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{{short description|E-learning platform}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox software
{{Infobox software
| name = Moodle
| name = Moodle
| logo = [[File:Moodle-logo.svg|200px]]
| logo = [[File:Moodle-logo.svg|200px]]
| screenshot = MoodleDashboard.png
| screenshot =
| caption =
| caption = Screenshot of a student's dashboard page, taken from the demonstration site school.demo.moodle.net
| author = [[Martin Dougiamas]]
| author = [[Martin Dougiamas]]
| developer = [[Martin Dougiamas]]<br />Moodle HQ<br />Moodle Community
| developer = Martin Dougiamas<br />Moodle HQ<br />Moodle Community
| released = {{Start date and age|2002|08|20|df=yes/no}}
| latest release version = 3.7.1
| latest_release_version = {{wikidata|property|reference|edit| Q190434 |P348}}
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2019|07|08}}<ref name="moodle_release">https://docs.moodle.org/dev/Releases</ref><ref>https://github.com/moodle/moodle/releases</ref>
| latest_release_date = {{start date and age|{{wikidata|qualifier|single| Q190434 |P348|P577}}}}
| programming language = [[PHP]]
| programming language = [[PHP]]
| genre = [[Course management system]]
| genre = [[Course management system]]
| license = [[GPLv3]]+<ref name=license>{{cite web |url=https://git.moodle.org/gw?p=moodle.git;a=blob;f=COPYING.txt;h=94a9ed024d3859793618152ea559a168bbcbb5e2;hb=HEAD |title=Moodle License}}</ref>
| license = [[GPLv3]]+<ref name=license>{{Cite web|url=https://git.moodle.org/gw?p=moodle.git;a=blob;f=COPYING.txt;h=94a9ed024d3859793618152ea559a168bbcbb5e2;hb=HEAD|title=Official Moodle git projects - moodle.git/blob - COPYING.txt|website=git.moodle.org}}</ref>
| website = {{url|https://moodle.org|moodle.org}}<br />{{url|https://moodle.com|moodle.com}}
}}
}}
'''Moodle''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|m|uː|d|əl}} {{respell|MOO|dəl}}) is a [[free and open-source]] [[learning management system]] written in [[PHP]] and distributed under the [[GNU General Public License]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Moodle|title=Moodle|newspaper=Thefreedictionary.com |via=The Free Dictionary}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Encyclopedia of Distance Learning, Vol1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sC9Le3jIwzIC&q=moodle+in+encyclopedia&pg=PA505|isbn=9781605661995|last1=Rogers|first1=Patricia L.|date=2009-01-31| publisher=Idea Group Inc (IGI) }}</ref> Moodle is used for [[blended learning]], [[distance education]], [[flipped classroom]] and other online learning projects in schools, universities, workplaces and other sectors.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Opening up to open source: looking at how Moodle was adopted in higher education|journal = Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning|first=Eamon|last=Costello|date=1 November 2013|volume=28|issue=3|pages=187–200|doi=10.1080/02680513.2013.856289|s2cid = 54976320|url=http://doras.dcu.ie/19885/}}</ref><ref>{{cite conference |url=https://research.moodle.org/17/1/Gamified%20Moodle%20Course%20in%20a%20Corporate....pdf |title=Gamified Moodle Course in a Corporate Environment |first=Anna |last=Krassa |date=4 October 2013 |conference=2nd Moodle Research Conference (MRC2013) |location=Sousse, Tunisia |isbn=978-618-80889-0-0 |pages=84–93}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|first=Ana|last=Horvat|author2=Dobrota, M.|author3=Krsmanovic, M.|author4=& Cudanov, M.|title=Student perception of Moodle learning management system: a satisfaction and significance analysis|journal=Interactive Learning Environments |date=2015|volume=23|issue=4|pages=515–527|doi=10.1080/10494820.2013.788033|s2cid=205708644}}</ref>


Moodle is used to create custom [[websites]] with online courses and allows for community-sourced plugins.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/wellington12/2012/images/custom/mcneil,_margot_-_a_pedagogical.pdf |title=A Pedagogical Evaluation of Moodle Extension |access-date=2015-04-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024041909/http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/wellington12/2012/images/custom/mcneil,_margot_-_a_pedagogical.pdf |archive-date=2013-10-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Gavin W. Porter |date=7 June 2013 |title=Free choice of learning management systems: Do student habits override inherent system quality? |url=http://hub.hku.hk/bitstream/10722/188170/1/Content.pdf |journal=Interactive Technology and Smart Education |volume=10 |issue=2 |pages=84–94 |doi=10.1108/ITSE-07-2012-0019 |hdl-access=free |hdl=10722/188170}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome cats-pyjamas.net - BlueHost.com |url=http://www.cats-pyjamas.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/MoodleToolGuideforTeachers_May2010_JS.pdf |website=www.cats-pyjamas.net |access-date=27 April 2015 |archive-date=6 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106232806/http://www.cats-pyjamas.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/MoodleToolGuideforTeachers_May2010_JS.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
'''Moodle''' is a [[free and open-source]] [[learning management system]] (LMS) written in [[PHP]] and distributed under the [[GNU General Public License]].<ref>{{cite web|title=TFD Encyclopedia - Moodle|url=http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Moodle}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Encyclopedia of Distance Learning, Vol1|url=https://books.google.com/?id=sC9Le3jIwzIC&lpg=PA507&dq=moodle%20in%20encyclopedia&pg=PA505#v=onepage&q=moodle%20in%20encyclopedia&f=false|isbn=9781605661995|last1=Rogers|first1=Patricia L.|date=2009-01-31}}</ref> Developed on [[Pedagogy|pedagogical]] principles,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.moodle.org/en/Pedagogy|title=Pedagogy - MoodleDocs|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dougiamas.com/archives/edmedia2003/|title=Moodle: Using Learning Communities to Create an Open Source Course Management System|date=8 September 2014|publisher=}}</ref> Moodle is used for [[blended learning]], [[distance education]], [[flipped classroom]] and other [[e-learning]] projects in schools, universities, workplaces and other sectors.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Opening up to open source: looking at how Moodle was adopted in higher education|journal = Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning|first=Eamon|last=Costello|date=1 November 2013|volume=28|issue=3|pages=187–200|doi=10.1080/02680513.2013.856289}}</ref><ref>{{cite conference |url=https://research.moodle.net/17/1/Gamified%20Moodle%20Course%20in%20a%20Corporate....pdf |title=Gamified Moodle Course in a Corporate Environment |first=Anna |last=Krassa |date=4 October 2013 |conference=2nd Moodle Research Conference (MRC2013) |location=Sousse, Tunisia |isbn=978-618-80889-0-0 |pages=84–93}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|first=Ana|last=Horvat|author2=Dobrota, M.|author3=Krsmanovic, M.|author4=& Cudanov, M.|title=Student perception of Moodle learning management system: a satisfaction and significance analysis|journal=Interactive Learning Environments |date=2015|volume=23|issue=4|pages=515–527|doi=10.1080/10494820.2013.788033}}</ref>

