Monash moves forward with Moodle
Speakers at the Monash Moodle symposium
The University's first Moodle symposium last December attracted more than 150 University staff and two notable keynote speakers: Moodle founder and CEO Martin Dougiamas, and Associate Director of the Australian Digital Futures Institute at the University of Southern Queensland, Associate Professor Shirley Reushle.
Mr Dougiamas discussed the opportunities presented by the newest release of the learning management system, Moodle version 2.3, which was released and implemented in 2012.
Dr Reushle used live polling and student videos in her keynote to demonstrate how to enhance connections and build communities with students.
The two-day symposium, entitled ‘Moving Forward with Moodle’, aimed to develop and deepen knowledge of Moodle by academic and professional staff, and provide an opportunity to discuss with peers how the software is providing new opportunities to enhance learning and teaching at Monash.
The symposium also featured a panel of Associate Deans (Education) and senior administrators, and more than 30 presentations from staff from a range of faculties and campuses, including Monash Malaysia and Monash South Africa.
Symposium attendees also had the opportunity to virtually meet Professor Darrell Evans, the University's new Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), who joined the symposium from England via a Google+ Hangout.
“The symposium was a fantastic way of bringing colleagues together to learn more about how the Moodle platform can provide opportunities for maximising the student learning experience at Monash," Professor Evans said.
The symposium achieved its aime, with 94 percent of survey respondents reporting they learned something new, and intended to apply their knowledge to their current learning and teaching. Ninety-two percent made at least one new Monash connection via the networking opportunities provided among colleagues.
Recordings of the presentations will be available to all symposium participants on the Monash Moodle Symposium site by the end of January.