We are about to introduce several new features and improvements that will enhance your experience with Moodle. These updates will improve teaching and learning, streamline navigation and enhance accessibility.
What’s New?
- Moodle Blueprint Designer – A new tool that enables the creation and application of pedagogically aligned module templates, helping to streamline course design and ensure consistency across modules. This feature will be piloted this summer. Please watch the overview video about the Moodle Blueprint Designer tool.
The latest version of Moodle brings several powerful enhancements:
- New Course Subsections – Moodle now allows for the creation of subsections within course topics, providing a clearer structure for organising content. This makes it easier for academics to break down complex topics into manageable parts, improving student navigation and engagement. This new feature helps address the historical ‘scroll of doom’ from Moodle modules.
- Refreshed Visual Design & Navigation – A modernised sidebar navigation system provides a more intuitive and structured way to move through the platform. The new theme is provided by our partner, Catalyst, ensuring better stability, ongoing updates, and fewer compatibility issues.
- Accessibility Enhancements – We are adopting the UserWay Accessibility Service, which offers a broader range of accessibility tools with continuous updates and support.
These updates are designed to make Moodle more user-friendly, accessible and efficient for both staff and students.
Exploring AI-Powered Tools
We are also exploring the possibility of leveraging AI-driven tools in Moodle, which could assist educators with content generation and summarisation to streamline course creation and enhance engagement. We will provide further updates as we assess their potential benefits.
Key Changes & Improvements
Dashboard Notices
The ability to add custom notices to the Moodle dashboard will be discontinued in its current form. This feature was tied to our previous setup and is not supported in the new theme. We recognise the importance of keeping students and staff informed and are actively exploring alternatives within our Moodle cloud environment.
Module Header Images
The previous module header images were tied to our old theme and are not supported in the new, modern theme. This update allows for a more consistent and accessible design across all courses, reducing visual clutter and ensuring a smoother experience for students. We are also exploring alternative ways to enhance course presentation, such as customisable course cards and layout options.
Why These Changes?
These improvements ensure Moodle remains secure, stable, and future-ready while allowing us to focus on introducing new capabilities, including the Module Blueprint Designer, which will allow for the creation of pedagogically aligned module templates and will be piloted this summer.
What’s Next?
We understand that updates bring changes, and we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. After we migrate the first batch of Moodle modules to the cloud environment in mid-May, we will offer "Moodle Refresh" sessions. These optional sessions will guide staff on how to effectively redesign their modules in accordance with best practices for Active Blended Learning.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to cadi-digital@port.ac.uk.
Thank you for your support as we embrace these exciting improvements to Moodle!