What+is+Moodle(TM)?

=​​Moodle™ = Moodle is an acronym for **__M__**odular **__O__**bject-**__O__**riented **__D__**ynamic **__L__**earning **__E__**nvironment. It is a free open-source e-learning platform. It is sometimes referred to as a Course Management System (CMS) or Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Moodle was created by Martin Dougiamas, a WebCT administrator when he was working on his Ph.D. project in 1999. The current architecture has been used since 2001, and the latest version available for download is 1.9.6.

There are currently over 30 million users enrolled in over two million courses. The purpose of Moodle™ is to help educators create online courses and instructional units which mesh technology with interactive learning opportunities. [1]

In recent years, Moodle™ has grown increasingly popular with educators worldwide. To work effectively, the software must be installed on a Web server at a school or district; however, it can also be installed on a personal computer. Many institutions are now using the Moodle™ platform to conduct online courses. Some teachers use it to supplement classroom instruction, while others use it to create courses on hobbies and interests. However, Moodle's™ dynamic features also make it a relevant tool for elementary school classrooms as well. [2]

The following presentation explains what Moodle is and highlights some of it's cool features: media type="youtube" key="WvCIv5KCbeE" height="340" width="560" Source: //Moodle Presentation// by iAlja [3]

Before signing up for Moodle, explore the [|Demonstration site] found on the [|About]page. Guest users are able to log in to the demo site as an administrator, a teacher, and a student using this link. [2]

**References**

[1] Moodle. (2009, November 20). In Wikipedia. Retrieved November 21, 2009, from [] [2] Moodle Trust. (n.d.). //About //. Retrieved November 22, 2009, from [] [3] iAlija. (2009, March 26). Moodle Presentation [Version 2.0, HD] [Video File]. Video posted to []