LMS.org’s Moodle Review

Moodle brings an open source solution to the eLearning world. The system is simple to understand and completely customizable. Users can build from the ground up using plugins rather than adapting to a cookie cutter features list. There are many functionality options available with more added regularly. Users who want better control over their LMS should consider what Moodle has to offer.

Moodle LMS Brings Open Source Solutions to the eLearning Industry

Moodle LMS is designed to allow for maximum customization through a system of plugins. The platform is open source and boasts a design created by educators, for educators. Users can access a number of options as well as interactive learning tools that work on both desktop and mobile devices. Moodle makes a lot of promises with its open source approach to eLearning, but does it deliver what most educators need on a daily basis?

What Do You Get with Moodle?

Moodle takes a slightly different approach when it comes getting features and content to the user. It is a modular LMS that utilizes plugins. The user can browse available plugins and choose what they need as they go. Open source can be a wonderful thing, as long as there is a strong, active community backing it up. So what should you expect when trying out Moodle’s LMS?

• Simple Course Finder & Free Content
  Moodle users can access a simple course search tool that allows them to sort by courses that can be downloaded and courses that the user can enroll in. Keywords can be applied to narrow down the search. A “Show More” link reveals additional filters which include educational level, language, subject and license type.
• SCORM Content Packages Available to Download
  Users can access a list of available SCORM packages that can be instantly downloaded from the Moodle community. The topics currently range from the human eye to Bible studies. Not all content is SCORM-friendly, but the user can quickly access the full list using a convenient link.
• Many Language Options
  Multiple language options are supported, with translation happening all the time. The current list includes English, Catalan, German, Spanish, Basque, French, Croatian, Icelandic, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Finnish and Chinese.
• Course Completion Options
  Educators can access all their plugins and content from the dashboard. Dropdown boxes are available to choose a specific action upon course completion. Action options include send for review, complete for competency, attach evidence, and do nothing.
• Growing List of LMS Plugins
  Plugins are what makes Moodle so unique. The list is long and covers a wide range of categories, including reports, activities, course formats, gradebooks, caching, user management, themes, filters, administrative tools, repositories and more. The user can find what they need then check back often to see what’s been added.
• Documentation & Community Support
  Moodle provides users with a number of ways to find answers and get help. The system is open source, so direct phone or email support is not included. There is a wealth of knowledge in the many online documents provided as well as access to community discussions. A library of Moodle books for sale can also be found for users who plan to implement the LMS long term.
• User-Guided Development
  One of the benefits of an open source product is the higher level of involvement with its community. Users have more say in what’s added. Rather than a small group of developers, the LMS benefits from a large user base who continues to contribute to make it a better, more diverse eLearning solution.

Moodle Makes the Classic LMS More Accessible

While open source may not be for everyone, Moodle manages to use it to the advantage of educators and business owners. Anyone who needs to train or teach will appreciate the easy access and versatility offered by a modular system. Users can expand functionality by simply adding a new plugin. Anyone can download and install it, and the bustling user community continues to add new features.

The Future of Moodle LMS

The Moodle community is sizable and continues to grow. The plugins page currently boasts over 690 devs working on over 1,245 plugins with 412,600 recent downloads. The flexibility and customization potential of Moodle makes it a great option for a variety of organizations and businesses. The system’s user list includes recognizable names like GAC Academy, Cisco, The Open University, Australian National University, World Vision, Microsoft, Novell, Louisiana State University, Shell and BP. With many users and new content added regularly, Moodle is likely to continue to expand its’ reach in the future.

Moodle Brings Open Source Solutions to Your LMS

There’s a lot to love about Moodle. The basic system may not look as sleek as other LMS products, but it still has tons of potential. The user will have to be prepared to do research when completing setup or finding answers to questions. There’s plenty of information available plus a thriving user community that’s constantly interacting and developing. Users who prefer to do things their own way will appreciate what Moodle brings to the LMS table.