Elements of successful journaling
Journals are a means self analysis and reflection. Journaling requires students to synthesize materials, compose their thoughts, and write their opinions about specific topics. This allows instructors to build relationships with students individually. Key elements There are several key elements identified in the research for successful journaling: Identify what a journal is to you, and the …
Read MoreUsing Moodle for collaboration
Did you know it’s easy to create a collaborative environment in Moodle using several communication tools? “A bird in the hand is good, but a bird in the bush might sing,” states an old Chinese proverb. We know Moodle has collaborative tools, but how can it support student-led activities and collaboration? In addition to forums, instructors …
Read MoreTeaching class while off campus with Moodle
Did you know it’s easy to create a unit in Moodle to hold class virtually? Opportunities arise for faculty to attend/present at conferences during the term. As travel remains an important piece of teaching, holding class while off campus provides professors peace of mind that students are still learning, synthesizing and assimilating information. Creating a course …
Read MoreReal-time conversations with Moodle Chat: Part 2
I’ve always enjoyed using forms of instant messaging because it’s quick, non-invasive, and informal. Moodle chat is a type of instant messaging and is especially well-suited for short messages, unrehearsed exchanges, office hours, meetings, question and answer sessions and test-preparation. Earlier this year we posted information about using chat for synchronous communication, ideas to incorporate it into …
Read MoreReal-time conversations with Moodle Chat
Forums are the heart of communication in an online course because they provide the primary synchronous and asynchronous method for interaction. Instructors can create as many forums as needed for instruction. Chat is a secondary mode of communication, typically synchronous, which provides instant feedback. Unlike asynchronous forums that encourage learners to take time to compose thoughts …
Read MoreQuestions from our faculty about Moodle
Teaching and Learning Technologies taught an online course titled, Making the Most of Moodle. The course covered topics such as: • adding files • assignments and feedback • course communication • grades • quizzes • groups The faculty enrolled in the course had a forum they were encouraged to post questions to anonymously; facilitators responded within 24 hours. This blog post reflects a …
Read MoreThe Moodle wiki
A wiki is a collection of collaboratively authored web documents. Wikis were named from the Hawaiian term “wiki wiki” which means “very fast.” Indeed wikis are a quick method for creating content as a class, group or individual. Wikis don’t have a center of control but rather the community edits and develops content directly …
Read MoreStudents create Moodle-based treasure hunt
When most people think about using Moodle, the first word that comes to mind is probably not “fun.” But a group of Honors Fellows recently found a creative and, yes, even fun way to use the site—they employed Moodle to run the second semesterly National Treasure Scavenger Hunt for their fellow Honors students. How it began Jacquelyn Lanphear, …
Read MoreMoodle improvements for Fall 2015
Moodlerooms, Elon’s Moodle hosting provider, upgraded our Moodle installation to version 2.8 on July 9th, 2015. This upgrade included several changes and new features for the gradebook, forums, and quizzes, which are highlighted below. Gradebook improvements Improved grader report Many improvements have been made to the grade book, with the grader report now functional across all devices, including …
Read More6 tips for teaching online during Elon’s summer terms
How do you engage students without seeing them face-to-face? How does the time commitment of teaching an online course compare to teaching an in-class course? How should I communicate with my students? These questions are among the several Elon faculty members might have as they navigate the challenges of designing and teaching online courses for …
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