Note: This documentation is for Moodle 2.7. For up-to-date documentation see About Moodle FAQ.

About Moodle FAQ: Difference between revisions

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===What is Moodle?===
===What is Moodle?===
*Moodle is a learning management system (LMS, also called VLE), explained [http://moodle.org/about/ here]. In many ways, Moodle is like Lego, as this [http://www.slideshare.net/moodlefan/what-is-moodle-explained-with-lego-presentation Slideshare presentation] shows.
Moodle is a free online learning management system, or LMS (also known as VLE.) You can read more about Moodle [http://moodle.org/about/ here] or you might find it useful to watch the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wop3FMhoLGs video: What is Moodle?] . It is suitable for all ages and all sectors. Anywhere learning takes place, Moodle can be used. It is usually used online but may also be used on an 'intranet' within your organisation.
 
===Where is the funny name from?===
The word Moodle is an acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment, which is mostly useful to programmers and education theorists. It's also a verb (in the bigger English dictionaries) that describes the process of lazily meandering through something, doing things as it occurs to you to do them, an enjoyable tinkering that often leads to insight and creativity.  A sort of cross between "muse" and "doodle".  As such it applies both to the way Moodle was originally developed, and to the way a student or teacher might approach studying or teaching an online course in an ongoing, iterative way. Anyone who uses Moodle is a Moodler.


===How do I start using Moodle?===
===How do I start using Moodle?===
*You can [http://download.moodle.org download] your own copy and install it on your server.  If you want to try it out for yourself you can use one of the accounts on the [http://demo.moodle.net Moodle Demonstration Site].  To see a site with example content, visit the [http://school.demo.moodle.net School Demonstration site].


===Where do I get it (from)?===
=== I just want to try it out===
*You can [http://download.moodle.org download] Moodle in a variety of packages and install it yourself or have a [[Moodle_Partners|Moodle Partner]] do it for you. Some webhosts offer Moodle as part of their hosting packages, although these vary in reliability. Other webhosts offer Moodle for free but this usually comes with conditions attached; for instance, your site might have adverts on it.


===Do I have to be really good with technology to use Moodle?===
* You can try Moodle's standard features on the [http://demo.moodle.net Moodle Sandbox demo site], an empty out-of-the-box site.
*To use Moodle, you only need the basic web browsing skills. To install it you need a little more knowledge, but guidance is provided.  
* To explore Moodle in action on a site populated with courses, activities and users, visit the [http://school.demo.moodle.net Mount Orange School demo site].
* You can obtain your own Moodle site on MoodleCloud - [https://moodle.com/cloud/free/ Moodle for Free].
* A further way to try Moodle out is to [http://download.moodle.org download] your own copy and install it "locally", ie, on your own computer.


===What age of learners and educational settings is Moodle most appropriate for?===
(Please note that moodle.org is not the place for setting up your courses, but for finding out information and asking questions.)
*Moodle can be and is successfully used from early years of Primary schools ([[Primary_education|examples here]]) through to the Secondary sector ([[Secondary_education|examples]]) and universities worldwide. Moodle can be adapted to suit learners of all ages in any learning environment, including commercial training.


===Is Moodle just for online learning?===
=== I want to use Moodle as an individual or set it up for my organisation===
*It can be. However, in most cases Moodle is used to support and combine face-to-face interaction with e-learning, m-learning and other forms of learning.


===Where can I get some tutorials or presentations about Moodle?===
* You are welcome to use [https://moodle.com/cloud/free/ Moodle for Free] for up to 50 users.
*As well as the [[Main_page| comprehensive free documentation]] here and the [http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?id=7246 published Moodle books], you can search through a list of [[Moodle_manuals|other manuals and resources]], a selection of [[Moodle_video_tutorials |video tutorials]]  and general [[Moodle_presentations|presentations]].
* Otherwise, our MoodleCloud solution, [https://moodle.com/cloud/school/ Moodle for School] is perfect for multiple classes in K-12 teaching and learning environments.
* If you have the technical knowledge, you can [http://download.moodle.org download Moodle] and install it on a server online.
* A further possibility is to ask one of our [http://moodle.com/partners/ Moodle Partners] to host a site for you.