With customizable management features, it is used to create private [[websites]] with online courses for educators and trainers to achieve learning goals.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Free choice of learning management systems: Do student habits override inherent system quality?|last=Gavin W. Porter|date=7 June 2013|journal=Interactive Tech & Smart ed|volume=10|issue=2|pages=84–94|doi=10.1108/ITSE-07-2012-0019}}</ref><ref>http://www.cats-pyjamas.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/MoodleToolGuideforTeachers_May2010_JS.pdf</ref> Moodle (acronym for ''[[modular]] [[object-oriented programming|object-oriented]] dynamic [[virtual learning environment|learning environment]]'') allows for extending and tailoring learning environments using community-sourced plugins.<ref>http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/wellington12/2012/images/custom/mcneil,_margot_-_a_pedagogical.pdf</ref>


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
[[File:Martin Dougiamas.jpg|thumb|Martin Dougiamas]]
Moodle was originally developed by [[Martin Dougiamas]] to help educators create online courses with a focus on interaction and collaborative construction of content, and it is in continual evolution. The first version of Moodle was released on 20 August 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://docs.moodle.org/dev/Releases#Moodle_1.0|title=Releases - MoodleDocs|website=docs.moodle.org|language=en|access-date=2018-04-18}}</ref> Nowadays the Moodle Project is led and coordinated by Moodle HQ, an Australian company of 50 developers which is financially supported by a network of eighty-four Moodle Partner service companies worldwide. Moodle's development has also been assisted by the work of open-source programmers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://opensource.com/life/15/4/how-moodle-manages-community-feedback|title=How Moodle is driven by user and community feedback|publisher=}}</ref>
Moodle was originally developed by Martin Dougiamas to help educators and scholars create online courses and focus on interaction and collaborative construction of content. The first version of Moodle was released on {{start date and age|2002|8|20|df=y|paren=y}}, and it continues to be actively developed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://docs.moodle.org/dev/Releases#Moodle_1.0|title=Releases - MoodleDocs|website=docs.moodle.org|language=en|access-date=2018-04-18}}</ref>

Moodle as a learning platform can enhance existing learning environments.<ref>{{cite web|title= Technology that puts the classroom in students' laptops|url= https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/technology-that-puts-the-classroom-in-students-laptops/article21627186/|publisher= Adam Stanley, The Globe and Mail}}</ref> As an [[E-learning]] tool, Moodle has a wide range of standard and innovative features<ref>{{cite journal|title=E-assessment: Past, present and future|journal = New Directions|first=Sally|last=Jordan|volume=9|issue=1|pages=87–106|doi=10.11120/ndir.2013.00009|year = 2013|url=http://oro.open.ac.uk/38536/3/SEJ%20New%20Directions%202013%20d3.pdf}}</ref> such as a calendar and a Gradebook.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://elearningindustry.com/online-grading-make-teaching-life-easier|title=Online Grading to Make Teaching Life Easier with Moodle|date=19 November 2014|publisher=}}</ref> Moodle is a leading [[virtual learning environment]]<ref>{{cite web|title= Open Universities VLE / LMS |url= https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ByI9ksKa5dYWqR-_T6vmu9hjcuyuV7ywTOIW_mPNK0Y/edit#gid=0l}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= 2014 Survey of Technology Enhanced Learning for higher education in the UK |url= http://www.ucisa.ac.uk/~/media/groups/dsdg/Tel%202014%20Final%2018%20August.ashx |publisher= UCISA Richard Walker, Julie Voce, Joe Nicholls, Elaine Swift, Jebar Ahmed, Sarah Horrigan and Phil Vincent}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://elearningindustry.com/top-open-source-learning-management-systems|title=The Top 8 Open Source Learning Management Systems - eLearning Industry|date=31 December 2015|publisher=}}</ref> and can be used in many types of environments such as education, training and development<ref>{{cite web
| accessdate = 2011-03-01
| location = http://www.cpce-polyu.edu.hk/itu/new/
| publisher = Information Technology Unit (itu)
| title = E-learning
| quote = Moodle is a well-known e-learning platform in tertiary institutions. Many universities and colleges use Moodle as the online learning system in their daily teaching and learning. Moodle is a free open source software it means developer can make modification based on their needs. CPCE decides to use Moodle as a e-learning platform for HKCC and SPEED from 2009/10 academic year onwards.
| url = http://www.cpce-polyu.edu.hk/itu/new/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=149
}}</ref> and in [[business]] settings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elearnity.com/ekcMoodle.html|title=Knowledge Centre|publisher=}}</ref>


The Moodle Project is led and coordinated by Moodle HQ, an Australian company, that is financially supported by a network of eighty Moodle Partner service companies worldwide. Development is also assisted by the open-source community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://opensource.com/life/15/4/how-moodle-manages-community-feedback|title=How Moodle is driven by user and community feedback|date=1 Apr 2015|first=Samantha|last=Gartner|website=Opensource.com}}</ref>
=== Plugins ===
Plugins are a flexible tool set, allowing Moodle users to extend the features of the site. There are thousands of plugins for Moodle, extending the features of Moodle's core functionality.<ref>{{cite web|title= Moodle Plugins Directory|url= https://moodle.org/plugins/}}</ref> Each plugin is maintained in the Moodle plugins directory. As of June 2017, there are 1,342 plugins available for Moodle with over 405,200 recent downloads.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://moodle.org/plugins/|title=Moodle plugins directory|website=moodle.org|language=en|access-date=2017-06-01}}</ref>


Moodle is a learning platform used to augment and move existing learning environments online.<ref>{{cite news|title= Technology that puts the classroom in students' laptops|newspaper= The Globe and Mail|date= 18 November 2014|url= https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/technology-that-puts-the-classroom-in-students-laptops/article21627186/|publisher= Adam Stanley, The Globe and Mail|last1= Stanley|first1= Adam}}</ref> As an [[E-learning]] tool, Moodle developed several features<ref>{{cite journal|title=E-assessment: Past, present and future|journal = New Directions|first=Sally|last=Jordan|volume=9|issue=1|pages=87–106|doi=10.11120/ndir.2013.00009|year = 2013|url=http://oro.open.ac.uk/38536/3/SEJ%20New%20Directions%202013%20d3.pdf}}</ref> now considered standard for learning management systems, such as a calendar and gradebook.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://elearningindustry.com/online-grading-make-teaching-life-easier|title=Online Grading to Make Teaching Life Easier with Moodle|date=19 November 2014}}</ref>
=== Themes ===
Graphical themes for Moodle can be installed to change the look and functionality of a Moodle site or of an individual course.


