Moodle

I have heard of Moodle previously, but I have never checked it out for myself before now. I have already created my own class website using Weebly as a host domain, but there are functions that make Moodle preferable to the alternatives I have seen. For instance, Moodle allows for students to create profiles and leave messages on the blogs under their profiles, whereas, my current blog site does not require a log-in and students could potentially post inappropriate things without my knowledge of his/her identity. Moodle provides more than just a host for a teacher to put a calendar, submit discussion topics, and post files online. Moodle allows for an easy location for center activities within the classroom, and is open for feedback from other educators using the same Course Management System. I like using Weebly to set up my class website, but there are no easy opportunities to have an open forum with other educators about how they use the site with their students like there is with Moodle. As with most technology used in instruction, the students' readiness, interest and ability can be taken into account when creating activities via the Moodle site. For instance, having remedial, practice and extension websites available for the topics discussed in class listed by subject on the site would greatly benefit the students. By having these on the class site, students have the opportunity to differentiate on their own within the classroom. Many teachers are reluctant towards using technology within the classroom, but in reality it makes managerial tasks much simpler once the students have been modeled how to use it appropriately and effectively.