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May 2007

May 01, 2007

http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=19&rid=803





Type: Web article

From: Steve Ryan, LSE

Published: 30 April 2007



Following a year of evaluation, the London School of Economics and Political Science has decided to adopt Moodle as its Virtual Learning Environment.

We believe Moodle has many advantages for both staff and students and these were clearly flagged up during our pilots. They include:


  • Easier to use (for both staff and students); courses can be developed and updated much more easily than WebCT.

  • More powerful and flexible with a range of new features including learning journals, blogs and wikis that can be used for teaching

  • Much greater flexibility over ways in which courses are organised: you can choose to organise your course on a weekly basis (probably the most common option) but also by topic or around a discussion board.

  • It also has much greater control and flexibility over who can be given permission to access the course.

  • More flexible discussion tools.

A key advantage of Moodle, is that as it is an open source system, it can be developed and customised in ways in which the School wants. Completely new tools and features can be added and we can share features developed elsewhere. The Open University for example, since its adoption of Moodle has developed a number of important new features and these are made freely available to the rest of the Moodle community.




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Keywords: buzz, moodle, news

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May 03, 2007

http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=47406&parent=31

by Jenene Cook.  

Looking for Moodle Moot NE 2007 - any plans?

Keywords: conferences, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

May 04, 2007

http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=70184&parent=31

by kathleen covey.  

HOw can I regiister and where exactly are you located.  I am in Scranton PA.


Thanks.


Kathleen Covey

Keywords: conferences, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=70184&parent=31

by Alan Taylor.  

Kathleen,
You can go to: http://www.ettc.net/conference/ and register there. The college is located about 20 minutes from Atlantic City.
Thanks for your interest!
Alan

Keywords: conferences, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?forum_id=692662

I keep forgetting to post news here so I'm posting this a bit late: Moodle 1.8 is released!

For the full release announcement see: (0 comments)

Keywords: moodle, news, sourceforge

Posted by Moodle News | 2 comment(s)

http://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?forum_id=692662

I keep forgetting to post news here so I'm posting this a bit late: Moodle 1.8 is released!

For the full release announcement see: (0 comments)

Keywords: moodle, news, sourceforge

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?forum_id=692663

Sourceforge have disabled the anonymous CVS service for our project because of some performance problems on their server. (Developers are unaffected).

As a result those of you trying to access anonymous CVS will see an error. (0 comments)

Keywords: moodle, news, sourceforge

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?forum_id=692663

Sourceforge have disabled the anonymous CVS service for our project because of some performance problems on their server. (Developers are unaffected).

As a result those of you trying to access anonymous CVS will see an error. (0 comments)

Keywords: moodle, news, sourceforge

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

May 05, 2007

http://moodletraining.blogspot.com/2007/03/project-leon.html

Starting Monday 12th March ULCC are running London's first Online Conference looking at Web2 Technologies supporting 'personalisation' called LEON (London e-Learning Online Network). There are a number of strands to this project,and my own here at Bromley is looking to the potential of Second Life, where students can share a 3D space and presence in real time. The current project features a library with access for individual or group study, links to web sites, pod casts, movies, documents and virtual page turning books. Presentations and lectures can be delivered to groups or individuals using white boards, media players all delivered by the lecturer. The potential improvements for social engagement above that offered by the more usual first world experience of synchronous, asynchronous chat and forum seem boundless. If you are interested in joining us the go to the website and contact Philip Butler for enrollment details.

Keywords: moodle, moodlejournal, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

May 07, 2007

http://moodletraining.blogspot.com/2007/05/thinking-about-your-vle.html

If like us here at Bromley College you have been deploying a VLE, then like me you may be wondering after having structured courses with all kinds of content from Word files to podcasts, where the technology is moving and what the outcomes have been. If you are thinking along these lines, then you will be interested in the findings of the JISC funded projects that are about to enter their second phase, you can find the site here. I read a summary in the May 2007 edition of Cilip Update, which seemed to promote the conclusion of student preference for social networking over pure VLE, with the suggestion that educators are becoming concerned about the future of the traditional VLE. For my part I have no real evidence that this is the case, have you, please feel free to post.

Keywords: moodle, moodlejournal, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

May 10, 2007

http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=71213&parent=31

by Peter Sereinigg.  


1st virtual Discussion on Friday, 18thof May 2007, 3 pm to 4 pm
at the first Slovenia Moodle - Conference in Koper!


