Moodle for Dummies Part 2

Moodle for Dummies

In this course we will be covering what Moodle is, how it works and how to add content to it.

Working from the handout initially, we will work our way through the different parts of a Moodle site as well as the way they are commonly structured.

Through out the session I will get you to enter into your own course different settings and content as you see fit.

You may as well make the content of your course something of interest to you, either professionally or personally (I just made a course about a No Dig Garden I developed at my childrens school, http://moodle.wwdad.net/moodle/course/view.php?id=16)

If you have any queries or questions about Moodle after the session please do not hesitate to email me - richard@wwdad.com

Kind Regards, Richard Wallace

Topic 1 - A few examples

Wipe Out Waste - http://www.wow.sa.gov.au (flash splash page)

Work Green - http://workgreen.com.au

Extension Hill - http://eh.wwdad.com.au

Wallace Web Design and Development - http://moodle.wwdad.com.au

These Moodle courses have different themes and structures, and have different purposes.

Topic 2 - Login to your Course

Ok, you have all been given a course to play with, but first we need you all to get a login.

Specific Instructions will be given as to how you will login for your particular course.

Topic 2a Overview of a Moodle Course

Let's look at how a moodle site works,

• Front page of a Moodle site,
  
• Categories, Courses and Topics,
• Content area,
• Blocks,
• Students, Teachers and Administrators,
  
• Turn Editing on.
  

Topic 3 - Get in there and add some stuff

So once you are into your course, add an overview of what your course will be about. Once you ahve "Turned Editing On" you will then see a number of small icons next to items in your moodle course.

Click the editing icon on any of these to see the options that appear.

Topic 4 - Add images

Find some images from your hard / USB drive, or the internet and insert into your page.

Its the small picture frame icon in the toolbar.

You will need to upload it to the server then insert in your page.

Topic 5 - Add a few links

Add a few links to interesting sites.

It is the "Chain Link" icon in the toolbar.

Remember to "Open a new window" if it is an external site.

Topic 6 - Resources (give users knowledge/information)

Resources are used within Moodle to give users information / knowledge about the particular learning outcome. The different types of resources by default are,

· Text page

· HTML page

· Files and web pages

· Directory

· Label

· IMS Content

These can be used very efficiently so that that front page of the course is not clogged up with content etc.

Topic 7 - Activities (Apply / Reinforce that knowledge)

Activities are used in conjunction with the resources to give users the chance to apply their learning and hopefully embed it to a greater extent than by not applying it in a practicle sense. This will depend upon your learners learning style as well as the way the facilitator is comfortable delivering.

I taught Vocational Preparation Students at TAFE and because of their low IT skills as well as literacy skills I used many “Fun”, visual activities to engage them, such as the Workcover Hotel site.

http://www.safework.sa.gov.au/show_page.jsp?id=6421

Topic 8 - Administration Settings Window

This is where you can make core changes to your Moodle course. Click on the "Settings" option in the administration menu to view the options.

The main ones to look at are,

1. Full Name,
2. Short Name,
3. Summary,
4. Format (I use Topics),
5. Number of Topics (commonly 8),
6. Guest Access.