Plugins, custom graphical themes, mobile responsive web design, and a Moodle mobile app are available to customize each individual's experience on the platform. Moodle's mobile app is available on [[Google Play]], the App Store for iOS, the F-Droid Android FLOSS repository, and the Windows Phone Store.
=== Mobile ===
Many Moodle themes, based on [[responsive web design]], allow Moodle to be used on [[mobile device]]s. Also, a Moodle [[mobile app]] is available in [[Google Play]], [[App Store (iOS)]], and the [[Windows Phone Store]].


== E-learning standards support ==
== E-learning standards support ==


Moodle has adopted the following e-learning standards:
Moodle has adopted the following e-learning standards:
* [[Sharable Content Object Reference Model|Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM)]] is a collection of E-learning standards and specifications that define communications between client side content and a server side learning management system, as well as how externally authored content should be packaged in order to integrate with the LMS effectively. There are two versions: SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004. Moodle is SCORM 1.2 compliant, and passes all the tests in the ADL Conformance test suite 1.2.7 for SCORM 1.2. SCORM 2004 is not supported in Moodle, however Rustici Software have a Moodle plugin which can turn any Moodle site into a fully compliant SCORM 2004 LMS.<ref>{{cite web|title=SCORM Cloud Moodle Integration | url=http://scorm.com/scorm-solved/scorm-cloud-features/app-integrations/moodle-integration/ |publisher=scorm.com}}</ref>
* The [[Sharable Content Object Reference Model|Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM)]] is a collection of E-learning standards and specifications that define communications between client-side content and a server-side learning management system, as well as how externally authored content should be packaged to integrate with the LMS effectively. There are two versions: SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004. Moodle is SCORM 1.2 compliant and passes all the tests in the ADL Conformance test suite 1.2.7 for SCORM 1.2. SCORM 2004 is not supported in Moodle; however, Rustici Software has a Moodle plugin that turn any Moodle site into a fully compliant SCORM 2004 LMS.<ref>{{cite web|title=SCORM Cloud Moodle Integration | url=http://scorm.com/scorm-solved/scorm-cloud-features/app-integrations/moodle-integration/ |publisher=scorm.com}}</ref>
* The AICC HACP standard for CMI was developed by the [[Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee|Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee (AICC)]] and is used to call externally authored content and assessment packages. AICC content packages are supported in Moodle 2.1 and later versions.
* The AICC HACP standard for CMI was developed by the [[Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee|Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee (AICC)]] and is used to call externally authored content and assessment packages. AICC content packages are supported in Moodle 2.1 - Moodle 4.2.
* [[IMS Global|IMS]] Common Cartridge packages can also be imported into Moodle. In addition, Moodle Book activities can be exported as IMS Content Packages.
* [[IMS Global|IMS]] Common Cartridge packages can also be imported into Moodle. In addition, Moodle Book activities can be exported as IMS Content Packages.
* [[Learning Tools Interoperability]] (LTI) is a standard way of integrating rich learning applications (often remotely hosted and provided through third-party services) with educational platforms. Moodle uses the External Tool activity to act as an 'LTI consumer' as standard, and will act as an 'LTI provider' using a plugin.
* [[Learning Tools Interoperability]] (LTI) is a standard way of integrating rich learning applications ,(often remotely hosted and provided through third-party services) with educational platforms. Moodle uses the External Tool activity to act as an 'LTI consumer' as standard and will act as an 'LTI provider' using a plugin.


== Deployment ==
== Deployment ==


Users can download and install Moodle on a [[Web server]], such as [[Apache HTTP Server]], and a number of database management systems, such as [[PostgreSQL]], are supported. Pre-built combinations of Moodle with a Web server and database are available for [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[Macintosh]]. Other automated installation approaches exist, such as installing a [[Debian]] package, deploying a ready-to-use [[TurnKey Linux Virtual Appliance Library|TurnKey]] Moodle appliance, using the [[Bitnami]] installer, or using a "one-click install" service such as [[Installatron]].
Users can download and install Moodle on a [[Web server]], such as the [[Apache HTTP Server]], and a number of database management systems, such as [[MySQL]], are supported. Pre-built combinations of Moodle with a Web server and [[database]] are available for [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[Mac (computer)|Mac]]. Other automated installation approaches exist, such as installing a [[Debian]] package, deploying a ready-to-use [[TurnKey Linux Virtual Appliance Library|TurnKey]] Moodle appliance, using the [[Bitnami]] installer, or using a "one-click install" service such as [[Installatron]].


Certified Moodle Partners provide other Moodle services, including hosting, training, customization and content development.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://moodle.com/partners/|title=List of Moodle Partners|publisher=Moodle}}</ref> This network of providers support development of the Moodle project through royalties.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://moodle.com/partners/about/|title=How do the Moodle Partners work?|publisher=Moodle}}</ref>{{Citation needed|date = April 2015|reason = Needs reliable, third-party published sources (not from Moodle, press releases, blogs, etc.) in order to keep this claim in the article.}}
Certified Moodle Partners provide other Moodle services, including hosting, training, customization and content development.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://moodle.com/partners/|title=List of Moodle Partners|date=25 June 2021|publisher=Moodle}}</ref> This network of providers supports the development of the Moodle project through royalties.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://moodle.com/partners/about/|title=How do the Moodle Partners work?|publisher=Moodle|access-date=2014-11-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722023159/http://moodle.com/partners/about/|archive-date=2014-07-22|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{Citation needed|date = April 2015|reason = Needs reliable, third-party published sources (not from Moodle, press releases, blogs, etc.) in order to keep this claim in the article.}}


==Interoperability==
==Interoperability==


Moodle runs without modification on [[Unix]], [[Linux]], [[FreeBSD]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[OS X]], [[NetWare]] and any other systems that support [[PHP]] and a database, including webhost providers.
Moodle runs without modification on [[Unix]], [[Linux]], [[FreeBSD]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[MacOS]] and any other systems that support [[PHP]] and a database, including web host providers.


Moodle also has import features for use with other specific systems, such as importing quizzes or entire courses from [[Blackboard Learning System|Blackboard]] or WebCT. {{As of|2010|February}}, Moodle did not import Blackboard courses, apparently due to changes in php code-releases.<ref>{{cite web|title=Blackboard migration | url=http://docs.moodle.org/22/en/Blackboard_migration |publisher=moodle.org}}</ref>
Moodle also has import features for use with other specific systems, such as importing quizzes or entire courses from [https://docs.moodle.org/403/en/Blackboard_migration Blackboard] or WebCT.