===Are there any provisions in Moodle for people with disabilities?===
===Do I have to be really good with technology to use Moodle?===
*Certainly. Moodle supports many assistive technologies such as screen-readers, screen-magnifiers, alternative mouse and key use, disabling of AJAX and Javascript, and more.
To use Moodle, you only need the basic web browsing skills. To install it you need a little more knowledge, but guidance is provided.  


===Are there any comparisons of Moodle with other Learning Management Systems?===
==Cost==
*See the [http://moodle.org/mod/forum/view.php?id=2784 Comparisons and Advocacy forum] and also [http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=19 Moodle buzz]


==Navigation and settings==
===How much does it cost to download and use Moodle?===
By way of its [[Dev:License|GNU General Public License]], Moodle is and will remain free to download and use in any way you like. Consider it free like a 'free puppy' that needs care and attention to grow, not free like a 'free beer'.


===How do I login to Moodle?===
===How much does it cost to run Moodle?===
*Go to the right URL (address) of the Moodle site, login with your username and password, or enter as a Guest (if allowed). Most Moodle sites will have a link to set up a new account or request forgotten details of your existing one.  
Nothing to install, use and change. Of course, there are costs if you have your Moodle hosted with someone, and costs associated with maintenance and training in an organisation (like any other software). But no royalties, fees or user charges.  


===How do I get around Moodle?===
===How much does it cost to have Moodle hosted?===
*Use the Navigation block on the side of your page. From there you can go directly to any part of Moodle you have access to.  
There are many options for hosting. Cost is usually related to services provided and capacity (eg. a university site with 10 000 users will naturally cost more to host and maintain than a small community school). Ask your local  [https://moodle.com/partners/ Moodle Partner] and keep Moodle going that way too!


===How do I edit things?===
==Technical queries==
*You can only edit things you have permission to edit. A regular user such as a student can only edit their [[My home]] page and possibly their [[My_Profile|profile page]]. A user with editing rights such as a teacher can use the  'Turn editing on' button or the link in  the Settings block to edit items. A guest can't edit anything and an Admin you can whatever they  like.


===Who can create and edit activities and other things in courses?===
===Do I need my own server to run Moodle?===
*Whoever has the editing capability. Usually, it is the Teacher who creates and edits courses and activities within courses, but this role can be changed, re-named (eg. Facilitator) and given to other people too.
Only if you are going to host it yourself. (See the section on 'Starting with Moodle' above.)
 
==Examples==
 
===Are there any good examples of Moodle use I can see?===
*Sure! Check this [http://embedr.com/playlist/moodle-on-the-ground little collection of videos] and flick through stories on [http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=19 Moodle Buzz]. There is also  an [http://school.demo.moodle.net entire school] full of examples for you to see and play with. 
 
===How do I share ideas and learn from other educators using Moodle?===
*By participating in many ways, either through events, [http://moodle.org/forums/ forums] on Moodle.org and networks elsewhere.
 
===Are there any good sources for shared courses?===
*There certainly are. Via [[Community_hub|Community Hubs]] you can search for, enrol in, download and publish, shared courses..
 
==Learning with Moodle - pedagogy==
 
===What is the best way to use Moodle?===
*There is no one best way to use Moodle. Use of Moodle depends a lot on one's own educational philosophy, the context where Moodle is used and willingness to experiment and create a little (or a lot!). Moodle can be used by a strict controller using trusted material of 30 years or a free-loving e-hippie exploring new ways of teaching and learning alike.   
 
===Can Moodle be used in different subject (say maths, languages, art, media, science...)?===
*Yes. Moodle is used in a variety of fields. Users in some subject areas may benefit further from standard or compatible third-party modules and plugins (eg. in maths, [[TeX filter|Tex notation filter]] (standard) or [[DragMath equation editor|DragMath equation editor]] (third-party plugin)).
 
===How can I use Moodle to stimulate students think harder and ask good questions?===
*By asking and encouraging good questions students can wrestle with and explore through and with the help of activities, resources in a course. For example, open a forum discussion with a provocative question, start a wiki where groups collaboratively build a solution ... and more!
 