Virtual Presentation/Moderation
as a tool for Discussion and Communication


“Communications knows neither timenor space”


Theexchange of information affects our daily business to an increasing degree. Independence, concerningtime and place, is needed when it comes to meet business partners and toachieve special aims with them. The panacea “virtual communication” was createdand technical progress brought a lot of new technologies in order to cover allchallenges. Though new hard- and softwaredevelopments are released each year, businesspeople still travel thousands of kilometres by plane and car. It seems that e-mail,messenger and co. still aren’t good enough to satisfy our economic needs.


Ourexperience has shown that these problems aren’t caused by the ability to handlea single technology, but by the ability to choose and combine the rightsynchronous and asynchronous virtual tools for a particular setting. Formeeting the challenge of this subject matter, act2win Consulting GmbH and theirpartners successfully place emphasis on virtual presentations to demonstrateand discuss the combination of various tools.


This kindof presentation method should now be accessible for the whole moodle community.


In therun-up of the 4th international Austrian moodle conference, on the13th and 14th of Sptember 2007, at Campus 02 in Graz,act2win Consulting organizes German-, as well as English-speaking discussionsfor anyone who is interested. During the conference we will have international,virtual round tables as well as virtual contributions from all over the world.


By nowthese short (about one hour) informal meetings should help us to try on newpossibilities of communication, to discuss and to enforce exchange opinions oncurrent topics. Why not additionally establishing a virtual regular’s table?One, who offers more than a forum and email. One, who complements moodle.organd bridges the gap between conferences.


Discussion, Presentation, Whiteboard,
Picture sharing, Screen sharing, Voting, etc.


Auditoryand visual realization, easy handling and (in large parts) open sourcecharacter are earmarking for those methods.


Some basic information could be found at: http://www.act2win.com/fileadmin/www.sereinigg.at/dateien/downloads/act2win-eCommunication-en_.zip



The 1st virtual discussion for moodle.orgis organized by act2win Consulting Gmbh:


Virtual Presentations/Moderation
as a tool for Discussion and Communication


“Communications knows neither timenor space”



  • When? Friday, 18thof May 2007 , 3 pm to 4 pm

  • Where? Wherever you want (at home, at theoffice,…)!

  • Content: methodology and requirementsof/for emoderation; presentationsoftware – acquaintance and application, whiteboard,screen sharing, discussion of current topics

  • Who can attend? Everyonewho is interested in the following topics:

  • ▪ Virtuality ▪ eCommunities ▪ Presentation ▪Learning platform(s) ▪ Communicationculture

  • Its a test, to use this more frequently for informationtransfer!




Andeverybody who wants to get to know a bit of emoderation and who wants to workwith it AND who applies on time!


Costs? It is FREE – just one hourof curiosity and pleasure in experimentation


Requirements? - Internet browser with a currentflash-plugin >=8 or 9!!! (for testing use: http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/about/ )


- Headset (or justloudspeakers for listening)


- Skype (newestversion as audiobackup)


Howto continue: LogIn details and adetailed description will be sent to all registered participants


Registration for the 1st virtual meeting online at:
http://meet.act2win.com/koper/
(50 participants at the most)

Attention: who registers and does not sign off ( ps@act2win.com) early enough (3 days in advance) in case of being prevented pays 10€ to the moodle – developer voluntarily smile


If you have questions concerning the requirements please contact:


· melanie.waltritsch@act2win.com


· ps@act2win.com





We arelooking forward to your participation as well as to exciting and informativepresentations and discussions. Let us make a difference!


Best regards from Austria,


Peter Sereinigg, Kathrin Lind& the act2win team


Nextpresentations and discussions: The topics of the next meetingswill be attuned to needs and interests of the community, but will be publishedin time. If there are any questions please contact: ps@act2win.com (Skype: pser2000)



  • 25th of May 2007(German): 2ndvirtual discussion for the German-speaking area – prospective topic: Moodle 1.8– What’s new!



  • 1st of June 2007(English) 2ndvirtual discussion for English-speaking participants – prospective topic:Moodle 1.8 – What’s new!


Furtherdiscussions will be made depending on the enthusiasm!

Keywords: conferences, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=19&rid=818





Type: Web article

From: Lori Cheezem

Published: 11 May 2007



Based on a year-long analysis of Idaho State University's (ISU) needs and an evaluation of several Learning Management Systems (LMS), ISU has decided to adopt a new system to replace WebCT, our current LMS. The new system, called Moodle, is currently in operation in the Instructional Technology Resource Center.