In March 2012 Blackboard acquired two companies based on Moodle's software including Baltimore-based [[Moodlerooms]] Inc. and NetSpot of Adelaide, Australia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Blackboard makes Moodle acquisitions | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2012/03/26/blackboard-makes-moodle-acquisitions.html |publisher=bizjournals.com}}</ref> In August 2015, Blackboard acquired Colombia-based Nivel7, possibly the largest Moodle services provider in Latin America.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.blackboard.com/news-and-events/press-releases/2015/blackboard-acquires-nivel-siete.aspx |title=Blackboard acquires Nivel7 |date=August 13, 2015 |publisher=Blackboard}}</ref> The [[Red Hat]] site, Opensource.com, reported that Moodle will always be an [[open-source software|open-source]] project, with clear delineation between Blackboard and Moodle.<ref>{{cite web|title=Moodle will always be an open source project | url=https://opensource.com/education/14/10/open-access-learning-moodle |publisher=opensource.com}}</ref>
In March 2012 Blackboard acquired two companies based on Moodle's software including Baltimore-based [[Moodlerooms]] Inc. and NetSpot of Adelaide, Australia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Blackboard makes Moodle acquisitions | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2012/03/26/blackboard-makes-moodle-acquisitions.html |publisher=bizjournals.com}}</ref> In August 2015, Blackboard acquired Colombia-based Nivel7. The [[Red Hat]] site, Opensource.com, reported that Moodle will always be an [[open-source software|open-source]] project, with clear delineation between Blackboard and Moodle.<ref>{{cite web|title=Moodle will always be an open source project | url=https://opensource.com/education/14/10/open-access-learning-moodle |publisher=opensource.com}}</ref>


== Background ==
== Background ==


=== Origins ===
=== Origins ===
[[Martin Dougiamas]], who has graduate degrees in [[computer science]] and [[education]], wrote the first version of Moodle. Dougiamas started a [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]] to examine "the use of [[open source software]] to support a [[social constructionist]] [[epistemology]] of teaching and learning within Internet-based communities of reflective inquiry." Although how exactly social constructivsm makes Moodle different from other eLearning platforms is difficult to show, it has been cited as an important factor by Moodle adopters.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Weller | first=M. | title=VLE 2.0 and future directions in learning environments | publisher=Proceedings of the first LAMS Conference, Sydney|year=2006|postscript=<!--None-->}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=McMulli & Munroe | title=VMoodle at DCU | url=http://odtl.dcu.ie/wp/2004/odtl-2004-01.html|year=2004|postscript=<!--None-->}}</ref> Other Moodle adopters, such as the [[Open University]] in the UK, have pointed out that Learning Management Systems can equally be seen as "relatively pedagogy-neutral".<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sclater| first=Neil | title=A Large-scale Open Source eLearning Systems at the Open University|publisher=Educase |url=http://connect.educause.edu/Library/Abstract/LargeScaleOpenSourceELear/46878 |year=2008|postscript=<!--None-->}}</ref>
Martin Dougiamas, who has graduate degrees in [[computer science]] and [[education]], wrote the first version of Moodle. Dougiamas started a [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]] to examine "the use of [[open source software]] to support a [[social constructionist]] [[epistemology]] of teaching and learning within Internet-based communities of reflective inquiry." Although how exactly social constructivism makes Moodle different from other eLearning platforms is difficult to show, it has been cited as an important factor by Moodle adopters.<ref>{{Cite conference|last=Weller | first=M. | title=VLE 2.0 and future directions in learning environments | publisher=Proceedings of the first LAMS Conference, Sydney|year=2006 | url=https://www.lamsfoundation.org/lams2006/pdfs/Weller_Lams06.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=McMulli & Munroe |title=VMoodle at DCU |url=http://odtl.dcu.ie/wp/2004/odtl-2004-01.html |year=2004 |access-date=18 September 2009 |archive-date=13 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513122617/http://odtl.dcu.ie/wp/2004/odtl-2004-01.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Other Moodle adopters, such as the [[Open University]] in the UK, have pointed out that Learning Management Systems can equally be seen as "relatively pedagogy-neutral".<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sclater|first=Neil|title=A Large-scale Open Source eLearning Systems at the Open University|journal=[[Educause]]|url=http://connect.educause.edu/Library/Abstract/LargeScaleOpenSourceELear/46878|year=2008|access-date=2009-09-18|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120726133033/http://connect.educause.edu/Library/Abstract/LargeScaleOpenSourceELear/46878|archive-date=2012-07-26|url-status=dead}}</ref>


=== Pedagogical approach ===
=== Pedagogical approach ===
The stated philosophy of Moodle includes a [[Constructivism (pedagogical)|constructivist]] and [[Social constructionism|social constructionist]] approach to education, emphasizing that learners (and not just teachers) can contribute to the educational experience.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://docs.moodle.org/en/Philosophy|title=Philosophy - MoodleDocs|publisher=}}</ref> Using these [[Pedagogy|pedagogical]] principles, Moodle provides an environment for learning communities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Open-Source Learning Management System|url=http://www.moodlerooms.com/resources/moodle-resources/|publisher=Moodlerooms}}</ref>
The stated philosophy of Moodle includes a [[Constructivism (pedagogical)|constructivist]] and [[Social constructionism|social constructionist]] approach to education, emphasizing that learners (and not just teachers) can contribute to the educational experience.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://docs.moodle.org/311/en/Philosophy|title=Philosophy - MoodleDocs|website=docs.moodle.org}}</ref> Using these [[Pedagogy|pedagogical]] principles, Moodle provides an environment for learning communities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Open-Source Learning Management System|url=http://www.moodlerooms.com/resources/moodle-resources/|publisher=Moodlerooms|access-date=2012-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227034938/http://www.moodlerooms.com/resources/moodle-resources/|archive-date=2010-12-27|url-status=dead}}</ref>


=== Origin of name ===
=== Origin of name ===
The acronym ''Moodle'' stands for ''modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment.'' (In the early years the "m" stood for "Martin's", named after Martin Dougiamas, the original developer). As well as being an acronym, the name was chosen because of the dictionary definition of Moodle<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allwords.com/word-moodle.html|title=Moodle definition|publisher=All Words}}</ref> and to correspond to an available domain name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=27533#129848|title=The chicken or the egg|publisher=Moodle.org Lounge}}</ref>
The acronym ''Moodle'' officially stands for ''modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment''. When the project was first started, the "m" instead stood for "Martin's", after original developer Martin Dougiamas. Besides being an acronym, the name was also chosen because of the dictionary definition of Moodle, with connotations such as "tinkering", "insight", and "creativity",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allwords.com/word-moodle.html|title=Moodle definition|publisher=All Words}}</ref> as well as to correspond to an available domain name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=27533#129848|title=The chicken or the egg|date=16 July 2005 |publisher=Moodle.org Lounge}}</ref>


== Development ==
== Development ==
Moodle has continued to evolve since 1999 (since 2001 with the current architecture). It has been translated into over 100 different languages and is accessible in many countries worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.moodle.org/en/Language_packs|title=Language packs - MoodleDocs|publisher=}}</ref> Institutions can add as many Moodle servers as needed without having to pay license fees. The [[Open University]] of the UK currently uses a Moodle installation for their 200,000 users<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linuxpromagazine.com/Online/News/Simply-the-Best-Case-Study-for-Moodle-at-Open-University|title=Simply the Best: Case Study for Moodle at Open... » Linux Magazine|first=Anika|last=Kehrer|publisher=}}</ref> while the UK government uses a Moodle installation for their Civil Service Learning platform serving half a million employees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://leolearning.com/client-story/civil-service-learning/|title=Civil Service Learning - LEO|publisher=}}</ref>
Moodle has continued to evolve since 1999 (since 2001 with the current architecture). It has been translated into over 100 different languages and is accessible in many countries worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://docs.moodle.org/311/en/Language_packs|title=Language packs - MoodleDocs|website=docs.moodle.org}}</ref> Institutions can add as many Moodle servers as needed without having to pay license fees.


