Moodle is a free open-source learning management system originally created by Martin Dougiamas in 2002. It has over 45,000 registered sites used by over 20 million users worldwide. Moodle is designed to support social constructionist learning and allows students to learn from each other and their teacher. While the software itself is free, companies provide support, customization, and hosting services. Moodle's flexibility, large user community, and emphasis on education have helped it grow beyond its origins as a small open source project.

1. What’s in a name? Modular Object Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment 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 Anyone who uses Moodle is a Moodler

2. Moodle Mythbusters

3. Moodle might be fine for small schools, but it’s not powerful enough for an institution as large as mine. BUSTED CONFIRMED

4. About Moodle Is an active and evolving work in progress Started in the ‘90s, first released in 2002 Moodle.org user community Moodle.com company website Moodle Stats as of June 16, 2008: 45,271 registered sitesin 199 countries 1,985,661 Courses 20,535,286 Users 1,912,476 Teachers

5. Martin Dougiamas Background in Information Technology Began developing Moodle while working as a System Administrator for Web CT Web CT and Blackboard frustrated him “There had to be a better way” Went on to complete a Masters and PhD in education. Moodle was his thesis project. “It is crucial to me that this software be easy to use - in fact it should be as intuitive as possible. “ Martin Dougiamas

6. Moodle Architecture Designed to support a social constructionist framework of education Learning is more effective when constructing something for others to experience Students learn from each other and the teacher Moodle is not constrained by what will sell well, so the code that is developed is often at the cutting edge of educational thinking

7. Once Moodle is stable, it will be put under license. If it were any good, they’d already be charging for it. BUSTED CONFIRMED

8. Is it really free? Moodle is provided freely as Open Source software "I'm committed to continuing my work on Moodle and on keeping it Open and Free. I have a deeply-held belief in the importance of unrestricted education and empowered teaching, and Moodle is the main way I can contribute to the realization of these ideals." - Martin Dougiamas

9. Open Source The software itself is free, but the company makes money from it in other ways Server hosting Customization Users are guaranteed the right to copy, modify and redistribute the software The software is supported and updated by the company More importantly though, it’s also supported by a huge online community of enthusiasts – Moodle.org

10. There’s no documentation, training or technical support available for Moodle – you’re on your own BUSTED CONFIRMED

12. Student Feedback Student feedback has been very positive Students just “get it”

13. Faculty Feedback Overall very positive Once they get started they love it Course conversion is not easy Moodle is a mind-set shift; some handle it better than others Instructors that tend to use discussion boards, chats and group projects seem to be the most enthusiastic

14. Moodle: Layout List of Blocks 

15. Here are some of our favorite Moodle features!

16. Moodle: Participants Can filter by time since last activity. Can sort by all column headings. Displays pictures, if added to profile. Gives quick access to student’s profile & blogs. Can quickly send messages to selected students from this screen. Participants Screen 

17. Moodle: Resources & Activities Moodle gives you two types of items to add. Resources are things for students to look at or read. Activities are things for students to do. Moodle Activities  Moodle Resources

18. Moodle: Grading

19. Moodle: Reports WOW, WOW, WOW!!! Can see details about every click made. Can sort, filter and view in greater detail. Reports screen

20. Moodle: Message A hybrid between instant messaging and email If a student is online, when you send a message an instant message box alerts them to your message immediately If they are not online an email is sent You can message students in bulk from the Participants screen. A Message History log is saved of all messages you send through Moodle. Messages are automatically sent to student whenever you post grades. Incoming message

21. Moodle: Calendar Big WOW! Displayed prominently on the main course page. All due dates are auto-linked directly into the calendar. Mouse over highlighted date for more info. Students absolutely love this feature. Events can be set at the school, class, group & participant level.

22. Moodle: Glossary Your students can post glossary entries or you can restrict this privilege to instructors only. If a term in the glossary appears with-in the course, it is auto linked back to its definition. You can turn this feature on and off.