===How can I communicate with students by using Moodle?===
*Many ways are available. Some examples include: [[Forums]] are great for extended conversations over time, [[Messages]] for private channels, [[Chat]] for synchronous conversations, and [[Comments]] for quick notices and remarks. You can also exchange online feedback with [[Assignment]], comments to [[Blog]] posts ... and more!
 
===How can we share resources with Moodle?===
*Moodle offers a number of ways to share content: making files and folders available to course participants, collecting resources of any kind with a Database, attaching files to Forum posts, importing and linking resources to and from external repositories/portfolios ... and more!
 
===How can Moodle help people collaborate?===
*Use different activities like [[Wikis]] to create content together, [[Forums]] and [[Comments]] to exchange ideas, [[Database]] to collectively gather resources, [[Glossary]] to create shared understanding of concepts ... and more! You can [[Groups|group]] students in any of these activities to promote collaboration.
 
===How do I grade in Moodle?===
*[[Grades]] can be created in each [[Activity|activity]] in a [[Courses|course]] which are then added to the [[Gradebook]].  For example, grades in Assignment (all types), Quiz and Workshop activities are automatically added to Gradebook. In some activities you will have to turn grading on, such as ratings 'on' in Forum, Glossary and Database to send them to the Gradebook.  You can also use the gradebook to adjust, assign or automatically scale an activity grade in your course.  There are many opportunities to exchange feedback on many activities, not just grades.
 
===Can students do self and peer assessment type tasks with Moodle?===
*Yes. Probably the best activity to do that is [[Workshop_module|Workshop]] module. Informally, students can evaluate (and even rate) each others' Forum posts, Glossary entries, and Database entries.


===Is 'social constructionist' approach necessary when using Moodle?===
===Can I customise a theme to make it relevant to our school?===
*Moodle has continuously been built with a particular, social constructionist [[Philosophy|philosophy]] in mind. This of course does not prevent people from using Moodle in line with their own preferred view of learning and the purpose they use it for.
Yes, see [[Themes]]. You can customise themes down to a single course. There are many ways to make Moodle looks great too.


==Students==
===Can you use Moodle from anywhere and on any device??===
*Moodle works well in all standard, modern browsers and different operating systems.  If you plan to run a Moodle site,  you should be aware of your audience, their typical bandwidth and web browsers.
*Yes, if it is on a web server attached to the internet and you have a computer, mobile device or tablet.  Or if it is on a web server attached to the same intranet (internal network) as a computers or tablets which need to work it.  There is an official [[Moodle Mobile| Moodle mobile app.]]


===How long does it take students to learn to use Moodle?===  
===Can access to Moodle be restricted to just our organisation?===  
*It really does not take a great deal of skill or computer knowledge to use Moodle. With basic web browsing and editing skills, students (and teachers) can use Moodle - instantly!
Yes, several ways to do this. For example, it can be installed on your school's internal network, or limit the IPs to those assigned by your school, or only manually enroll your students are just a few ways. 


===What do my students need to know before using Moodle?===
===I've come from a school that used a different VLE/LMS. Can I transfer my stuff over to Moodle?===  
*They need to know how login into the site and course, and have some basic web browsing and computer skills.  For example, they need to how a mouse and keyboard works, what a link is, maybe how to attach, upload or download a file.
Some VLE/LMS-specific activities may (not) be compatible, but you can zip your content files and unzip them in Moodle.


===Do students have to be online all the time to use Moodle?===
==Help and support with Moodle==
*Moodle '''is''' an online learning management system and at some point you and your students will have to spend some time in front of a computer. How much time depends  on what you use Moodle for. Most Moodle sites are used to mix offline and online learning activities.
=== How do I use Moodle?===
The [[Main page| Moodle documentation]] is a good place to start. Then if you get stuck, come and ask on the [https://moodle.org/course/ Moodle Community forums.]