== Moodle conferences ==
===Releases===
The MoodleMoot is a conference for Moodle community members to learn about Moodle, share experiences of the learning platform, discuss research in related educational technologies and contribute ideas to future Moodle development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://moodle.com/events/|title=Events|website=Moodle|date=3 April 2019}}</ref> Held around the world, MoodleMoots are organised by universities or other large organizations using Moodle, Moodle Partners, Moodle associations or Moodle HQ. 2020 saw the #Moot move to a virtual conference.


==Adoption==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
Moodle has over 50% of its market share in Europe, Latin America, and Oceania.<ref>"[https://eliterate.us/academic-lms-market-share-view-across-four-global-regions/ Academic LMS Market Share: A view across four global regions]". e-Literate. 29 June 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2019</ref>
|-
! Branch<ref name="moodle_release"/>
! Original<br />release date
! class="unsortable" | Version
! class="unsortable" | Version<br />release date
! Support Model
! New Features
|-
| {{Version|o|1.0|sortKey=1.00.00}}
| {{dts|2002|08|20|format=dmy}}
| 1.0.9
| {{dts|2003|05|30|format=dmy}}
| '''[[End-of-life (product)|EOL]]'''
|-
| {{Version|o|1.1|sortKey=1.01.00}}
| {{dts|2003|08|29|format=dmy}}
| 1.1.1
| {{dts|2003|09|11|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL'''
|-
| {{Version|o|1.2|sortKey=1.02.00}}
| {{dts|2004|03|20|format=dmy}}
| 1.2.1
| {{dts|2004|03|25|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL'''
|-
| {{Version|o|1.3|sortKey=1.03.00}}
| {{dts|2004|05|25|format=dmy}}
| 1.3.5
| {{dts|2004|09|09|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL'''
|-
| {{Version|o|1.4|sortKey=1.04.00}}
| {{dts|2004|08|31|format=dmy}}
| 1.4.5
| {{dts|2005|05|07|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL'''
|-
| {{Version|o|1.5|sortKey=1.05.00}}
| {{dts|2005|06|05|format=dmy}}
| 1.5.4
| {{dts|2006|05|21|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL'''
|-
| {{Version|o|1.6|sortKey=1.06.00}}
| {{dts|2006|05|20|format=dmy}}
| 1.6.9
| {{dts|2009|01|28|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL'''
|-
| {{Version|o|1.7|sortKey=1.07.00}}
| {{dts|2006|11|07|format=dmy}}
| 1.7.7
| {{dts|2009|01|28|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL'''
|-
| {{Version|o|1.8|sortKey=1.08.00}}
| {{dts|2007|03|30|format=dmy}}
| 1.8.14
| {{dts|2010|12|03|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL'''
|-
| {{Version|o|1.9|sortKey=1.09.00}}
| {{dts|2008|03|03|format=dmy}}
| 1.9.19
| {{dts|2012|07|09|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL''' (Maintained from March 2008 to June 2012. Third-party extended support until December 2013)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=199706 |title=Moodle 1.9 Long Term support |last=Marsden |first=Dan |date=2 April 2012 |website= |publisher=Moodle |accessdate=27 May 2013}}</ref>
|New gradebook, bulk user actions, tagging
|-
| {{Version|o|2.0|sortKey=2.00.00}}
| {{dts|2010|11|24|format=dmy}}
| 2.0.10
| {{dts|2012|07|09|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL''' (Maintained from November 2010 to June 2012)
|Integration with plagiarism prevention tools
|-
| {{Version|o|2.1|sortKey=2.01.00}}
| {{dts|2011|06|01|format=dmy}}
| 2.1.10
| {{dts|2013|01|14|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL''' (Maintained from June 2011 to December 2012)
|-
| {{Version|o|2.2|sortKey=2.02.00}}
| {{dts|2011|12|05|format=dmy}}
| 2.2.11
| {{dts|2013|07|08|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL''' (Maintained from December 2011 to June 2013)
|Advanced grading methods including Rubrics
|-
| {{Version|o|2.3|sortKey=2.03.00}}
| {{dts|2012|06|25|format=dmy}}
| 2.3.11
| {{dts|2014|01|13|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL''' (Maintained from June 2012 to December 2013)
|Drag and drop files
|-
| {{Version|o|2.4|sortKey=2.04.00}}
| {{dts|2012|12|03|format=dmy}}
| 2.4.11
| {{dts|2014|07|14|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL''' (Maintained from December 2012 to June 2014)
|-
| {{Version|o|2.5|sortKey=2.05.00}}
| {{dts|2013|05|14|format=dmy}}
| 2.5.9
| {{dts|2014|11|10|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL''' (Maintained from May 2013 to November 2014)
|Badges
|-
| {{Version|o|2.6|sortKey=2.06.00}}
| {{dts|2013|11|18|format=dmy}}
| 2.6.11
| {{dts|2015|05|11|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL''' (Maintained from December 2013 to May 2015)
|Annotate uploaded PDF, bulk course creation, multiple calendars
|-
| {{Version|o|2.7|sortKey=2.07.00}}
| {{dts|2014|05|12|format=dmy}}
| 2.7.20
(LTS)
| {{dts|2017|05|08|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL''' (Maintained from May 2014 to May 2017)
|Atto HTML Editor, responsive design, log in with email address
|-
| {{Version|o|2.8|sortKey=2.08.00}}
| {{dts|2014|11|10|format=dmy}}
| 2.8.12
| {{dts|2016|05|09|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL''' (Maintained from November 2014 to May 2016)
|Text autosave, like rating
|-
| {{Version|o|2.9|sortKey=2.09.00}}
| {{dts|2015|05|11|format=dmy}}
| 2.9.9
| {{dts|2016|11|14|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL''' (Maintained from May 2015 to November 2016)
|Dashboard, view all grades
|-
| {{Version|o|3.0|sortKey=3.00.00}}
| {{dts|2015|11|16|format=dmy}}
| 3.0.10
| {{dts|2017|05|08|format=dmy}}
| '''EOL''' (Maintained from November 2015 to May 2017)
|4 new quiz types
|-
| {{Version|o|3.1|sortKey=3.01.00}}
| {{dts|2016|05|23|format=dmy}}
| 3.1.18 (LTS)
| {{dts|2019|05|13|format=dmy}}
|'''EOL''' (Maintained from May 2016 to May 2019)
|xmlreader required. Competencies, assignment grading, download selected assignment, recycle bin, pinned forum discussions, workshop enhancements, publish as LTI tool, tag course activities, easier section editing, search metalinked courses, competency frameworks, learning plan templates, global search, assignment file conversion using Universal Office Converter ([[Universal Network Objects#UNO for function-calling|unoconv]]), search file system repository, lesson default settings, tag collections.
|-
| {{Version|o|3.2|sortKey=3.02.00}}
| {{dts|2016|12|05|format=dmy}}
| 3.2.9
| {{dts|2018|05|17|format=dmy}}
|'''EOL''' (Maintained from December 2016 to May 2018)
|PHP 5.6.5 as the minimum version. New Boost theme, media player improvements, interactive report charts, discussion locking, assignment overrides, workshop portfolio export, select for students in Choice, negative scores for rubrics, user tours, competency frameworks import and export, new media player plugins, LTS 2 compliance, course end dates, user-friendly messaging and alerts, grading improvements, auto-login, sign-up improvements and SSO, new notification preferences.
|-
| {{Version|o|3.3|sortKey=3.03.00}}
| {{dts|2017|05|15|format=dmy}}
| 3.3.9
| {{dts|2018|11|12|format=dmy}}
|'''EOL''' (Maintained from May 2017 to November 2018)
|openssl and fileinfo required. Better Office integration, improved dashboard, FontAwesome for Moodle icons and general use, Emoji support, set a 'grade by' reminder, specify assignment file types, collapse comments in assignments, better activity completion management, drag and drop media, 'stealth' activities available but not shown, more tag areas.
|-
| {{Version|o|3.4|sortKey=3.04.00}}
| {{dts|2017|11|13|format=dmy}}
| 3.4.9
| {{dts|2019|05|13|format=dmy}}
|'''EOL''' (Maintained from November 2017 to May 2019)
|PHP 7.0.0 as the minimum version, intl required. Better calendar management, category calendar events, drag and drop calendar events, private file storage display, improved global search, easier activity navigation, more efficient user management, teachers can now override activity completion status, helpful filetype selector, tag database entries, Inspire Analytics in core, new filters for user tours, HTTPS conversion tool, OAuth2 services trusted email verification, manage all tokens, clearer site registration.
|-
| {{Version|co|3.5|sortKey=3.05.00}}
| {{dts|2018|05|17|format=dmy}}
| 3.5.6 (LTS)
| {{dts|2019|05|13|format=dmy}}
|'''Sustained''' (Maintained from May 2018 to May 2021, receives only security updates)
|Moodle 3.5 focuses on '''[[General Data Protection Regulation|GDPR]]''' compliance, enhanced usability and accessibility. Includes privacy and policy area in Profile, course images on the dashboard, clearer icons and accessible fonts, direct record sound and video, choice results display, more efficient user management, award badges based on other badges awarded, filter questions by tag, quiz essay question type, GDPR features, simple global search (without external engine), LTI Advantage 1.1 support, more badge criteria, cohort themes, new capabilities.
|-
| {{Version|co|3.6|sortKey=3.06.00}}
| {{dts|2018|12|03|format=dmy}}
| 3.6.4
| {{dts|2019|05|13|format=dmy}}
|'''Active''' (Maintained from December 2018 to May 2020)
|Moodle 3.6 focuses on Improved course overview, Useful new dashboard blocks, New messaging interface, Nextcloud integration, Clearer privacy links in your profile, Hide yourself in the online users block, Message your groups, More information on your badges, Record assignment feedback, Quiz improvements, Easily find duplicated items, Hide page last modified dates, Privacy enhancements, Message access control, Nextcloud integration, Context freezing, PayPal support Rupees, Control audio/video recording.
|-
| {{Version|c|3.7|sortKey=3.07.00}}
| {{dts|2019|05|20|format=dmy}}
| 3.7.1
| {{dts|2019|07|08|format=dmy}}
|'''Active''' (Maintained from May 2019 to November 2020)
|PHP 7.1 required. Forum improvements. Ability to hide course lists depending on user role. Support for LTI 1.3. Learning Analytics improvements. Group messageing improvements. Accessibility improvements in forum, Boost theme and general accessibilty improvements.
|-
| {{Version|p|3.8|sortKey=3.08.00}}
| {{dts||format=dmy}}
| 3.8
| {{dts||format=dmy}}
|'''Future release''' (Maintained from November 2019)
|Integration of StudentQuiz and Safe Exam Browser, navigation and accessibility improvements, forum emojis, anonymous posting <ref>https://docs.moodle.org/dev/Roadmap#Moodle_3.8_and_beyond:_planning_in_progress</ref>


