Moodle Intros Support for Competency-Based Ed

The flagship feature of Moodle 3.1 is support for competency-based education.

Open source learning platform Moodle has released version 3.1, which introduces new features for competency-based education. "With Moodle 3.1, administrators can create learning plan templates and apply them to individuals or entire cohorts of students," according to a press release. "Competency frameworks and learning plans can now be constructed within Moodle or imported from external sources using a plugin."

Other highlights of Moodle 3.1 include:

  • Revamped assignment grading interface, which presents all elements on one screen and gives instructors the ability to annotate over student submissions of different file types;
  • Ability to bulk download files in zipped folders for offline use;
  • Ability to pin forum discussions, making them more visible to students;
  • Publish as LTI tool, for allowing remote users to access selected courses and activities;
  • Tagging for course activities and resources;
  • In-line editing;
  • Global search and file system repository search functions;
  • Workshop enhancements;
  • Assignment file conversion;
  • Learning plan templates; and
  • Lesson default settings.

In addition, a new recycle bin feature allows users to restore deleted courses and files to their original locations. This is the first feature contributed by the new Moodle Users Association, a community-driven group focused on giving users a say in Moodle product developments.

For full details on version 3.1 improvements, head to the Moodle site. Moodle 3.1 is available as a free download, via the MoodleCloud service or from certified Moodle Partners.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • AI toolbox containing a wrench, document icon, gears, and a network symbol

    Common Sense Media Releases Free AI Toolkit, AI Readiness & Implementation Guides

    Common Sense Media has developed an AI Toolkit for School Districts, available to educators free of charge, that provides guidelines and resources for implementing AI in education.

  • elementary school building with children outside, overlaid by a glowing data network and transparent graphs

    Toward a Holistic Approach to Data-Informed Decision-Making in Education

    With increasing access to data and powerful analytic tools, the temptation to reduce educational outcomes to mere numbers is strong. However, educational leadership demands a more holistic and thoughtful approach.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.