Teaching with Moodle

Tips and resources for making the most of your learning management system, Moodle.

Moodle Themes

In Summer 2021, a new Moodle theme was introduced – the Fordson theme.  The Fordson theme offers an updated look along with a few features that improve efficiency from both the faculty and student perspective.  Find out more about the Fordson theme and contact us if you would like assistance with re-designing your course to take advantage of the Fordson theme features.

The Moodle Minute

The Moodle Minute is a series of short topical tutorials (5 minutes of less) covering a feature or application of Moodle that has the potential to save you time or to reach your students in a different way.  We will periodically add new Moodle Minutes to introduce some small changes you can make to your Moodle course that can have a positive impact for you and your students.

Pedagogy and the LMS

The selection of articles below are intended to provide an introduction to the use of learning management system (LMS) technology to support teaching and learning. In addition to serving as a general overview of LMS technology, these articles touch on faculty and student perspectives, critiques of the LMS, and possible alternatives to consider.

Overview
Dahlstrom, E., Brooks, D. C., & Bichsel, J. (2014). The current ecosystem of learning management systems in higher education: Student, faculty, and IT perspectives. Research report. Louisville, CO: ECAR, September 2014. CC by-nc-nd.

Brown, M., Dehoney, J., & Millichap, N. (2015). The next generation digital learning environment, a report on research. EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative paper.

Carmen, C., & Haefner, J. (2002). Mind over matter: transforming course management systems into effective learning environments. EDUCAUSE Review.

Student Perceptions

Johnson, D., Means, T., & Graff, R. (2012). Student perceptions of course management system tools: Implications for evaluation and adoption of online tools in higher education. ECAR Research Bulletin.

Al-Mahmood, R. (2012). LMS Encounters: Promises and Realities–(e) Learning for sustainable futures. Future challenges, sustainable futures, 21-35.

Lonn, S., Teasley, S. D., & Hemphill, L. (2007). What Happens to the Scores? The Effects of Learning Management Systems Use on Students’ Course Evaluations. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, April 10, 2007.

Research

Lane, L. M. (2009). Insidious pedagogy: How course management systems affect teaching. First Monday, 14(10).

Coates, H., James, R., & Baldwin, G. (2005). A critical examination of the effects of learning management systems on university teaching and learning. Tertiary education and management, 11, 19-36.

Coates, H. B. (2004). The influence of online learning systems on campus-based student engagement. In Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education, Kansas City, MO. (link to article).

Psycharis, S., Chalatzoglidis, G., & Kalogiannakis, M. (2013). Moodle as a learning environment in promoting conceptual understanding for secondary school students. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 9(1), 11-21.