This is the list I used for today’s Using Moodle workshop of the top twelve things I like about Moodle (except that I have two #7s so it’s really thirteen):
1. Fewer clicks: I do not have to “drill down” (use multiple clicks) to create materials or move through the class.
2. Personalization: There are more customization options for every aspect of the course.
3. Visuals: I can use images to identify myself and my students visually, and add images anywhere in the class easily.
4. Intuitive layout: The default layout for the class is weekly, like a syllabus.
5. Gradebook edits: I can change any grade for any assignment in the Gradebook like a spreadsheet.
6. Blogs, wikis and feeds: if I want to use these, they are already built in.
7. Grading Scales: I create my own qualitative scales for discussion and grading, with pulldown menus
7. FAST TEST GRADING!: the manual grading mode makes it possible to see all the student responses to the same question on one screen, and grade them there quickly.
8. BETTER DISCUSSION!: the nested format creates a more natural discussion that is much easier for students and me to follow.
9. Real Messages: Messages to and from student pop up every time the course is entered, and message history is kept per student so I can access later.
10. Basic stats: Student use stats are on their profile page and easy to understand.
11. Easy chat: Simple chat room by week if desired.
12. Students self-enroll: Email addresses tend to be accurate because students control their enrollment.
Dear Lisa,
thanks for sharing this site! Very interesting information. I will start working with moodle in February, so all these points already encourage me to start trying it soon.
I would like to invite you to join the group I am trying to make grow.
please join http://www.teach-with-internet.ning.com
thank you
Paula