14 ways to engage learners with Moodle

Moodle is an easy to use open source learning management system. My Learning Space can help you squeeze more juice from your Moodle. Here’s 20 ways you can use Moodle to engage your learners.

1. Graphic design principles in Moodle: use labels and HTML editor to create a clickable section
2. Integrating social media in Moodle: doing this invites your learners to engage with your course, to network with their peers and instructor, and to retain information.
3. Using Wiki in Moodle: collaboration tools such as wiki’s are a great way for learners to share and build on knowledge — a particularly useful tool for adult learners as they like to share their experience.
4. Blogging in Moodle: asking your learner to write a weekly self-reflective blog is an excellent way to enhance engagement – ask learners to post best practices or any lessons learnt nuggets.
5. Recognise achievement by awarding badges of achievement: this is a good technique for adult learners. By recognising learner’s achievement, you are encouraging learners to create and share engaging content.
6. Consider using Google Docs: upload a Google document in Moodle and create a live document learners can collaborate and work on as part of assessment.
7. Add an activity in Moodle: the Lessons module in Moodle is one of the best tools you can use to add an activity for your learners. This can enable learning and assessment through sequential learning, self-directed learning and assessment.
8. Don’t forget about video or linking to video from YouTube. By integrating or linking to video you can transform dry learning material into interesting and engaging content. Read our Using video in e-learning article for extra information.
9. Check knowledge with Moodle Feedback. L&D professionals can track learner’s knowledge by integrating Moodle Feedback; in doing this you get a good overview of overall learner understanding and competency.
10. Add RSS Blog Feeds to your course: a superb tool for just-in-time knowledge. Staff will be able to access new and updated content as and when they need it.
11. Create an inclusive atmosphere online: ask students to post a profile photo with a biographical note. Include an icebreaker such as naming which part of the country you are working from, if working virtually.
12. Provide a supportive learning environment by offering real time support and instruction through Skype.
13. Make resources available by embedding slideshare into Moodle; learners can access your slide deck as and when needed to improve work performance.
14. Add a Glossary or Term entry tool; by adding such a tool to your Moodle course, you ensure that learners engage with others and retain new knowledge they can apply to the job.

My Learning Space has many tutorials on our YouTube channel on how to engage learners through Moodle. Check out our Getting Social with Moodle video.

By encouraging learners to engage and experience Moodle together you’re ensuring that learners are not simply engaging with the computer but you are facilitating an active learning community within your organisation.