Learning Management Systems

Moodle Intros Full Support for Competency-Based Ed

• By Rhea Kelly
• 05/23/16

Open source learning platform Moodle today released version 3.1, which introduces new features for competency-based education. "With Moodle 3.1, administrators can create learning plan templates and apply them to individuals or entire cohorts of students," according to a press release. "Competency frameworks and learning plans can now be constructed within Moodle or imported from external sources using a plugin."

Other highlights of Moodle 3.1 include:

• Revamped assignment grading interface, which presents all elements on one screen and gives instructors the ability to annotate over student submissions of different file types;
• Ability to bulk download files in zipped folders for offline use;
• Ability to pin forum discussions, making them more visible to students;
• Publish as LTI tool, for allowing remote users to access selected courses and activities;
• Tagging for course activities and resources;
• In-line editing;
• Global search and file system repository search functions;
• Workshop enhancements;
• Assignment file conversion;
• Learning plan templates; and
• Lesson default settings.

In addition, a new recycle bin feature allows users to restore deleted courses and files to their original locations. This is the first feature contributed by the new Moodle Users Association, a community-driven group focused on giving users a say in Moodle product developments.

For full details on version 3.1 improvements, head to the Moodle site. Moodle 3.1 is available as a free download, via the MoodleCloud service or through certified Moodle Partners.