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'''Moodle''' is a [http://download.moodle.org/ software package] for producing Internet-based courses and web sites. It is a global development project designed to support a [[Philosophy|social constructionist]] framework of education.


Moodle is provided freely as [http://opensource.org/docs/osd Open Source] software (under the [http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html GNU General Public License]). Basically this means Moodle is copyrighted, but that you have additional freedoms. You are allowed to copy, use and modify Moodle provided that you agree to: '''provide the source to others; not modify or remove the original license and copyrights''', and '''apply this same license to any derivative work'''. Read the [[:dev:License|full license]] for details and please contact the [http://moodle.com/helpdesk copyright holder via the Moodle.com helpdesk] if you have any questions.
Moodle is a learning platform designed to provide educators, administrators and learners with a '''single robust, secure and integrated system''' to create personalised learning environments. You can [http://download.moodle.org/ download the software] onto your own web server or ask one of our knowledgeable [http://moodle.com/partners/ Moodle Partners] to assist you.


Moodle can be [[Installing Moodle|installed]] on any computer that can run PHP, and can support an SQL type database (for example MySQL). It can be run on Windows and Mac operating systems and many flavors of Linux. There are many knowledgeable [http://moodle.com/partners/ Moodle Partners] to assist you, even [http://moodle.com/hosting/ host your Moodle site].
Moodle is built by the Moodle project which is led and coordinated by [http://moodle.com/hq Moodle HQ], an Australian company of 30 developers which is financially supported by a network of over [http://moodle.com/partners 60 Moodle Partner service companies] worldwide.


The word Moodle was originally an acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment, which is mostly useful to programmers and education theorists. It's also a verb 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. As such it applies both to the way Moodle was developed, and to the way a student or teacher might approach studying or teaching an online course. Anyone who uses Moodle is a Moodler.


Come [http://moodle.org/community/ moodle with us]!
==Built for learning, globally==


===Proven and trusted worldwide===
Powering [https://moodle.org/stats/ tens of thousands of learning environments globally], Moodle is trusted by institutions and organisations large and small, including Shell, London School of Economics, State University of New York, Microsoft and the Open University. Moodle’s worldwide numbers of more than [https://moodle.net/stats/ 90 million users] across both academic and enterprise level usage makes it the world’s most widely used learning platform.
===Designed to support both teaching and learning===
With over 10 years of development guided by [[Philosophy|social constructionist pedagogy]], Moodle delivers a powerful set of learner-centric tools and collaborative learning environments that empower both teaching and learning.
===Easy to use===
A simple interface, drag-and-drop features, and [[Main page|well-documented resources]] along with ongoing usability improvements make Moodle easy to learn and use.
===Free with no licensing fees===
Moodle is provided freely as [http://opensource.org/docs/osd Open Source] software, under the [[:dev:License|GNU General Public License]]. Anyone can adapt, extend or modify Moodle for both commercial and non-commercial projects without any licensing fees and benefit from the cost-efficiencies, flexibility and other advantages of using Moodle.
===Always up-to-date===
The Moodle project’s open-source approach means that Moodle is continually being reviewed and improved on to suit the current and evolving needs of its users.
===Moodle in your language===
Moodle’s [[Language|multilingual]] capabilities ensure there are no linguistic limitations to learning online. The Moodle community has begun [[:dev:Translation|translating]] Moodle into more than 120 languages (and counting) so users can easily localise their Moodle site, along with plenty of resources, support and [https://moodle.org/course/ community discussions] available in various languages.
==All-in-one learning platform==
Moodle provides the most flexible tool-set to support both blended learning and 100% online courses. Configure Moodle by [[Advanced features|enabling or disabling core features]], and easily integrate everything needed for a course using its complete range of built-in features, including external collaborative tools such as [[Forum|forums]], [[Wiki|wikis]], [[Chat|chats]] and [[Blog|blogs]].
==Highly flexible and fully customisable==
Because it is open-source, Moodle can be customised in any way and tailored to individual needs. Its modular set up and interoperable design allows developers to [[:dev:Plugins|create plugins]] and integrate external applications to achieve specific functionalities. Extend what Moodle does by using freely available [https://moodle.org/plugins/ plugins and add-ons] - the possibilities are endless!
==Scalable to any size==
From a few students to millions of users, Moodle can be scaled to support the needs of both small classes and large organisations. Because of its flexibility and scalability, Moodle has been adapted for use across education, business, non-profit, government, and community contexts.
==Robust, secure and private==
Committed to safeguarding data [[Security|security]] and [[Privacy|user privacy]], [https://moodle.org/security/ security controls are constantly being updated] and implemented in Moodle development processes and software to protect against unauthorised access, data loss and misuse. Moodle can be easily deployed on a private secure cloud or server for complete control.
==Use any time, anywhere, on any device==
Moodle is web-based and so can be accessed from anywhere in the world. With a default mobile-compatible interface and cross-browser compatibility, content on the Moodle platform is easily accessible and consistent across different web browsers and devices.
==Extensive resources available==
Access extensive [https://docs.moodle.org/overview/ Moodle documentation] and [https://moodle.org/course/ user forums] in multiple languages, free [http://moodle.net/ content and courses] shared by Moodle users across the world, as well as hundreds of [https://moodle.org/plugins/ plugins] contributed by a large global community.
==Backed by a strong community==
The Moodle project is well-supported by an active [https://moodle.org/dev/ international community], a [https://moodle.com/hq/ team of dedicated full-time developers] and a network of certified [https://moodle.com/partners/ Moodle Partners]. Driven by open collaboration and great community support, the project continues to achieve rapid bug fixes and improvements, with [[:dev:Releases|major new releases]] every six months.  Come [http://moodle.org/community/ moodle with us] in our community forums!
<div class="content">
*[[Features]]
*[[New features|New features in {{Version}}]]
*[[Philosophy]]
*[[Philosophy]]
*[[Pedagogy]]
*[[Pedagogy]]
*[[Standards]]
*[[History]]
*[[Usage]]
*[[Usage]]
*[[Features tour]]
*[[New features|New features in 2.5]]
*[[Moodle site - basic structure]]
*[[Moodle site - basic structure]]
*[[Moodle key terms]]
*[[Moodle key terms]]
*[[About Moodle FAQ]]
</div>


