A complete guide to successful learning using Moodle, focused on course development and delivery and using the best educational practices. Moodle is relatively easy to install and use, but the real challenge is to develop a learning process that leverages its power and maps effectively onto the content established learning situation. This book guides you through meeting that challenge.

This book is for anyone who wants to get the best from Moodle. Beginners will get a thorough guide to how the software works, with great ideas for getting off to a good start with their first course. More experienced Moodlers will find powerful insights into developing more successful and educational courses.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 7 Ratings

A reliable and straightforward guide to using Moodle 1.9 - 2009-01-21
Reviewer Rating:
I opened my copy of Moodle 1.9 E-Learning Course Development by William Rice with a high expectation that it would be an informative and practical reference text. Why? I was about to upgrade to Moodle 1.9. Did it meet my expectations?

Now read on...

Using open source software can be a daunting experience, regardless of your technical or business experience, and this text's purpose is to shorten users' path to competency in the application. Broadly speaking, the text covers four Moodle-related activities:

* Installing and configuring Moodle 1.9
* E-Learning course development and delivery
* E-Learning course management
* Moodle administration and maintenance

The author assumes zero previous knowledge of the application, and Moodle 1.9 E-Learning Course Developmentbegins by describing Moodle's Social-Constructionist approach to learning, before bringing the reader on a whistle-stop tour of Moodle 1.9's features and functionality- a very good idea indeed, as this goes some way to providing an understanding of why Moodle 1.9 looks and works the way it does for newcomers, acts as a pertinent reminder for experienced Moodlers, and sets the context for the course creation sections later in the book.

The book is structured in a logical and linear fashion: the author aims to guide you through the full application implementation and course development process. The text seems to be aimed primarily at teachers and trainers and the author spends the majority of the manual discussing - in detail and very effectively - the processes, "how-to's" and "gotchas" of using Moodle from a teaching and training perspective. I must point out that something strange must have happened during the editing process of the book, as there's some glaring typos (and even a whole word omitted from the back cover of the text) which are a distraction, but do not deter from the usability of the manual.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, this book was my companion through a recent upgrade from Moodle 1.6 to 1.9, and it did not let me down. As an experienced Moodle user, I used the book very much as a "just enough, just in time" resource rather than as an end-to-end guide through the application. My experience was that the text works very well when used in this fashion. Some other positive aspects of my "user experience" of the text included the author's accessible and direct writing style and use of web-based resources like a downloadable Moodle Project Plan. In my view this text is a straightforward and reliable companion for those who seek to find out more about - and use - Moodle 1.9.

Joe Deegan - Blender Training Solutions Blog - 2009-03-20
Reviewer Rating:
As I have been working my way through a Moodle implementation I have used several different resources to find answers for my Moodle questions. While the moodle community is fantastic for finding quick answers to random issues, I have found that Moodle 1.9 by William Rice is a great resource for support from installation to setting up class pages.

Other Moodle books I have used in the past are either directed to the LMS admin installing and maintaining the database or the Trainer/Teacher creating class pages. William Rice does a great job of covering all aspects for those of you out there who are doing it all which I am sure is more and more in the current economy.

Something I like about this book is the plain language it is written in. Often times when I am reading forum posts in the Moodle Community I get lost in the "Techno Speak" and it seems like some of the Moodle gurus out there are trying to show off how much they know by explaining in a way that few people will understand. The downside to this plain language is that in many cases you don't get the whole story from the instructions in the book and will need to refer to the Moodle community to fill in the blanks.

Overall it's a good book to get you started with Moodle but it's also important to know that not all of the issues you will come across are covered in this book. It's a great reference to have on your desk while working your way through a Moodle implementation but you will also want to have the Moodle community bookmarked for the unique situations that are not covered in detail in the book.

Moodling Made Accessible... - 2009-11-28
Reviewer Rating:
Having been involved with Moodle for several years, I have read many books on that subject and try to keep abreast of the newest and most usable features. Mr. Rice's newest contribution to the body of Moodle books is up to the usually high level expected from his books. Although it is quite clear enough for the novice, it also provides great insight into the subject which will benefit the professional. I will recommend this book highly to anyone who wishes to take the time to study this book thoroughly. The reward? A solid and practical overall understanding of Moodle and its many features.

Repetitive & lacking in useful insights... - 2009-11-29
Reviewer Rating:
The information progresses in a haphazard way with no logical order. The author repeats himself within the chapters constantly. It's as if the editors couldn't be bothered. The information is sub par at best; with no real substance other than what you'd find in the online help pages. I'd recommend forgoing this book in favor of online help & Google searches for any problems you encounter in setting up your courses.

Moodle 1.9: E-Learning Course Development - 2010-08-04
Reviewer Rating:
This book is a comprehensive guide to Moodle 1.9, covering everything from installing Moodle and creating courses through to in-depth explanations of how Moodle works under the surface. One thing I enjoyed about this book is that it's not just a collection of step-by-step guides, but it gives detailed information so you understand why you are doing it.

For example, when describing configuration options, it doesn't just give an overview of what the option is for. Additionally it provides more information on the advantages and disadvantages of using it.

The book is divided into the following chapters:

1. Introduction
This provides information about Moodle and how an overview of how it works

2. Installing and Configuring Moodle
Indepth guide to the Moodle installation process. It includes the standard step by step explanations as well as covering possible complications and areas to watch out for.

3. Configuring Your Site
The administration of Moodle is covered in this chapter as well as information about authentication methods, language options. How to set up the enrolment for a course is covereed here, such as using LDAP, PayPal or Flat [...] etc.

4. Creating Categories and Courses
Basic category and course creation is covered in this chapter.

5. Adding Static Course Material
Uploading files and adding multimedia to courses are some of the topics covered in this chapter. It also covers the markup and the HTML editor.

6. Adding Interactive Course Material
Assignments, Lessons and Quizzes are the main focus of this chapter. The SCORM standard is also covered.

7. Adding Social Course Material
Web 2.0 meets Moodle. This chapter shows how to add Chat, Forums and WIkis to your Moodle course.

8. Welcoming Your Students
The ins and outs of customising the front page of Moodle are thoroughly examined here. Themeing and Front Pages Blocks are covered.

9. Features for Teachers
Reports, Logs annd Grading is covered in this chapter.

10. Extending and Administering Moodle
The more advanced parts of Moodle Administration are covered here, including external Modules, Backup and Roles.

This book covers everything most people need to know about Moodle in a style which is detailed. It can be read as a guide or dipped into when you have problems or questions. If you are thinking about or currently using Moodle this is definitely the book for you.

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