==Getting help==
===I don't understand the terms===
Moodle uses jargon words that you may be familiar with from other, non-Moodle contexts.  Within Moodle, These words have specific (and potentially different) meanings, which you can read about on the page [[Moodle key terms]]


===Is there an official support desk for Moodle?===
===Is there an official support desk for Moodle?===
*Yes and no. Moodle.org forums can serve as a support desk. [[Moodle_Partners|Moodle Partners]] may charge for support desk as part of their service. Often, like the higher priced LMSs, a school or consortium will maintain a help desk.  
* [https://moodle.org/course/ Moodle.org Community forums] serve as an excellent support desk. Ask your question any time, in any language.
* [https://moodle.com/partners/ Moodle Partners] offer paid-for support as part of their service.


===What do I do if I am stuck? Are there any good tutorials around?===
===Are there any good Moodle tutorials?===
* Get some help at Moodle.org in a [http://moodle.org/forums/ forum] or search the [[Main_Page|Moodle documentation]] There are also many [http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?id=7246 books and manuals] available for purchase.
* Get some help at Moodle.org in the [http://moodle.org/course Community forums] or search the [[Main_Page|Moodle documentation]] There are also many [http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?id=7246 books and manuals] available for purchase.
* The [https://www.youtube.com/user/moodlehq  Moodle HQ Youtube channel] offers basic tutorials for teachers and walk-throughs of the latest features.


===What if I have a specific question about a tool, where can I find out more?===
===Where can I get Moodle training?===  
*Research it in Moodle documentation by using the search box on the left of every page in Moodle Docs. Click on a help icon on your Moodle site. Go to a [http://moodle.org/course/view.php?id=5 forum] dedicated to that tool. Research it by using the Search moodle.org box at the top of this page.
*For teachers beginning with Moodle, Moodle HQ offers a free MOOC [https://learn.moodle.net Learn Moodle] which is run twice yearly.
*A number of organisations offer training for Moodle administrators or course creators. Look for a [https://moodle.com/partners/ Moodle Partner] in your area for officially accredited training. You can also think of doing the [http://moodle.org/course/view.php?id=48 Moodle Course Creator Certificate] to improve your skills.


===How can I suggest improvements and put forward what I would like to see in Moodle?===
===What about people with disabilities?===
*[http://tracker.moodle.org/ Moodle Tracker] is by far THE best place to suggest improvement. File an issue or suggest improvement there, and let people know in a forum about your ideas. Maybe they will vote for it (which tends to get people's attention).
Moodle supports many assistive technologies such as screen-readers, screen-magnifiers, alternative mouse and key use, disabling of AJAX and JavaScript, and more. See the developer documentation [[:dev:Accessibility | Accessibility]] for further details.


===Where can I get training on how to use Moodle?===  
===Are there any comparisons of Moodle with other Learning Management Systems?===
*A number of places offer training in how best to use Moodle. However,  [[Moodle_Partners|Moodle Partners]] know Moodle best and can provide official training. You can also think of doing the [http://moodle.org/course/view.php?id=48 Moodle Course Creator Certificate] to improve your skills.
See the [http://moodle.org/mod/forum/view.php?id=2784 Comparisons and Advocacy forum] and also [http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=19 Moodle buzz].
 
==Basic Moodle jargon==
 
Moodle uses jargon words that you may be familiar with from other, non-Moodle contexts.  Within Moodle, These words have specific (and potentially different) meanings, explained below.
 
===What is a Course?===
* A course is the basic learning area on Moodle where a teacher displays materials for their students. See [[Courses|Courses]]
 
===What is a Category?===
*A [[Category|category]] is a group of things and has several meanings in Moodle.  It can be a [[Add/edit course  categories|grouping of courses]] by a certain criteria (Such as: Science; Junior School; Staff Area).  It can be a [[Question categories|group of questions]], or a [[Using Glossary|group of entries]] in a glossary.
 
===What is an Activity?===
* Usually an [[Activities|activity]] is something that a student will do that interacts with other students and or the teacher. Moodle has over a dozen activity types of tools for a teacher to use in a course.
 
===What is a Resource?===
*[[Resources|Resources]] are items that a teacher can use to support learning, such as a file or a link.  A standard Moodle comes with 6 resource types that can be added to a course.
 
===What is a Block?===
*Typically,[[Blocks|blocks]] are items which may be added to the left or right in a course's home page.  There are dozens of different blocks that can be added to a course, or pages within a course.
 
