You will have heard that we are upgrading Moodle this summer. Here's a list of questions you might have about the move.
- What does the upgrade mean?
- What do you mean by "Moodle 2"?
- The date for the upgrade
- Do I have to rebuild my course?
- What will Moodle look like?
- What about assignments?
- What about the September reset?
- Where can I get training?
- Do I need to get training?
- What happens to my files after the upgrade?
An upgrade to Moodle 2 means a comfortable transition to an improved version of the same thing, and not a move to a different system. Moodle 2 promises some great improvements and new features which we hope you will explore. Editing Moodle will be much more comfortable and easier for you. It will look different too, but that change is merely cosmetic - and we hope for the better. We decided to change the look of Moodle because of the feedback we received from students (and staff) that old Moodle needed to be updated and to look more like other systems.
What do you mean by "Moodle 2"?
Moodle 2 is an improved version of Moodle, but it's still Moodle. We have always upgraded Moodle to incorporate important changes and security fixes, but the jump from version 1.9 to 2.2 entails more complex changes, new features and a different take on file management. For more information have a look at the Moodle 2 release notes.
The date for the upgrade
On the 25th June 2012 CLT performed an in-place upgrade of the Moodle system software. The underlying structure/ architecture was upgraded.
Do I have to rebuild my course?
No. We are not moving to a different system, the upgrade is an in-place one. We do not expect there to be any loss of materials or activities. However, we will need Moodle editors and teachers to check their courses to make sure that everything is as it should be.
We have designed the new Moodle default theme to look like LSEforYou, after consulting with staff and students through surveys and the pilots. Have a look at our pilot server site for a preview of the new theme.
Assignments will not be affected, though it is important that you check that all settings are still correct.
What about the September reset?
The September reset, when all courses have the student data removed in preparation for the new academic year, will go ahead as usual, see our "Moodle End of Year arrangements page" for more information.
We offer "Moving to Moodle 2" training sessions and will continue to offer them throughout the summer. You can book online.
Probably a good idea, but if you are a very competent editor and can figure out the new features for yourself, you might not need to.
What happens to my files after the upgrade?
File management is quite different in new Moodle. There is no longer any files area for example, users no longer have to worry about where files are, they are simply added to a course and available from there. Any files currently displayed in a Moodle course area (visible or hidden) will continue to be available to users (if visible to students and editors, if hidden only to editors). This does mean however, that any files that are stored in current file areas and are NOT in use in a course area will no longer be available. Moodle is not intended as a file archive and new Moodle takes this into account. Any editors who think they may lose old files not linked to Moodle should either find a different way of storing them or link them to the front page of their course.
The official Moodle site has more information on file handling.
Any more questions?
Contact clt-support@lse.ac.uk if your query hasn't been answered yet. See also our general Moving to Moodle 2 webpage.