Moodle

PROS & CONS

What are the best aspects of this product?

I like open source software in general, but I am rarely this impressed. Moodle went beyond my expectations, because it delivers power in a balanced and logical manner.The structure is modular, the control is sound (especially by the backend admin and the developers), and all tools are in place. My IT experience gives me the confidence to claim that structures like this one are made to improve. That's exactly what I'm expecting!

What aspects are problematic or could work better?

Moodle is PHP based, so I'm a bit concerned about scalability. It has been awesome for the number of users we have, but one can only wonder what would happen if the number increased. For what I know, they have some speed issues, especially when multitasking. I wouldn't take configuration for granted either, I'm sure some of you won't like it.

What specific problems in your company were solved by this product?

We organize webinar and online courses for staff and third parties. So far, we are very satisfied with the results.

Are you a current user of this product?

Yes

PROS & CONS

What are the best aspects of this product?

I used Moodle as a student, and it honestly made my life easier. You'd say i'm a lazy student, but why would I spend time looking for something when I have a single homepage for all classes and assignments (and I could see my grades there!). I followed assignments as they turned it, and sent submissions online instead of waiting for the class. Uploading was really a piece of cake! What was really awesome was communication with teachers-we established a friendly relationship, and I felt more free to say what I thought, or to make a suggestion. I think that every school should use this system.

What aspects are problematic or could work better?

I was unable to update it. Once the semester was finished, I had to wait for classes to be automatically removed. But I can't blame Moodle for the slowdown, I think it is teachers who have to close their classes on time.There were even few cases where it proved useful, browsing for old materials, for instance.

What specific problems in your company were solved by this product?

Being a student is the best part of your life, especially when you have Moodle. Most of the time, it was mandatory to use it, but I used it with pleasure even when I didn't have to. Maybe it was my technology addiction that made me do so, I remember there were students who didn't share the same enthusiasm. For the good or the bad, education is becoming virtual, and all schools should join the flow.

Are you a current user of this product?

Yes

PROS & CONS

What are the best aspects of this product?

OK, so the pros are as follows: Online submission and grading of papers, easy set up (organization is ready in 2 weeks), creative themes, admirable storage and quick upload, admirable view on performance, and finally, solid Turntin integration (we use it to check plagiarism). The gradebook is solid, but I think there are too many unnecessary features. Interaction with students is a huge benefit.

What aspects are problematic or could work better?

That would be the gradebook, I think it is really clunky. You see only parts of the page, and you can't scroll the rows and the columns because the scrolling tool is simply not visible.

What specific problems in your company were solved by this product?

I do what every teacher would do with it, posting materials, dividing tasks, and grading. From the administrative side, I organize materials in different courses and sections, I post grades, and I send individual emails for improtant announcements. What I really like is plagiarism check, I don't need to refer to another software to do it. Students advised me to mention mobile access, I think they're fascinated by the fact that they have all information even when they're absent.

Are you a current user of this product?

Yes

PROS & CONS

What are the best aspects of this product?

I switched to Moodle from Blackboard-frankly, one of my best decisions! The Blackboard version we had was old, but the main differences are still visible. As you probably know, and LMS is either functional or not, there is no middle solution. Then, LMSs are different in terms of feature coverage, and that's what distiguishes good from great ones. Moodle is a great one (with a couple of flaws).

What aspects are problematic or could work better?

I think integration is an issue, I can't access the same number of book publishers' resources as I did on Blackboard. I wouldn't change the current features, but I'd add new ones instead: an improved PDF grading tool, commenting tools, Google Handout-like tools, or simply enough features to stop you from using third party software overall. This may sound exaggerated, but a 'Like' and a 'Comment' button like the ones on Facebook could be awesome, especially in terms of grading. You're not completely deprived from this right, you have a red and a green flag to indicate results, but up-to-date, I'm not sure whether students see this or not. I even wondered if they saw my comments, nobody responded so far. Or (just maybe) I'm one of those grumpy old teachers that students are afraid to talk to.

What specific problems in your company were solved by this product?

Maybe we would have continued using Blackboard if Moodle was not for free. However, I'm happy we didn't. It is the first time for us to have an organized platform for traditionally seated and online attended classes.

Are you a current user of this product?

Yes

PROS & CONS

What are the best aspects of this product?

Think of it as a student's dream coming true, because every student is looking for a shortcut when getting things done. You get your Moodle, and everything goes smooth, from checking schedules and receiving tasks, to submitting papers and having them scored. Education as it is, but transfered on the web, and web can definitely remember past tasks better than I do! Overall, enjoyable!

What aspects are problematic or could work better?

I'm still standing in favor of that fact that it's easy, but I can’t stop myslef from mentioning that it is slow. Maybe we're just used to light-speed social networks, still, I'm sure there is an internal problem that needs fixing. Everything else is fine.

What specific problems in your company were solved by this product?

I use it at school, that's how I follow updates and submit my papers. I'm happy to make a contribution each time I can (sharing a relevant video, for instance). I think teachers are happy because of it too.

Are you a current user of this product?

Yes