At Moodle, we strive to provide the best tools for educators across the globe. In this article some recommended teaching practices that can be achieved in e-learning environments. The Mount Orange Moodle demo site allows you to experience these concepts with pre-populated course content, which you can view as a teacher or as a student. Simply log in here.
1. Presenting information in a clear and logical manner
The Book activity does just that, with chapters to easily organise and view information. Books can be easily viewed on mobile devices with the ability to add and edit content. This way of adding content provides greater organisation and flexibility than a long list of uploaded documents. Check it out here.
Keeping assignment materials together can be done by providing supporting documents with assignment instructions, a new feature in 2.8. See an assignment with attached documents.
2. Using peer learning to share knowledge, ideas and experience
Peer learning encompasses a broad range of activities. One key activity to encourage this is the Forum activity. Try one here. Now in 2.8, students can subscribe to individual forum discussions. Also, be notified of new forum activity with the new Event Monitor feature. In the Workshop activity, students assess the submissions of others and can self-assess too. This has involves students in the assessment process and encourages higher-order thinking. See a Workshop activity.
3. Give students a say in what they learn
The Choice activity provides students with a voting option that may be used for selecting their next module of study. Use a Choice activity. Moodle’s conditional activities features let you control the visibility of course activities according to student preferences. See an example
4. Motivate students by building learning together
Working side-by-side with students can increase their investment in an activity. Building collaborative Database and Glossary activities creates course content for you while helping students work together. See examples of Database and Glossary activities. A Wiki can be edited by several students to create a collaborative document. See a Moodle Wiki.
5. Spark interest with recognition and reward
Motivating students achievement is easy with badges. Awarded at regular intervals during the course, badges can be a quick fix for encouraging learners along the way. See badges in action.
6. Even and consistent grading for students
The use of rubrics can help with consistency and using blind marking can remove bias. Check it out here. Now in 2.8 you can easily add and move quiz questions to create automatically graded assessments. See an example quiz.
Happy Moodling!
