|
What
is Moodle?
|
The
Moodle course management system is an open source
system that educators can use to create online
courses. Begun in 1999, the Moodle community has
now grown so that by early June 2005 there were
about 3,500 Moodle sites in more than 100 countries
(and that counts only registered users). As of
June
2009, there are over 36,000 Moodle sites in
more than 199 countries.
- Security:
Moodle courses are secure. Each student
receives a unique login and password, and only
students that are registered in your course
can access your Moodle content. This enables
you to post copyrighted material, track which
students are accessing particular course materials,
and quiz students online. Students can have
secure access to their grades at all times,
but cannot access the grades of other students.
They can also securely submit assignments.
- Uniformity:
Students have one Moodle account for the whole
time they are enrolled at IAU, and they access
all their courses from a common portal page.
The basic navigation interface of each course
is the same, although instructors can customize
content areas. This uniformity makes using Moodle
easy for students, as the interface remains
constant from course to course.
Quick list of Moodle's features:
-
Customizable content areas
-
Course Calendar
-
Email Function: all students, all instructors,
all groups, select users
-
Course Discussion Board - Forums
-
Course Chat Room with automatic archiving of
discussions
-
Student groups
-
Assignment upload and return
-
Student Home Page
-
Integrated Instant Messaging - Quickmail
-
Online Quizzes and Surveys
-
Online Gradebook
-
Course Statistics
-
Advanced eLearning content development with
the Lesson module
|
|
|
|
Minimum
Computer Requirements
|
To
have a successful experience in IAU online courses,
the following is the minimum computer configuration
needed:
-
Internet Service Provider (ISP):
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) to allow
access to the World Wide Web (Internet).
56K or faster Internet connection is required
for online courses, however broadband is strongly
encouraged, for example DSL (Digital Subscriber
Line) or Cable)
- Software:
OS: Windows 95, Windows 98,
Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000, or Windows
XP. (NOTE: Macintoshes may work although they
are not officially supported.)
Browsers: Internet Explorer
5.5 or later; Netscape 6.1 or later; or Firefox
1.0 or later. Moodle will work with just about
any browser. However, IAU recommends the use
of Firefox. If you use MS Internet Explorer,
you may encounter problems downloading files
(such as Word or PowerPoint files) placed
in the course by your instructor. Because
of certain security weaknesses in IE, Microsoft
uses a default setting that blocks the automatic
downloading of files. The result will be a
blank white frame and an error message from
IE.
To download the latest version, click on the
browser of your preference.
Cookies and JavaScript should be enabled
in your browser.
Optional software that will facilitate
your learning experience
Plug-ins: Browsers use “plug-ins”
(mini applications installed within the browser
itself) to enable richer Web experiences.
The plug-ins listed below are the more common
applications that Web sites use; check your
online course syllabus to find out if you
will need any of the software in your course.
In case you find that you are missing a plug-in
or you want a newer version, click the linked
name of the application listed below to download
and install the free software. In all cases,
any version listed is the oldest you should
have for a successful experience; newer versions
are always acceptable.
Macromedia
Shockwave
Macromedia Flash
Apple Quick Time Video
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Windows Media Player
RealPlayer
Java
- Hardware:
(Note: These are minimum requirements.
We recommend you exceed these requirements
for a better experience. It is recommended
that the computer you use for your online
classes is for your private use. This will
help decrease technical issues.)
IBM or Compatible Computer
-
Intel Pentium 4 processor or equivalent
- 512MB
or more of RAM if using Windows 2000 or XP
- 56Kbps
modem (Broadband recommended)
- 32
MB video card
-
Hard Drive disk space. (This requirement will
vary depending on which class you are enrolled
in. The disk space is for downloading articles
and installing required plug-in software.)
- 24x
CD-ROM Drive (Some classes may provide supplemental
materials via CD's)
- Sound
card and speakers
- Printer
- Students who wish to print online resources
will need a printer with this capability.
|
|