In addition to supporting the use of “traditional” online content and activities in an intuitive, effective fashion, Moodle also offers a wide array of features to support innovative pedagogical techniques. In particular, Moodle excels at providing student-centered, active learning activities.




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Keywords: buzz, moodle, news

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http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=19&rid=818





Type: Web article

From: Lori Cheezem

Published: 11 May 2007



Based on a year-long analysis of Idaho State University's (ISU) needs and an evaluation of several Learning Management Systems (LMS), ISU has decided to adopt a new system to replace WebCT, our current LMS. The new system, called Moodle, is currently in operation in the Instructional Technology Resource Center.

In addition to supporting the use of “traditional” online content and activities in an intuitive, effective fashion, Moodle also offers a wide array of features to support innovative pedagogical techniques. In particular, Moodle excels at providing student-centered, active learning activities.

View the written report on Moodle.






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Keywords: buzz, moodle, news

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May 11, 2007

http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=71213&parent=31

by Peter Sereinigg.  

There are some open questions about the "Virtual meetings".


  • Its done from the First MoodleMoote in Koper/Slovenia (18th may), but dealing with eModeration (showing possiblities)

  • Its free

  • you just need a headset and a browser with a flash plugin

  • you have to register for free at http://meet.act2win.com/koper/

  • will be happen at 18th of May, 3-4 pm Vienna time

  • We have to limitate the participants at that time with maximum 50!

  • Therefore - if you would like to see, how easy eModeration may be, "register" and take part

More informations:
http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=71213

Peter Sereinigg

Keywords: conferences, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=71213&parent=31

by Peter Sereinigg.  

There are some open questions about the "Virtual meetings".


  • Its done from the First MoodleMoote in Koper/Slovenia (18th may), but dealing with eModeration (showing possiblities)

  • Its free

  • you just need a headset and a browser with a flash plugin

  • you have to register for free at http://meet.act2win.com/koper/

  • will be happen at 18th of May, 3-4 pm Vienna time

  • We have to limitate the participants at that time with maximum 50!

  • Therefore - if you would like to see, how easy eModeration may be, "register" and take part

More informations:
http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=71213

Peter Sereinigg

Keywords: conferences, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=20967&parent=31

by Enrique Wintsch.  

Y donde esta el documento?


mmmm?


Creo que no paso la pruba wink



Saludos


Enrique

Keywords: conferences, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=20967&parent=31

by Enrique Wintsch.  

Y donde esta el documento?


mmmm?


Creo que no paso la pruba wink



Saludos


Enrique

Keywords: conferences, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

May 16, 2007

http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=71624

by Martin Dougiamas.  

We are looking for a new PHP developer to work with us full-time on location here at Moodle HQ in Perth, Western Australia.



If you know someone who might be interested, or who might know someone who might be interested please let them know!



Strong PHP skills and good web design are definitely required to succeed in this role. You will need a high degree of self-motivation but will have the support of a knowledgeable team in Perth as well as a fun international developer community. A solid understanding of Moodle architecture will be viewed favourably.



RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Write high quality PHP code conforming to Moodle guidelines
  • Unit testing
  • Reviewing peer code
  • Investigate and resolve bugs
  • Participate in planning and design sessions (online and offline)
  • Escalate issues when appropriate


ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Min 3 years experience working in a development environment
  • Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent commercial experience
  • Ability to operate with minimal supervision
  • Ability to complete tasks to deadline
  • Ability to work as a member of a team
  • Good communication


TECHNICAL SKILLS
  • Very strong PHP programming skills
  • Good knowledge of XHTML Strict 1.0 and CSS
  • Good knowledge of MySQL and/or PostgreSQL
  • Good knowledge of Linux system administration
  • Familiarity with using the UNIX shell
  • Javascript and AJAX experience would help





Interested? Please send your resumé with cover letter to jobs@moodle.com !

Keywords: moodle, news, official

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=71624

by Martin Dougiamas.  

We are looking for a new PHP developer to work with us full-time on location here at Moodle HQ in Perth, Western Australia.



If you know someone who might be interested, or who might know someone who might be interested please let them know!



