MOODLE: Open Source Learning Platform

Repository

https://github.com/moodle/moodle

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Introduction

Moodle is a free and open-source learning management system (LMS) written in PHP and distributed under the GNU General Public License. Developed on pedagogical principles, Moodle is used for blended learning, distance education, flipped classroom and other e-learning projects in schools, universities, workplaces, and other sectors.
Source

Over the last 10 to 20 years, education and learning processes have evolved. The introduction of E-learning has caused a revolution or a paradigm shift from conventional learning methods and processes. This was borne out of the need to reduce physical labour involved in learning and increase productivity. This new learning management systems put the resources within easy reach of both the teacher and the student.

Moodle does exactly that, it is a learning management system that enables you to create a learning environment that suits you. This system can be implemented at any level of learning, from kindergarten to university.

One of the advantages of Moodle is that it is free, opensource and currently used by over 100 million people from around the world. It comes with customizable themes and a wide range of modules and features. Moodle is available is available in about 100 languages.

System Requirements and Platform

Moodle is available on Windows OS, Android OS and iOS. Almost everyone with an electronic device has at least one or more of those three operating systems.

Moodle on Android

In terms of hardware, you need a disk space of 200MB for the Moodle code. Aside from code, you would need to store teaching and learning contents, this pushes up your hard disk requirement to at least 5GB. Moodle can run on a 1Ghz processor but 2Ghz is recommended for efficient performance.
In terms of volatile memory, Moodle requires a minimum of 512 MB RAM to run but 1GB is the recommended memory requirement.

Moodle does not require much in terms of hardware except when running it on a large scale or server. The memory requirement means it can run on any modern day computer or laptop.

Price and Alternatives

The first version of Moodle was released about 17 years ago on 20 August 2002. Moodle is not the only one in the business of providing learning management services. It has other competitors to wrestle the competitive learning management system network. These competitors include Absorb LMS, Axis LMS, DigitalChalk Corporate LMS, Edmodo LMS, Litmos LMS among others

Moodle comes in different packages, a free version and three other plans. The free Moodle comes with a limitation of 50 users and 200 MB of file uploads. The free version can be used for an unlimited period of time. Other features in the free version include a mobile app, unlimited activities, customized account, video and screen-sharing and immediate product upgrades.

The paid version is divided into three; The mini-plan, the small plan and the medium plan.
The mini-plan can accommodate 100 users and costs $190.
The small plan can accommodate 200 users, 400 MB of file uploads and costs $380.
The medium plan can accommodate 500 users, 1 GB of file uploads and costs $760.

Features

• Moodle operates a free and open source price model
• Quizventure: a feature that adds flavour to how students take quizzes. It adds games to how students learn, this is known as gamification.
• Checkpoint: where students can see their progress and move in levels
• Word count for writing essays and assignments.
• Attendance tracking to see checkmate absentees.
• Mobile learning: students can access learning materials via their mobile devices
• Moodle also offers employee training where companies can put new employees through a course about the company and their values.
• Synchronous and Asynchronous learning: depending on your needs, students might be required to view learning materials at the same time or at different times. You can adjust the setting to best suit you.

Conclusion

Moodle is a good learning management system but is only suitable for small scale implementation. The maximum number of users is 500. It has an active community which offers help and support to users on products and upgrades.