Welcome to our new series, Made with Moodle. Every month, we spotlight someone using the Moodle platform in creative, impactful ways. Have a story of your own? We’d love to hear it!
“At 72 years old, I decided it was time to give back.”
Luis Rios spent decades working in the pharmaceutical industry after beginning his career as a chemistry instructor at Miami Dade College. Now, he’s returning to his roots – education – with a bold vision: to teach science online to learners in his home country of Nicaragua, using MoodleCloud.
“I was born in Nicaragua. I want to teach there – from here. That’s the beauty of online learning.”
From his home in South Florida, Luis is developing Moodle-based science modules and offering them to universities across Central America. “They say science is hard to teach online,” he says, “but I’m trying to convince them – because I know it’s possible.”
He’s already teaching a small group of students in Costa Rica, and one of his most enthusiastic learners is his 10-year-old grandson.
“He asked me to teach him quantum physics and string theory. So I built a module. Now I have 12 family members enrolled. My grandson studies before class – he’s amazing.”
Luis uses MoodleCloud to bring science to life with a mix of multimedia tools, labs, and gamified content. He integrates simulations, virtual reality labs, and platforms like Edpuzzle to create interactive lessons that are anything but passive.
“I don’t just want to talk at my learners. Moodle helps me relate everything to real life. Information means nothing if you don’t relate it to something in real life, your daily life.”
He estimates he’s spent over 100 hours learning Moodle on his own – taking courses through Moodle Academy, building lessons, and experimenting with different tools.
“It’s more than a platform. It teaches you how to teach – how to know your students and yourself.”
Though the learning curve was steep at times, Luis says MoodleCloud’s wide range of tools makes it all worth it.
“I use forums, quizzes, URLs, YouTube embeds, lesson plans – at least 10 or 12 tools. I used to get confused, but now I know which ones to use. They’re so flexible, and once you learn them, you can adapt them to any kind of lesson.”
While no university has officially adopted his courses yet, Luis is hopeful. He’s presented sample modules to institutions in Nicaragua and is ready to travel and stay there for a few months if that’s what it takes to get things off the ground.
“I still work a day job, but at night, I’m building this. Because I can’t throw away 40 years of experience. I have to give it to someone. This is how I give back.”