Strong PHP skills and good web design are definitely required to succeed in this role. You will need a high degree of self-motivation but will have the support of a knowledgeable team in Perth as well as a fun international developer community. A solid understanding of Moodle architecture will be viewed favourably.



RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Write high quality PHP code conforming to Moodle guidelines
  • Unit testing
  • Reviewing peer code
  • Investigate and resolve bugs
  • Participate in planning and design sessions (online and offline)
  • Escalate issues when appropriate


ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Min 3 years experience working in a development environment
  • Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent commercial experience
  • Ability to operate with minimal supervision
  • Ability to complete tasks to deadline
  • Ability to work as a member of a team
  • Good communication


TECHNICAL SKILLS
  • Very strong PHP programming skills
  • Good knowledge of XHTML Strict 1.0 and CSS
  • Good knowledge of MySQL and/or PostgreSQL
  • Good knowledge of Linux system administration
  • Familiarity with using the UNIX shell
  • Javascript and AJAX experience would help





Interested? Please send your resumé with cover letter to jobs@moodle.com !

Keywords: moodle, news, official

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

May 19, 2007

http://moodletraining.blogspot.com/2007/03/vles-and-poor-attendance.html

I was surprised by the concerns expressed in the recent HE Forum about VLE’s leading to reduced attendance. And so an emailed was circulated to a national list, not by myself I must add, to see if this is generally seen as a problem. The responses indicate the opposite. You will find a link here to some of the responses that you may find useful. The question posted was:- Using a VLE might lead to a reduction in attendance. Does anybody on the list have to deal with this worry? Is it true? How do you counter it? Please feel free to inform us of your own views on this subject by replying to this post.


Keywords: moodle, moodlejournal, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

May 20, 2007

http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=68390&parent=32

by Olga Trusova.  

Hello Jon,

Thanks for posting these. Unfortunately, I was not able to listen to the audio since couple of the links to the audio files I clicked on pointed to no-existing files and resulted in error pages.

-Olga

Keywords: conferences, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=68390&parent=32

by Olga Trusova.  

Hello Jon,

Thanks for posting these. Unfortunately, I was not able to listen to the audio since couple of the links to the audio files I clicked on pointed to no-existing files and resulted in error pages.

-Olga

Keywords: conferences, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

May 21, 2007

http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=232&parent=550

by Laura Dewis.  

In the run up to Adult Learners Week in the UK we have added over 500 hours of new study materials to the OpenLearn site.

The 43 units of study are spread across nine subject areas: Arts & History, Business & Management, Education, IT & Computing, Mathematics & Statistics, Science & Nature, Society and Study Skills & Language Learning. They include:

Start Writing Fiction – a practical introduction to writing fiction, this course teaches basic narrative strategies while learners practise plot and story-structure, character creation, place, and voice;

Climate Change – in addition to covering the science that underpins climate and its variation, this topic addresses some of the issues arising when science impinges on the ‘real’ world of politics and economics;

Identity in question – looks at who we are, and how we define this: are notions of ‘Britishness’ and national identity, gender, class, race and ethnicity are as relevant today as ever? Or have changes in the home, the workplace, and society at large made these distinctions meaningless?

This week also sees the launch of MSG instant messaging in the LearningSpace. This will allow learners to identify when others studying the same material are online and will enable registered learners to support each other and discuss the study materials using text chat. MSG Presence Maps show where learners are based geographically, enabling learning groups to form locally and perspectives to be shared around the world. There are over 30,000 users from 160 countries currently registered on OpenLearn.

More information on MSG instant messaging can be found in the Quickstart Guide.

Keywords: moodle, news, openlearn

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=232&parent=550

by Laura Dewis.  

In the run up to Adult Learners Week in the UK we have added over 500 hours of new study materials to the OpenLearn site.

The 43 units of study are spread across nine subject areas: Arts & History, Business & Management, Education, IT & Computing, Mathematics & Statistics, Science & Nature, Society and Study Skills & Language Learning. They include:

Start Writing Fiction – a practical introduction to writing fiction, this course teaches basic narrative strategies while learners practise plot and story-structure, character creation, place, and voice;

Climate Change – in addition to covering the science that underpins climate and its variation, this topic addresses some of the issues arising when science impinges on the ‘real’ world of politics and economics;

Identity in question – looks at who we are, and how we define this: are notions of ‘Britishness’ and national identity, gender, class, race and ethnicity are as relevant today as ever? Or have changes in the home, the workplace, and society at large made these distinctions meaningless?