==See also==
==See also==


* [[About Moodle FAQ]]
* [[:dev:Future|The future of Moodle]] (in the developer documentation)
* [[:dev:Future|The future of Moodle]] (in the developer documentation)



Latest revision as of 06:30, 5 December 2016

Moodle is a learning platform designed to provide educators, administrators and learners with a single robust, secure and integrated system to create personalised learning environments. You can download the software onto your own web server or ask one of our knowledgeable Moodle Partners to assist you.

Moodle is built by the Moodle project which is led and coordinated by Moodle HQ, an Australian company of 30 developers which is financially supported by a network of over 60 Moodle Partner service companies worldwide.


Built for learning, globally

Proven and trusted worldwide

Powering tens of thousands of learning environments globally, Moodle is trusted by institutions and organisations large and small, including Shell, London School of Economics, State University of New York, Microsoft and the Open University. Moodle’s worldwide numbers of more than 90 million users across both academic and enterprise level usage makes it the world’s most widely used learning platform.

Designed to support both teaching and learning

With over 10 years of development guided by social constructionist pedagogy, Moodle delivers a powerful set of learner-centric tools and collaborative learning environments that empower both teaching and learning.

Easy to use

A simple interface, drag-and-drop features, and well-documented resources along with ongoing usability improvements make Moodle easy to learn and use.

Free with no licensing fees

Moodle is provided freely as Open Source software, under the GNU General Public License. Anyone can adapt, extend or modify Moodle for both commercial and non-commercial projects without any licensing fees and benefit from the cost-efficiencies, flexibility and other advantages of using Moodle.

Always up-to-date

The Moodle project’s open-source approach means that Moodle is continually being reviewed and improved on to suit the current and evolving needs of its users.

Moodle in your language

Moodle’s multilingual capabilities ensure there are no linguistic limitations to learning online. The Moodle community has begun translating Moodle into more than 120 languages (and counting) so users can easily localise their Moodle site, along with plenty of resources, support and community discussions available in various languages.

All-in-one learning platform

Moodle provides the most flexible tool-set to support both blended learning and 100% online courses. Configure Moodle by enabling or disabling core features, and easily integrate everything needed for a course using its complete range of built-in features, including external collaborative tools such as forums, wikis, chats and blogs.

Highly flexible and fully customisable

Because it is open-source, Moodle can be customised in any way and tailored to individual needs. Its modular set up and interoperable design allows developers to create plugins and integrate external applications to achieve specific functionalities. Extend what Moodle does by using freely available plugins and add-ons - the possibilities are endless!

Scalable to any size

From a few students to millions of users, Moodle can be scaled to support the needs of both small classes and large organisations. Because of its flexibility and scalability, Moodle has been adapted for use across education, business, non-profit, government, and community contexts.

Robust, secure and private

Committed to safeguarding data security and user privacy, security controls are constantly being updated and implemented in Moodle development processes and software to protect against unauthorised access, data loss and misuse. Moodle can be easily deployed on a private secure cloud or server for complete control.

Use any time, anywhere, on any device

Moodle is web-based and so can be accessed from anywhere in the world. With a default mobile-compatible interface and cross-browser compatibility, content on the Moodle platform is easily accessible and consistent across different web browsers and devices.

Extensive resources available

Access extensive Moodle documentation and user forums in multiple languages, free content and courses shared by Moodle users across the world, as well as hundreds of plugins contributed by a large global community.

Backed by a strong community

The Moodle project is well-supported by an active international community, a team of dedicated full-time developers and a network of certified Moodle Partners. Driven by open collaboration and great community support, the project continues to achieve rapid bug fixes and improvements, with major new releases every six months. Come moodle with us in our community forums!

See also