Moodle 2.0 Improvements

Moodle 2.0 includes many major enhancements to its core feature set.

Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment (Moodle) is an open-source global development project which uses software to create Internet-based Web sites and courses. Designed to support an educational framework based on social construction, Moodle allows users to copy and modify it, as long as they continue to provide it to others and agree to maintain its original license and copyrights on derivative works.

File Handling

Moodle 2.0 features a new file picker interface which manages resources, including when used in activities. Unicode file names on all operating systems are fully supported. Metadata for files, including author, date, license, and other fields, is stored in the database. Space is saved since duplicate files are stored only once. Security has also been improved, since files will have the same contextual permissions as the activity which utilizes them.

Filters and HTML Editor

Different filters are used for specific courses, categories, or activities, in Moodle 2.0. For instance, the LaTeX filter may be turned on only for courses in the Physics and Math categories. The glossary linking at the end of a course exam could be turned off. The new HTML editor is based upon TinyMCE and works on additional browsers. The editing area is resizable, with a more streamlined XHTML output. Full integration with external repositories is configured to allow importing and embedding media into text.

Backup and restore

Moodle 2.0 improvements include a completely rewritten Backup/Restore framework. The backup feature will work with any size course, regardless of memory needed. The new backup format also features an enhanced interface. A backup may be performed for either specific activities or sections, as well as for whole courses.

Blocks

Blocks were improved in Moodle 2.0 so that they are consistently implemented on every page and may be placed on the left and right column, and top, center or bottom region of pages. As long as the theme supports it, blocks may also be forced to appear in the region below the page context or the dock area.

Blogs, Comments and Enrollment Plugins

Moodle 2.0 allows comments on each blog entry. Group-level and course-level blogs have been converted into forums. External blog feeds are supported and synchronized to the Moodle blog. User comments for glossaries, databases, blogs and other sections are displayed and handled throughout Moodle, and use AJAX, if feasible. Enrollment plugins for guests and guest accounts are supported for multiple forms, simultaneously. There is also more user control for course enrollment.

Messaging and My Moodle Page

Moodle 2.0 email includes an overview panel for controlling how messages are sent. Message output plugins include Email, Popups and Jabber. The "My Moodle" page has increased customization with blocks for relevant information. Admin may design site-wide layouts, and the "My Moodle" page has more "home page" prominence.

References

• Moodle.org: About Moodle
• Major improvements to existing core features