This week also sees the launch of MSG instant messaging in the LearningSpace. This will allow learners to identify when others studying the same material are online and will enable registered learners to support each other and discuss the study materials using text chat. MSG Presence Maps show where learners are based geographically, enabling learning groups to form locally and perspectives to be shared around the world. There are over 30,000 users from 160 countries currently registered on OpenLearn.

More information on MSG instant messaging can be found in the Quickstart Guide.

Keywords: moodle, news, openlearn

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

May 23, 2007

http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=19&rid=826





Type: Web article

From: Amanda Watson-Smiles

Published: 4 April 2007







Added to this database by:

Keywords: buzz, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=19&rid=826





Type: Web article

From: Amanda Watson-Smiles

Published: 4 April 2007







Added to this database by:

Keywords: buzz, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=19&rid=827





Type: Web article

From: Royal Roads University

Published: 23 May 2007



For the past 18 months the team at Royal Roads University has been busy rolling out university courses onto the Moodle platform, moving from in-house software in stages. They've transferred the last course which means the entire calendar is now being offered on Moodle.

RRU have created their own look to match learning objectives and are eager to show and talk about it with colleagues and others.


Have a look!




Added to this database by:

Keywords: buzz, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=19&rid=827





Type: Web article

From: Royal Roads University

Published: 23 May 2007



For the past 18 months the team at Royal Roads University has been busy rolling out university courses onto the Moodle platform, moving from in-house software in stages. They've transferred the last course which means the entire calendar is now being offered on Moodle.

RRU have created their own look to match learning objectives and are eager to show and talk about it with colleagues and others.


Have a look!




Added to this database by:

Keywords: buzz, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

May 24, 2007

http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=19&rid=829





Type: Web article

From: Julie Bryce

Published: 23 May 2007



This article gives a brief overview of Moodle features and a video about
Durham Academy's pioneering use of Moodle in middle school science classrooms.




Added to this database by:

Keywords: buzz, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=19&rid=829





Type: Web article

From: Julie Bryce

Published: 23 May 2007



This article gives a brief overview of Moodle features and a video about
Durham Academy's pioneering use of Moodle in middle school science classrooms.




Added to this database by:

Keywords: buzz, moodle, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

May 28, 2007

http://moodletraining.blogspot.com/2007/03/vle-project-2-completed.html

Going by the transactions from the latest learning trial using Moodle, here at Bromley I feel certain that I will be looking at another successful outcome. There were 23 students taking part of which only 16 eventually completed the project and between them accounted for over 12,000 transactions in four weeks. For all those who did manage to stay the course, I presented feedback assessment for collaboration, and there is without doubt overwhelming support from them as well as a sense of achievement. However for students who’s engagement / attendance proved patchy before the project, the new approach seemed to be of little positive influence.

Keywords: moodle, moodlejournal, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodletraining.blogspot.com/2007/01/learning-in-virtual-world.html

Just lately a lot of my time has been taken up with Second Life, if you have yet to try virtual worlds then let me recommend the experience. My principle reason for the whole venture is to see how this new semi-immersed virtual reality can be utilised for teaching and learning, even as an extension to our continuing work with Moodle. On Saturday 17th of Feb at 5pm I will begin hosting some presentation trials that will be looking at the Linden Script, that’s the language in SL, and comparing it with other main stream computer languages. So if you are free around that time and would like to come over for a short and small class and supply us with some feedback in another reality just click here and I will look forward to seeing you.

Keywords: moodle, moodlejournal, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodletraining.blogspot.com/2007/01/video-beats-audio-star.html

At the start of this term decided to try using my PDA to record parts of my lectures, and these recording are in range of 3 to 4 minutes. The particular course that I selected for this is my High Level Programming for level 4 students, and to date I have made about 40 recordings. But I thought I would tryout something of an experiment by making these recording available in two forms, one being a straightforward mp3, while the other would feature a speaking CrazyTalk avatar. Although the speech content of the two media are identical, the CrazyTalk avatar version has attracted almost twice the number of viewings!

