If you are interested in learning about eLearning and the Learning Management System (LMS), you will encounter the word “Moodle.” What exactly does it mean?
Well Moodle is short for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment. It is a platform that provides a free eLearning software or LMS. This is originally created by Martin Dougiamas to allow instructors and educators to create their own online courses. These courses are specifically those that would like to concentrate on a more collaborative and interactive content for their students.
The platform provided by Moodle is an open source software. The great thing about this type of program is that the source code is available to the public. Programmers and instructors who are competent in the language can access this code and make the necessary changes that will help them achieve their unique eLearning goals.
The main approach that this LMS uses involves pedagogical principles. These principles focus on encouraging students to be more engaged in the learning process. It supports the idea that the learners should also contribute to the experience – not just the instructors. This make the learning environment more flexible and thus makes adapting and learning more enticing and effective.
The evolution of Moodle began in 1999. In 2001, it went through the changes that will stabilize its current architecture. There are 18 versions, starting from the very first version released in 2002. The most recent and latest version was released in May 2014. Most of the changes and improvements focused on accessibility and flexibility. It is currently translated into 82 different languages – which makes it the most popular LMS internationally.
The development of Moodle is done by a programming team and the international community of users. The inspiration for the developments are mostly taken from the Moodle Community website – where everyone posts their ideas and contributions. This platform is filled with debates and criticisms – something that the management encourages.
Here is a list of features that make Moodle one of, if not the best, LMS in the eLearning industry.
- It is learner-centric. That means it does not only provide support for teachers, it is made to allow learners to be empowered so they can take part in the learning process.
- User friendly. This LMS uses a simple interface and also the drag-and-drop feature to allow instructors with limited programming language skills to use it.
- Does not require a licensing fee. Since it is an open source LMS, it does not require any payment from anyone who wishes to use it. As long as the user will adhere to the rules of the GNU General Public License, the use of Moodle is allowed. This LMS can be revised as the user wishes.
- Cost-efficient. Since the licensing fee is not needed, this LMS is more cost efficient compared to proprietary LMS software.
- Constant update. Thanks to the Moodle Community, this software is always updated. A lot of users are looking at it and constantly finding ways to improve it.
Image courtesy of Moodle.org