Moodle

Moodle is a virtual learning environment (VLE) developed as open-source. It allows to create websites and manage on-line courses.

The rationale behind the structure and functions of the resulting courses is the theory of social constructionism, which favors learning by means of interaction among the learners.

Besides being a learning management system, Moodle can also be used in training and development as well as in businesses. For example, using Meta Courses, small businesses can use this VLE to collect payments. Course Merchan, a third-party application, can solve the problem of enrolling to the site. If you use groups and permissions, it is easy to guarantee confidentiality. In addition, Moodle's wikis, forums and glossaries will help interaction among the clients. The program also allows to generate PDF documents from webpages.

Several user roles are available, which allows you to establish a set of permissions according to the kind of a user you're creating. Standard roles are manager, instructor, student and guest.

The user interface includes several features: assignment submission, discussion forum, files upload or download, grading assigments, instant messages, online calendar, online news and announcements, online quizes and wiki writing. There is also the possibilty of extending Moodle's modules by creating plugins for specific functions. Thus, the users can customize new activities, resource types, question types, data field types, graphical themes, authentication methods, enrollment methods and content filters.

I have been using Moodle for five years and I find it very useful. I have to agree that at first, some users may be reluctant to use it because no virtual learning environment is really easy to manage, but after the initial fear is overcome, most become enthusiastic about it. Moodle has helped me manage my students' learning, increasing their participation in the process and extending teaching beyond the limits imposed by time and space.