Moodle:Free On-line Classroom Tool

Brian PoolNational Trail Local SchoolsNew Paris, Ohio

brian_pool@nationaltrail.k12.oh.us

What is Moodle?

• Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment

• Like WebCT or Blackboard• Free, open source

software• Can be used on any

computer with Internet• May be downloaded to

your school server or hosted on outside sources

Getting Started

• Anyone can install Moodle!– No Administration Privileges

Required!– No help is needed on your

school intranet!

• Outside help is only needed for an internet server.

Basic Steps to 15 minute Moodle

• 1 - Download the apps– Moodle from Moodle.org– XAMPP from

portableapps.com • XAMPP is for a sandbox,

testing moodle, and a single class intranet for the unsupported teacher. A “real” installation needs more.

• 2 - Install the apps

Install XAMPP

• XAMPP is an integrated server package of Apache, mySQL, PHP and Perl (and more).

• Extract it and place it in the root directory of any drive.

• Start XAMPP by clicking on it.• Done with the “server”!

– This is the “hard part” of a production server installation.

Install Moodle.

• Extract Moodle and put it in the XAMPP/htdocs folder

• Make a moodledata directory in the xampp folder.

• Make the Moodle database - http://localhost/phpmyadmin

• Start the installation -http://localhost/moodle

The Moodle Install.

The Moodle Install.

Add Site info

• You are finished when you have created the main admin account and added your site information.

• You are ready to go!

Why do this?

• Moodle in general• You need a sandbox to try

things out.– New modifications– Configuration changes– Your own mods!

Benefits of Using Moodle

• Anytime, anywhere learning

• The software is FREE• Students love anything

on-line• Grade homework without

touching a single piece of paper or using printer ink!

Questions?

• Visit www.moodle.org• Try our site

– http://moodle.nationaltrail.k12.oh.us/moodle

• Call me!– Tech Coordinator disclaimer applies