What is Moodle?

Moodle is a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) used for both synchronous  (live) and asynchronous activity such as discussion forums, learning activities (e.g. quizzes), learning materials, lecture notes and presentations, and pre-recorded audio and video.

Whilst Moodle is commonly used to provide students with access to content, one of its greatest strengths is the ease with which it can support a more active approach to learning. We advise that Moodle is the main platform used for blended learning, with other systems such as Re:View used alongside it.

Moodle for learning and teaching

Set expectations

• Explain to students how you intend to use the Moodle environment.
• Set clear guidance on when you will be 'present' i.e. when you will respond to questions posted in forum discussions or when you will be uploading content or assessing submitted work (essentially your virtual office hours).
• Make it clear that you will answer questions 'publicly' in the forums, rather than privately through email.
• All students can then benefit from the answers. Explain clearly what you expect students to do. Should they log in in every day or specific days?  If you want them to take part in discussions make it clear if their participation is required or optional.

Upload resources and activities

• Provide students with lecture notes, articles or tasks. Make sure the files are sensibly named.
• Include instructions so that students know what to do with these resources.
• Use the resources to keep students 'active' by building in activities around them.

Use discussion forums

• Use the Announcement or News forum for one way communication (i.e. for posting notices).
• Use Q&A forums for two-way communication.
• Encourage students to answer each other's questions.
• Check-in and respond (as per your 'virtual office hours').

Assessment for Learning (AfL) through quizzes:

• Check student progress through Moodle quizzes - you have access to multiple question types.
• Include correct answers and feedback so students can check their own progress.

Set assessment submission points

• Allow students to upload their work for you to check by setting up a Moodle Assignment.
• Use the Grade Transfer tool to transfer grades to SAMIS.