===What is a Plugin?===
*Plugin is an optional extra component which can add functionality to your Moodle. Some standard Moodle plugins need to be turned on by Moodle Administrator. Many more can be downloaded from the [http://moodle.org/plugins/index.php Modules and Plugins database].
 
===What is a Filter?===
*[[Filters|Filters]] can be used to add links, insert multimedia players, convert Mathematical expressions or emoticons into displayed images.
 
===What is a Section?===
*A section is an area within a [[Course homepage|course's homepage]] that hold activities and resources. Standard [[Course formats|course section formats]] are topics, weeks, social and SCORM.
 
===What is a Role?===
*A role in Moodle refers to what a user is allowed (or not) to do on a Moodle site. [[Standard roles|Typical roles]] might include those of a student and teacher.  A role is a collection of [[Roles and permissions|permissions]] that can be assigned to specific users in specific [[Context|contexts]]. For example, when a user is enrolled in a course as a student.


==Security==
==Security==


===How secure is Moodle?===
===How secure is Moodle?===
*Moodle is designed to be very secure. However, a lot depends upon the webserver, the way Moodle is setup and regular updates of the package by the Moodle Administrator.
Moodle is designed to be very secure. However, a lot depends upon the webserver, the way Moodle is setup and regular updates of the package by the Moodle Administrator.
    
    
===Can Moodle get hacked into and student data stolen?===
===Can Moodle get hacked into and student data stolen?===
*Highly unlikely if your Moodle site has up-to-date security and the site administrator has not given away the keys. Anything is possible on any website, but Moodle makes it difficult for nasty people to cause havoc.
This is highly unlikely if your Moodle site has up-to-date security and the site administrator has not given away the keys. Anything is possible on any website, but Moodle makes it difficult for nasty people to cause havoc.


===What if I did something wrong and accidentally broke it - could it be easily fixed?===
===What if I did something wrong and accidentally broke it - could it be easily fixed?===
*Moodle can be backed-up at any point. If a backup was made 5 minutes before you broke it, chances are it can be fixed easily.   
Moodle can be backed-up at any point. If a backup was made 5 minutes before you broke it, chances are it can be fixed easily.   


===Is my student data safe on a cheap or free webhost?===
===Is my student data safe on a cheap or free webhost?===
*While you do have some control of the security of a Moodle site on a free or cheap web host, the question is: How much do you trust your web host?
While you do have some control of the security of a Moodle site on a free or cheap web host, the question is: How much do you trust your web host?


===Can I track and search what people do and post in Moodle?===
===Can I track and search what people do and post in Moodle?===
*Assuming you are a teacher and it is your course, yes. Moodle Admin can do that for the entire site.
Assuming you are a teacher and it is your course, yes. Moodle Admin can do that for the entire site.
    
    
===Can I backup Moodle so I don't lose things?===
===Can I backup Moodle so I don't lose things?===
*Yes, you can backup a Moodle site or as a teacher you can back up your course and download it (if your role permits it). With appropriate permissions, you can restore your course and/or import parts of courses elsewhere on your site or beyond. This can be particularly useful with [[Community_hub|Community Hubs]] (Moodle 2.0 feature).
Yes, you can backup a Moodle site or as a teacher you can back up your course and download it (if your role permits it). With appropriate permissions, you can restore your course and/or import parts of courses elsewhere on your site or beyond.  


==Technical==
==Teaching and Learning==


===Do I need my own server to run Moodle?===
===What is the best way to use Moodle?===
*Moodle needs a web server. There are lots of options.  See [[Moodle Partners]], [[Complete_install_packages_for_Windows| Complete install packages for Windows]] or [[Complete_Install_Packages_for_Mac_OS_X| Complete Install packages for Mac]] and [[Installation FAQ]].
The best way to use Moodle is the way which helps your students learn most efficiently. Moodle was designed on the principles of Social constructionism - see the page on [[Pedagogy]] for more information - but you do not have to use Moodle in that way if it is not appropriate to your needs.


===Do I have to install Moodle myself?===
===Can Moodle be used for..... ?===
*You can, guidance provided. Most organisations will have a policy on this and/or someone to perform the installation.