In the U.S. higher education market as of fall 2021, the top three learning management systems (LMS) by number of institutions were [[Instructure#Canvas|Canvas]] (30%), Moodle (21%), and Blackboard (20%).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ménard |first=Justin |date=2021-11-08 |title=How Moodle Overtook Blackboard |url=https://listedtech.com/blog/moodle-overtook-blackboard/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=ListEdTech |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2013, Moodle was for a time the second largest provider with 23% [[market share]], following [[Blackboard Learning System|Blackboard]] (41%).<ref>{{Citation | url = https://static1.squarespace.com/enwiki/static/5757372f8a65e295305044dc/t/5ba78e09a4222f49479ebd56/1537707547035/CampusComputing+-+2013+Report.pdf | year = 2013 | title = A Profile of the LMS Market (page 47) | publisher = CampusComputing}}.</ref> However, by 2017, Moodle had dropped to the third largest provider, due in part to increased adoption of [[Instructure|Instructure's]] semi-open source<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://github.com/instructure/canvas-lms|title=FAQ · instructure/canvas-lms Wiki|website=GitHub|date=16 January 2022}}</ref> Canvas platform.<ref>{{cite web|title=LMS Data--Spring 2017 Updates|url=https://edutechnica.com/2017/03/12/lms-data-spring-2017-updates/|website=Edutechnica|date=12 March 2017 |publisher=Client Stat|access-date=22 November 2017}}</ref> In March 2016, Blackboard became an official Moodle partner,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.moodlenews.com/2016/blackboard-is-now-an-official-moodle-partner/|title=Blackboard Is Now An Official Moodle Partner|date=2016-03-14|work=Moodle News|access-date=2018-04-18|language=en-US}}</ref> although this partnership ended in 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://moodle.com/news/moodle-ends-partnership-blackboard/|title=Moodle ends partnership with Blackboard|date=2018-07-27|work=Moodle|access-date=2022-03-23|language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="6" | <small>{{Version |l |show=111100}}</small>
|}
[https://docs.moodle.org/dev/Releases See official release page]


In the UK, the [[Open University]] currently uses a Moodle installation for their 200,000 users<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linuxpromagazine.com/Online/News/Simply-the-Best-Case-Study-for-Moodle-at-Open-University|title=Simply the Best: Case Study for Moodle at Open... » Linux Magazine|first=Anika|last=Kehrer}}</ref> while the government uses a Moodle installation for the Civil Service Learning platform serving half a million employees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://leolearning.com/case-studies/|title=Case Studies &#124; Innovative Digital Learning &#124; LEO Learning|website=leolearning.com}}</ref>
== Moodle conferences ==
A MoodleMoot is a conference for Moodle community members, held to learn about Moodle, share experiences of the learning platform, discuss research in related educational technologies and contribute ideas to future Moodle development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://moodlemoot.org/|title=moodlemoot|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> Held around the world, MoodleMoots are organised by universities or other large organisations using Moodle, Moodle Partners, Moodle associations or Moodle HQ.

