Moodle

Modular Object-Oriented Dunamice Learning Environment or Moodle is an open source course management system and a software for developing internet based courses and websites. It allows schools and universities to build online learning modules.  Moodle is a great program for distance learning. It has a large and diverse learning community with over a 500 thousand users. It is used in 193 countries and translates into 75 different languages. Users have the right to use, copy, and change Moodle as long as you cite the source. It is designed to allow users to stroll through the site and participate in activities that interest them. The purpose is to lead to new insight and promote creativity. (Moodle, 2008)

The Moodle web site does say it could be used in the classroom and some districts are pushing for its use in the classroom but many think it would be more effective as a distance learning tool.  Moodle is free but schools do have to provide computers, a server, networks and training for teachers and techs to maintain the system. Blackboard is Moodles largest competitor.  However, Blackboard has all the costs previously mentioned but also has an additional software fee. (Moodle, 2008)

Using a constructivist and social constructionist approach to education, Moodle has built this system based on the idea that learners, not just teachers, can lend valuable insight to the learning experience.   It is also flexible enough to allow for several different types of teaching methods to occur. (Wikipedia, 2008)

Moodle, (2008). Retrieved December 10, 2008, from Moodle Web site: http://moodle.org/

Wikipedia (2008). Moodle. Retrieved December 10, 2008, from Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moodle