===Can I customise a theme and make it about our school?===
The short answer is yes. Below is a list of  just a few ways Moodle may be used. A dedicated forum [https://moodle.org/mod/forum/view.php?id=41 Teaching with Moodle] exists to discuss different ways of using the many [[Activities]] and [[Resources]] of Moodle to enhance your teaching.
*Yes, see [[Themes]]. You can customise themes down to a single course. There are many ways to make Moodle looks great too.


===Does it matter what computer type or browser I use for Moodle?===
*Peer assessment: see [[Workshop]]
*Moodle works well in all standard, modern browsers and different operating systems.  As with any web based application, you should be aware of your audience, their typical bandwidth and web browsers.
*Discussion and debate: see [[Forum]]
*Sharing files and media: see [[Working with files]]
*Collaboration: see [[Glossary]] and [[Database]]
*Independent and personalised learning: see [[Lesson]]
*Submitting work online: see [[Assignments]]
*Assessment, summative and formative: see [[Quiz]]
*Gamification: see [[Using_restrict_access#Gamification|Gamification]]


===Can you use Moodle from anywhere?===
===Are there any good examples of Moodle use I can see?===
*Yes, if it is on a web server attached to the internet and you have a computer, mobile device or tablet.  Or if it is on a web server attached to the same intranet (internal network) as a computers or tablets which need to work it.  And you can even put Moodle on a USB drive.
Try the  [http://school.demo.moodle.net Mount Orange School demo], a working demonstration site full of examples for you to see and play with.


===Can access to Moodle be restricted to just our school?===  
===How do I share ideas and content with other Moodlers?===
*Yes, several ways to do this. For example, it can be installed on your schools internal network, or limit the IPs to those assigned by your school, or only manually enroll your students are just a few ways.
*By participating in many ways, either through events, [http://moodle.org/forums/ Moodle Community Forums] on Moodle.org and networks elsewhere.
*You can find and share courses and activities on our [http://moodle.net/ Moodle Community hub.] You can download courses to use in your own site and publish course content to share with others.
*Within your own Moodle site, you can share courses with colleagues by using the [[Reusing activities| Course import or Restore features]].


===Can I access Moodle from a mobile device?===  
===Can Moodle be used in different subjects?===
*Yes. In Moodle 2.1 you use the [[Mobile app]] for iPhone.  You can set one [[Themes|theme]] as the default but also set another theme for a mobile device and a different one for a tablet.


===I've come from a school that used a different VLE/LMS. Can I move my stuff over to Moodle?===
Yes. Moodle is used in [[:Category:Discipline-specific_Moodling| a variety of fields]]. Users in some subject areas may benefit further from standard or compatible third-party modules and plugins:
*Sure. Some VLE/LMS-specific activities may (not) be compatible, but you can zip your content files and unzip them in Moodle.


===I spotted a bug in the system. What do I do?===
* In [[:Category:Mathematics|maths]], [[TeX filter|TeX notation filter]] (standard) or [[DragMath equation editor|DragMath equation editor]] (third-party plugin)), and more than 10 third party question types. You can also use  [[PhET simulations]]
*Go to [[Tracker]], search if the bug has already been reported and create a new issue if not.  
* For [[:Category:Language teaching| language teachers]], the contributed [https://moodle.org/plugins/view.php?plugin=mod_hotpot Hotpot] and [https://moodle.org/plugins/search.php?s=Poodll&search=Search+plugins Poodll] plugins are very popular.
* For [[:Category:Chemistry| chemistry]] there are many plugins for displaying molecular structures and making questions about them. You can also use [[PhET simulations]]
* For [[:Category:Music| music]] there are question type plugins for [[Key signature question type| key signature]], [[Music theory question type| music theory]], [[Music interval question type| music interval]] and [[Musical scale question type|musical scale]].
* For [[:Category:Programming| computer programming]] there in an [[iAssign| interactive assignment package]] and several question types.


===I have an idea for a feature and/or improvement in Moodle. What do I do?===
==See also==
*Go to [[Tracker]], search if something like your idea has already been noted and worked on and suggest it if not.