==Adoption==
In the higher education market in the United States, Moodle was for a time the second largest provider with 23% [[market share]] in 2013 (following [[Blackboard Learning System|Blackboard]] (41%), [[Desire2Learn]] (11%), and [[Instructure]]).<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.campuscomputing.net/sites/www.campuscomputing.net/files/CampusComputing2013_1.pdf | year = 2013 | title = A Profile of the LMS Market (page 23) | publisher = CampusComputing}}.</ref> However, by 2017 Moodle had dropped to the third largest provider, due in part to increased adoption of Instructure's Canvas platform.<ref>{{cite web|title=LMS Data--Spring 2017 Updates|url=https://edutechnica.com/2017/03/12/lms-data-spring-2017-updates/|website=Edutechnica|publisher=Client Stat|accessdate=22 November 2017}}</ref> In March 2016 Blackboard became an official Moodle partner, although this was later completely revoked.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.moodlenews.com/2016/blackboard-is-now-an-official-moodle-partner/|title=Blackboard Is Now An Official Moodle Partner|date=2016-03-14|work=Moodle News|access-date=2018-04-18|language=en-US}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
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{{Sister project links |wikt=no |commons=Moodle |b=no |n=no |q=no |s=no |v=Moodle |species=no |display=Moodle}}
{{Sister project links |wikt=no |commons=Moodle |b=no |n=no |q=no |s=no |v=Moodle |species=no |display=Moodle}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://skylms.io/product/whatsapp-for-moodle-full-package/ Moodle and WhatsApp Integration Plugin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224124635/https://moodlms.com/product/whatsapp-for-moodle-plugins-institutions/ |date=24 December 2021 }}
* [https://moodlecloud.com/ Cloud based, subscription model of Moodle]


{{Classroom management software}}
{{Classroom management software}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Classroom management software]]
[[Category:Cross-platform software]]
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[[Category:Learning management systems]]
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[[Category:Virtual learning environments]]
[[Category:Virtual learning environments]]
[[Category:Classroom management software]]
[[Category:Software using the GPL license]]

Latest revision as of 18:55, 7 June 2024

Moodle
Original author(s)Martin Dougiamas
Developer(s)Martin Dougiamas
Moodle HQ
Moodle Community
Initial release20 August 2002; 22 years ago (2002-08-20)
Stable release
4.5.1[1] Edit this on Wikidata / 9 December 2024; 13 days ago (9 December 2024)
Repository
Written inPHP
TypeCourse management system
LicenseGPLv3+[2]
Websitemoodle.org
moodle.com

Moodle (/ˈmuːdəl/ MOO-dəl) is a free and open-source learning management system written in PHP and distributed under the GNU General Public License.[3][4] Moodle is used for blended learning, distance education, flipped classroom and other online learning projects in schools, universities, workplaces and other sectors.[5][6][7]

Moodle is used to create custom websites with online courses and allows for community-sourced plugins.[8][9][10]

Overview

[edit]
Martin Dougiamas

Moodle was originally developed by Martin Dougiamas to help educators and scholars create online courses and focus on interaction and collaborative construction of content. The first version of Moodle was released on 20 August 2002 (22 years ago) (2002-08-20), and it continues to be actively developed.[11]

The Moodle Project is led and coordinated by Moodle HQ, an Australian company, that is financially supported by a network of eighty Moodle Partner service companies worldwide. Development is also assisted by the open-source community.[12]

Moodle is a learning platform used to augment and move existing learning environments online.[13] As an E-learning tool, Moodle developed several features[14] now considered standard for learning management systems, such as a calendar and gradebook.[15]

Plugins, custom graphical themes, mobile responsive web design, and a Moodle mobile app are available to customize each individual's experience on the platform. Moodle's mobile app is available on Google Play, the App Store for iOS, the F-Droid Android FLOSS repository, and the Windows Phone Store.

E-learning standards support

[edit]

Moodle has adopted the following e-learning standards:

  • The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) is a collection of E-learning standards and specifications that define communications between client-side content and a server-side learning management system, as well as how externally authored content should be packaged to integrate with the LMS effectively. There are two versions: SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004. Moodle is SCORM 1.2 compliant and passes all the tests in the ADL Conformance test suite 1.2.7 for SCORM 1.2. SCORM 2004 is not supported in Moodle; however, Rustici Software has a Moodle plugin that turn any Moodle site into a fully compliant SCORM 2004 LMS.[16]
  • The AICC HACP standard for CMI was developed by the Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee (AICC) and is used to call externally authored content and assessment packages. AICC content packages are supported in Moodle 2.1 - Moodle 4.2.
  • IMS Common Cartridge packages can also be imported into Moodle. In addition, Moodle Book activities can be exported as IMS Content Packages.
  • Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) is a standard way of integrating rich learning applications ,(often remotely hosted and provided through third-party services) with educational platforms. Moodle uses the External Tool activity to act as an 'LTI consumer' as standard and will act as an 'LTI provider' using a plugin.

Deployment

[edit]

Users can download and install Moodle on a Web server, such as the Apache HTTP Server, and a number of database management systems, such as MySQL, are supported. Pre-built combinations of Moodle with a Web server and database are available for Microsoft Windows and Mac. Other automated installation approaches exist, such as installing a Debian package, deploying a ready-to-use TurnKey Moodle appliance, using the Bitnami installer, or using a "one-click install" service such as Installatron.

Certified Moodle Partners provide other Moodle services, including hosting, training, customization and content development.[17] This network of providers supports the development of the Moodle project through royalties.[18][citation needed]

Interoperability

[edit]

Moodle runs without modification on Unix, Linux, FreeBSD, Windows, MacOS and any other systems that support PHP and a database, including web host providers.

Moodle also has import features for use with other specific systems, such as importing quizzes or entire courses from Blackboard or WebCT.