Keywords: moodle, moodlejournal, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodletraining.blogspot.com/2006/12/using-moodle-to-deliver-self-fi

I am hopeful that Moodle here at bromley College will begin to fulfil a commercial role following an enquiry the other day from company who required a course in Website Design for one of their employees. I have been running a very successful self financing course “HTML and JavaScript for Website Designers” for some time now, however it does require a minimum of 12 students to be viable, with the next one likely to start in January. This timescale was however too long, and I was asked if it could be run as a distance learning package, well maybe if I ran it through Moodle. As this will effectively be a trial, I have given the course for free in return for a comprehensive feedback and review. In fact when the boss came along to lookover the set-up, he signed himself up as well. The course can now run at the pace of the students, they will provide me feedback via the Journal, have access to resources using Block Folders, submit completed exercises as Assignments and keep in touch using Forums and Chat. Hey I may even be able to use Second-Life!!! I’ll let you know how it goes.

Keywords: moodle, moodlejournal, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodletraining.blogspot.com/2006/11/podcast-or-videocast-which-do-y

Do you podcast you lectures? . I have started this in a small way but from the system logs the results were not encouraging. Anyway I started to give the whole idea some serious thought recently. From my own perspective, if am driving or travelling on public transport, then yes I would listen to a podcast, however if was sat in front of a computer, then I would appreciate something more visual. The feasibility of videoing and editing a whole lecture on a regular basis would for me be unrealistic. But do you really need the whole lecture, well no, and all I record usually are selected parts in audio using my PDA. Anyway I decided to pop one of my audio tracks into one of CrazyTalks avatars, the result, good, judging from the Moodle logs, the media is definitely getting a better response. If you would like to take a look just click here. Please feel free to feedback on your own experiences by posting to this blog.

Keywords: moodle, moodlejournal, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodletraining.blogspot.com/2006/11/free-learning-resources-from-ou

ou logo free and open educational resources
If like myself you are always on the lookout for some quality e-Learning materials, then you simply have to take a look at the Open Universities Moodle site OpenLearn. The resources here are free to use and are of an excellent quality, well done OU.

Keywords: moodle, moodlejournal, news

Posted by Moodle News | 0 comment(s)

http://moodletraining.blogspot.com/2006/11/time-for-second-life.html

Shimmer island Just recently I decided that the time had come to put my money where my enthusiasm was, so I upgraded my membership in Second Life and bought some land and see how it could be used in conjunction with my work on Moodle. In fact I bought a small island from diddster.com, these are really nice properties and the company extremely helpful. In fact the whole experience was a bit surreal, as I had to leave my wife cruising around Diddsters Daydream island complex, made more stressful for her as she had not used Second life before, looking for a vacant plot and making the purchase. While all this was happening I was watching through a colleague’s avatar at work (Whoops), keep that bit to yourself. Anyway Jinxster of Diddster turned up and gave some very timely advice and we all had an extremely useful three way conversation. I have since acquired a building for my island (Shimmer Island) and begun accumulating some tools; whiteboard and media player, both of which were actually free. If you click on my island thumb nail at the top of this post, you will get a bigger picture.
Anyway I am off to my alternative reality now, but do stay tuned to see how things go.

Keywords: moodle, moodlejournal, news

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http://moodletraining.blogspot.com/2006/11/value-added-moodle.html

Keen as I always am to make use of our vle for course delivery, I am also very keen to find evidence on its effectiveness with regard to student outcomes. One of the courses that see particularly heavy use of the vle here at Bromley is my BTEC National Software Development. Just the other day I am informed that it has attracted highest Value Added in the country for this course, wow. How much of that is due to the vle, difficult to say, but I was asked to put my views in writing; 50 words! Anyway here is my response. We have an experienced subject specialist team delivering a wide range of software technologies that include VBA, VB6, C, Java, HTML, JavaScript, CSS, PHP and SQL, and find attracts motivated students with an ambition for Software Development.
Our adoption and increasing use of the Moodle vle has further allowed us to explore a variety of teaching methods, that facilitate our students the opportunity for personalisation, to extend their learning beyond the traditional physical boundaries and time constraints of class based lectures.
A bit Just a tad more that 50.

Keywords: moodle, moodlejournal, news

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http://moodletraining.blogspot.com/2006/10/second-life-from-dartmouth.html

I have just looged out of the first Second Life conference for teachers, I think. I got into the conference from a French restaurant in Dartmouth via rather a weak wifi signal, in fact I am Blogging from here still. There were plenty of people and some interesting proposals for future projects, its all looking extremely promising, all in all a great show. Well done Optimus Paul.

Keywords: moodle, moodlejournal, news

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http://moodletraining.blogspot.com/2006/10/google-for-educators.html