==Cost==
* [[About Moodle]]
 
* [[Decision FAQ]]
===How much does it cost to download and use Moodle?===
* [https://docs.moodle.org/dev/Contributing_to_Moodle Contribuiting to Moodle]
*By way of its [[Dev:License|GNU General Public License]], Moodle is and will remain free to download and use in any way you like. Consider it free like a 'free puppy' that needs care and attention to grow, not free like a 'free beer'.
 
===How much does it cost to run Moodle?===
*Nothing to install, use and change. Of course, there are some associated costs if you have your Moodle hosted with someone, and costs associated with maintenance and training in an organisation (like any other software...). But no royalties, fees or user charges.
 
===How much does it cost to have Moodle hosted?===
*There are many options for hosting. Cost is usually related to services provided and capacity (eg. a university site with 10 000 users will naturally cost more to host and maintain than a small community school). Ask your local [[Moodle_Partners|Moodle Partner]] and keep Moodle going that way too!


[[Category:FAQ]]
[[Category:FAQ]]


[[de:Was ist Moodle FAQ]]
[[de:Was ist Moodle FAQ]]
[[es:FAQ acerca de Moodle]]
[[fr:FAQ sur Moodle]]

Latest revision as of 06:45, 10 October 2016

Below is a list of general questions many educators ask about Moodle. There are also Frequently Asked Question pages for many specific Moodle tools.

Starting with Moodle

What is Moodle?

Moodle is a free online learning management system, or LMS (also known as VLE.) You can read more about Moodle here or you might find it useful to watch the video: What is Moodle? . It is suitable for all ages and all sectors. Anywhere learning takes place, Moodle can be used. It is usually used online but may also be used on an 'intranet' within your organisation.

Where is the funny name from?

The word Moodle is an acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment, which is mostly useful to programmers and education theorists. It's also a verb (in the bigger English dictionaries) that describes the process of lazily meandering through something, doing things as it occurs to you to do them, an enjoyable tinkering that often leads to insight and creativity. A sort of cross between "muse" and "doodle". As such it applies both to the way Moodle was originally developed, and to the way a student or teacher might approach studying or teaching an online course in an ongoing, iterative way. Anyone who uses Moodle is a Moodler.

How do I start using Moodle?

I just want to try it out

  • You can try Moodle's standard features on the Moodle Sandbox demo site, an empty out-of-the-box site.
  • To explore Moodle in action on a site populated with courses, activities and users, visit the Mount Orange School demo site.
  • You can obtain your own Moodle site on MoodleCloud - Moodle for Free.
  • A further way to try Moodle out is to download your own copy and install it "locally", ie, on your own computer.

(Please note that moodle.org is not the place for setting up your courses, but for finding out information and asking questions.)

I want to use Moodle as an individual or set it up for my organisation

  • You are welcome to use Moodle for Free for up to 50 users.
  • Otherwise, our MoodleCloud solution, Moodle for School is perfect for multiple classes in K-12 teaching and learning environments.
  • If you have the technical knowledge, you can download Moodle and install it on a server online.
  • A further possibility is to ask one of our Moodle Partners to host a site for you.

Do I have to be really good with technology to use Moodle?

To use Moodle, you only need the basic web browsing skills. To install it you need a little more knowledge, but guidance is provided.

Cost

How much does it cost to download and use Moodle?

By way of its GNU General Public License, Moodle is and will remain free to download and use in any way you like. Consider it free like a 'free puppy' that needs care and attention to grow, not free like a 'free beer'.

How much does it cost to run Moodle?

Nothing to install, use and change. Of course, there are costs if you have your Moodle hosted with someone, and costs associated with maintenance and training in an organisation (like any other software). But no royalties, fees or user charges.

How much does it cost to have Moodle hosted?

There are many options for hosting. Cost is usually related to services provided and capacity (eg. a university site with 10 000 users will naturally cost more to host and maintain than a small community school). Ask your local Moodle Partner and keep Moodle going that way too!

Technical queries

Do I need my own server to run Moodle?

Only if you are going to host it yourself. (See the section on 'Starting with Moodle' above.)

Can I customise a theme to make it relevant to our school?

Yes, see Themes. You can customise themes down to a single course. There are many ways to make Moodle looks great too.

