1. Kaye Bachelard Mark O’Connor
Show ‘n Tell
Focus is on how Moodle can be used to support distance learners
Kaye Bachelard
Mark O’Connor

2. Considerations for distance learners
Lots of issues to consider when developing distance courses:
‘Technical’ – hardware & software, multimedia, training, Internet access…
Legal: accessibility, copyright, intellectual property…
Practical: impact of different time zones, assessment submission, office hours…
But focus today is on how Moodle can be used to support distance learners
We’re going to be looking at Discussion Forums in Moodle
User generated content for engaging learners

3. (Why) is DL different? The VLE is where the course takes place
(Potentially) more ‘stuff’
Important for course ‘identity’
Welcome, Induction, look & feel
Need to provide/reflect the structure underpinning the course
Navigation, accessibility, consistency
DL can be isolating – VLE can provide community
Communication tools
Access Moodle: ,
Different but ideas would transfer to on-campus support Moodle sites

4. A sample ‘home page’

5. Hidden blocks, visible resources…

6. Using Moodle ‘books’

7. Summary Using Moodle to help define/reflect course structure
‘Look & feel’ important – Moodle is where the course takes place
Use of consistent icons and layout
Tools such as Moodle books used to build in ‘friendlier’ access
Further considerations: Turnitin, Reading Lists, Panopto, MyFolio…
Thank you