Moodle 2
The Project
USQ has a completed a major project to upgrade the software running USQStudyDesk, our learning management system. The software is Moodle and at the start of Semester 2 2012 we were running Moodle version 2.2.
The creators of Moodle released a major upgrade, version 2.0, in 2010. A group of Learning and Teaching Support, Faculty and ICT people looked at Moodle 2.0 from late 2010 to March 2011, when the ICT Strategy Committee approved an upgrade, and associated timelines and funding.
Since then version 2.1 and version 2.2 were released as part of Moodle’s 6 monthly update schedule. The former Moodle version 1.9 USQStudyDesk remains operational for access to past Courses, and will be the ‘jump point’ to Moodle 2 until Semester 1 2013.
The evolution of the Study Desk environment will continue after the upgrade project. Moodle offered limited capability with managing content and the product has moved away from storing learning resources to facilitating and encouraging use of a digital repository. USQ will implement the Equella digital repository to store Moodle Course files. In so doing searching, efficiency and management will be enhanced. Also, the Wimba Virtual Classroom will be replaced by another, but similar product.
Contact: Send a message to the Learning Systems Support email address
Project Team
- The Project Team comprised:
- The Project Team was ably assisted by staff in LSS, LTS, LRDS, DICT, Faculties and Moodle Mentors
- The Moodle Mentors were established in the Faculties for the implementation of Moodle in 2008. The Mentors are chosen by the Faculty to gain Moodle knowledge or expertise, and provide a focal point in that Faculty for information, feedback and advice on Moodle. Along with relevant LT&Q staff, the Mentors are the initial point of contact for project consultation and testing of new features or changes. They received in-depth information on project status and Moodle functions, and in return freely approached the Project Team with advice, ideas and feedback. They were critical to the effective introduction to major changes to USQStudyDesk
Now Moodle 2 is supported core system of the University. Questions can be directed to Learning Systems Support (lss@usq.edu.au)