Can you use Moodle from anywhere and on any device??

  • Moodle works well in all standard, modern browsers and different operating systems. If you plan to run a Moodle site, you should be aware of your audience, their typical bandwidth and web browsers.
  • Yes, if it is on a web server attached to the internet and you have a computer, mobile device or tablet. Or if it is on a web server attached to the same intranet (internal network) as a computers or tablets which need to work it. There is an official Moodle mobile app.

Can access to Moodle be restricted to just our organisation?

Yes, several ways to do this. For example, it can be installed on your school's internal network, or limit the IPs to those assigned by your school, or only manually enroll your students are just a few ways.

I've come from a school that used a different VLE/LMS. Can I transfer my stuff over to Moodle?

Some VLE/LMS-specific activities may (not) be compatible, but you can zip your content files and unzip them in Moodle.

Help and support with Moodle

How do I use Moodle?

The Moodle documentation is a good place to start. Then if you get stuck, come and ask on the Moodle Community forums.

I don't understand the terms

Moodle uses jargon words that you may be familiar with from other, non-Moodle contexts. Within Moodle, These words have specific (and potentially different) meanings, which you can read about on the page Moodle key terms

Is there an official support desk for Moodle?

Are there any good Moodle tutorials?

Where can I get Moodle training?

  • For teachers beginning with Moodle, Moodle HQ offers a free MOOC Learn Moodle which is run twice yearly.
  • A number of organisations offer training for Moodle administrators or course creators. Look for a Moodle Partner in your area for officially accredited training. You can also think of doing the Moodle Course Creator Certificate to improve your skills.

What about people with disabilities?

Moodle supports many assistive technologies such as screen-readers, screen-magnifiers, alternative mouse and key use, disabling of AJAX and JavaScript, and more. See the developer documentation Accessibility for further details.

Are there any comparisons of Moodle with other Learning Management Systems?

See the Comparisons and Advocacy forum and also Moodle buzz.

Security

How secure is Moodle?

Moodle is designed to be very secure. However, a lot depends upon the webserver, the way Moodle is setup and regular updates of the package by the Moodle Administrator.

Can Moodle get hacked into and student data stolen?

This is highly unlikely if your Moodle site has up-to-date security and the site administrator has not given away the keys. Anything is possible on any website, but Moodle makes it difficult for nasty people to cause havoc.

What if I did something wrong and accidentally broke it - could it be easily fixed?

Moodle can be backed-up at any point. If a backup was made 5 minutes before you broke it, chances are it can be fixed easily.

Is my student data safe on a cheap or free webhost?

While you do have some control of the security of a Moodle site on a free or cheap web host, the question is: How much do you trust your web host?

Can I track and search what people do and post in Moodle?

Assuming you are a teacher and it is your course, yes. Moodle Admin can do that for the entire site.

Can I backup Moodle so I don't lose things?

Yes, you can backup a Moodle site or as a teacher you can back up your course and download it (if your role permits it). With appropriate permissions, you can restore your course and/or import parts of courses elsewhere on your site or beyond.

Teaching and Learning

What is the best way to use Moodle?

The best way to use Moodle is the way which helps your students learn most efficiently. Moodle was designed on the principles of Social constructionism - see the page on Pedagogy for more information - but you do not have to use Moodle in that way if it is not appropriate to your needs.

Can Moodle be used for..... ?

The short answer is yes. Below is a list of just a few ways Moodle may be used. A dedicated forum Teaching with Moodle exists to discuss different ways of using the many Activities and Resources of Moodle to enhance your teaching.

Are there any good examples of Moodle use I can see?

Try the Mount Orange School demo, a working demonstration site full of examples for you to see and play with.

How do I share ideas and content with other Moodlers?

  • By participating in many ways, either through events, Moodle Community Forums on Moodle.org and networks elsewhere.
  • You can find and share courses and activities on our Moodle Community hub. You can download courses to use in your own site and publish course content to share with others.
  • Within your own Moodle site, you can share courses with colleagues by using the Course import or Restore features.

Can Moodle be used in different subjects?

Yes. Moodle is used in a variety of fields. Users in some subject areas may benefit further from standard or compatible third-party modules and plugins:

See also