What is Moodle?
Moodle is a free software e-learning platform, also known as a Learning Management System, or Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). E-Learning platforms are one of the post popular information systems which are used across industries for human resource development, and particularly in the educational industries. Acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment.Moodle was originally developed by Martin Dougiamas to help educators create online courses. The design and development of Moodle is guided by a “social constructionist pedagogy”.
How is a moodle installed? Moodle is developed in Linux using Apache, MySQL and PHP . It facilitates major reuse of the technological platform while minimizing risks of customization.
The main requirements for Moodle are as follows:
Hardware
Disk space: 160MB free (min) plus as much as you need to store your materials. 5GB is probably a realistic minimum.
Backups: at least the same again (at a remote location preferably) as above to keep backups of your site
Memory: 256MB (min), 1GB or more is strongly recommended.
Software
An operating system: Linux and Windows are common choices.
Web server. Primarily Apache or IIS.
PHP - The minimum version is currently 5.3.2.
A database. MySQL and PostgreSQL are the primary development database
Minimum browser for accessing Moodle: Firefox 4, Internet Explorer 8, Safari 5, Google Chrome 11, Opera 9
Steps to install a moodle:
Set up your server
Download and copy files into place
Create an empty database
Create the (moodledata) data directory
Start Moodle install
Final configuration includes some settings within the moodle
How is a Moodle site managed?
It involves authentication of a new user, managing account of existing users, add and remove users, security of individual data, backup, server settings, site wise reports for administrators and linking other systems to moodles.
2) Studied various features of ELIXIR
ELIXIR is the Course Management System developed through moodle and maintained by the IT committee of our college. ELIXIR (Electronic Learning Infrastructure for Excellence) is a platform used as a Learning Management System which gives a fast and efficient learning and helps in the general administrative activities thereby complementing the official website (www.iimrohtak.ac.in).
The following are the observations that we had about the existing ELIXIR:
v All users have separate login id and password account
v There is a feature of site news for general news and announcements
v There are Help Videos to show How to Add single file upload ,Add quiz activity, Add questionnaire and many more
v CourSelect -Course Selection System for automated allocation of selected courses for Second Year PGP
v A calendar displaying all important events and where any new upcoming event can be added
v An individual profile page showing access times
v Forum posts and discussions
v Option of transferring files
v Course materials like books and presentations
v Blog entry options
3) Studied moodles implemented by other Institutes
Department of Physics, SCET, Surat, IITDelhi, IIM K,S etc.
Other features on these sites are
Administrative data: fee details etc
Results
Current events
Forum for discussions
While dicussing moodles we made the following observations:
The faculty neds to be more proactive in using MOODLE to facilitate more efficient learning.
The password reset function does not work properly.
The interface could use a chat function to make learning more interactive.
While there are provisions for blogs and forums, hardly anyone uses it. The academic committee should encourage students to use it more actively.
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