In March 2012 Blackboard acquired two companies based on Moodle's software including Baltimore-based Moodlerooms Inc. and NetSpot of Adelaide, Australia.[19] In August 2015, Blackboard acquired Colombia-based Nivel7. The Red Hat site, Opensource.com, reported that Moodle will always be an open-source project, with clear delineation between Blackboard and Moodle.[20]

Background

[edit]

Origins

[edit]

Martin Dougiamas, who has graduate degrees in computer science and education, wrote the first version of Moodle. Dougiamas started a Ph.D. to examine "the use of open source software to support a social constructionist epistemology of teaching and learning within Internet-based communities of reflective inquiry." Although how exactly social constructivism makes Moodle different from other eLearning platforms is difficult to show, it has been cited as an important factor by Moodle adopters.[21][22] Other Moodle adopters, such as the Open University in the UK, have pointed out that Learning Management Systems can equally be seen as "relatively pedagogy-neutral".[23]

Pedagogical approach

[edit]

The stated philosophy of Moodle includes a constructivist and social constructionist approach to education, emphasizing that learners (and not just teachers) can contribute to the educational experience.[24] Using these pedagogical principles, Moodle provides an environment for learning communities.[25]

Origin of name

[edit]

The acronym Moodle officially stands for modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment. When the project was first started, the "m" instead stood for "Martin's", after original developer Martin Dougiamas. Besides being an acronym, the name was also chosen because of the dictionary definition of Moodle, with connotations such as "tinkering", "insight", and "creativity",[26] as well as to correspond to an available domain name.[27]

Development

[edit]

Moodle has continued to evolve since 1999 (since 2001 with the current architecture). It has been translated into over 100 different languages and is accessible in many countries worldwide.[28] Institutions can add as many Moodle servers as needed without having to pay license fees.

Moodle conferences

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The MoodleMoot is a conference for Moodle community members to learn about Moodle, share experiences of the learning platform, discuss research in related educational technologies and contribute ideas to future Moodle development.[29] Held around the world, MoodleMoots are organised by universities or other large organizations using Moodle, Moodle Partners, Moodle associations or Moodle HQ. 2020 saw the #Moot move to a virtual conference.

Adoption

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Moodle has over 50% of its market share in Europe, Latin America, and Oceania.[30]

In the U.S. higher education market as of fall 2021, the top three learning management systems (LMS) by number of institutions were Canvas (30%), Moodle (21%), and Blackboard (20%).[31] In 2013, Moodle was for a time the second largest provider with 23% market share, following Blackboard (41%).[32] However, by 2017, Moodle had dropped to the third largest provider, due in part to increased adoption of Instructure's semi-open source[33] Canvas platform.[34] In March 2016, Blackboard became an official Moodle partner,[35] although this partnership ended in 2018.[36]

In the UK, the Open University currently uses a Moodle installation for their 200,000 users[37] while the government uses a Moodle installation for the Civil Service Learning platform serving half a million employees.[38]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Moodle 4.5.1 Release Notes".
  2. ^ "Official Moodle git projects - moodle.git/blob - COPYING.txt". git.moodle.org.
  3. ^ "Moodle". Thefreedictionary.com – via The Free Dictionary.
  4. ^ Rogers, Patricia L. (31 January 2009). The Encyclopedia of Distance Learning, Vol1. Idea Group Inc (IGI). ISBN 9781605661995.
  5. ^ Costello, Eamon (1 November 2013). "Opening up to open source: looking at how Moodle was adopted in higher education". Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning. 28 (3): 187–200. doi:10.1080/02680513.2013.856289. S2CID 54976320.
  6. ^ Krassa, Anna (4 October 2013). Gamified Moodle Course in a Corporate Environment (PDF). 2nd Moodle Research Conference (MRC2013). Sousse, Tunisia. pp. 84–93. ISBN 978-618-80889-0-0.
  7. ^ Horvat, Ana; Dobrota, M.; Krsmanovic, M.; & Cudanov, M. (2015). "Student perception of Moodle learning management system: a satisfaction and significance analysis". Interactive Learning Environments. 23 (4): 515–527. doi:10.1080/10494820.2013.788033. S2CID 205708644.
  8. ^ "A Pedagogical Evaluation of Moodle Extension" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 October 2013. Retrieved 27 April 2015.
  9. ^ Gavin W. Porter (7 June 2013). "Free choice of learning management systems: Do student habits override inherent system quality?" (PDF). Interactive Technology and Smart Education. 10 (2): 84–94. doi:10.1108/ITSE-07-2012-0019. hdl:10722/188170.
  10. ^ "Welcome cats-pyjamas.net - BlueHost.com" (PDF). www.cats-pyjamas.net. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 November 2020. Retrieved 27 April 2015.
  11. ^ "Releases - MoodleDocs". docs.moodle.org. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  12. ^ Gartner, Samantha (1 April 2015). "How Moodle is driven by user and community feedback". Opensource.com.
  13. ^ Stanley, Adam (18 November 2014). "Technology that puts the classroom in students' laptops". The Globe and Mail. Adam Stanley, The Globe and Mail.
  14. ^ Jordan, Sally (2013). "E-assessment: Past, present and future" (PDF). New Directions. 9 (1): 87–106. doi:10.11120/ndir.2013.00009.
  15. ^ "Online Grading to Make Teaching Life Easier with Moodle". 19 November 2014.
  16. ^ "SCORM Cloud Moodle Integration". scorm.com.
  17. ^ "List of Moodle Partners". Moodle. 25 June 2021.
  18. ^ "How do the Moodle Partners work?". Moodle. Archived from the original on 22 July 2014. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
  19. ^ "Blackboard makes Moodle acquisitions". bizjournals.com.
  20. ^ "Moodle will always be an open source project". opensource.com.
  21. ^ Weller, M. (2006). VLE 2.0 and future directions in learning environments (PDF). Proceedings of the first LAMS Conference, Sydney.
  22. ^ McMulli & Munroe (2004). "VMoodle at DCU". Archived from the original on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
  23. ^ Sclater, Neil (2008). "A Large-scale Open Source eLearning Systems at the Open University". Educause. Archived from the original on 26 July 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
  24. ^ "Philosophy - MoodleDocs". docs.moodle.org.
  25. ^ "Open-Source Learning Management System". Moodlerooms. Archived from the original on 27 December 2010. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  26. ^ "Moodle definition". All Words.
  27. ^ "The chicken or the egg". Moodle.org Lounge. 16 July 2005.
  28. ^ "Language packs - MoodleDocs". docs.moodle.org.
  29. ^ "Events". Moodle. 3 April 2019.
  30. ^ "Academic LMS Market Share: A view across four global regions". e-Literate. 29 June 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2019
  31. ^ Ménard, Justin (8 November 2021). "How Moodle Overtook Blackboard". ListEdTech. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  32. ^ A Profile of the LMS Market (page 47) (PDF), CampusComputing, 2013.
  33. ^ "FAQ · instructure/canvas-lms Wiki". GitHub. 16 January 2022.
  34. ^ "LMS Data--Spring 2017 Updates". Edutechnica. Client Stat. 12 March 2017. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  35. ^ "Blackboard Is Now An Official Moodle Partner". Moodle News. 14 March 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  36. ^ "Moodle ends partnership with Blackboard". Moodle. 27 July 2018. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  37. ^ Kehrer, Anika. "Simply the Best: Case Study for Moodle at Open... » Linux Magazine".
  38. ^ "Case Studies | Innovative Digital Learning | LEO Learning". leolearning.com.
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