We have successfully updated the Whitireia Online (Moodle) website to version 2.5.3+ of the Moodle software. We look forward to hearing how the new Moodle features are working for you.

You will find more information about this update below.

Have a safe Christmas and a happy new year.

Regards from The Online Learning Centre

Introduction

The Online Learning Centre (OLC) plans to update the Whitireia Online (Moodle) website to the latest version of the Moodle software, moving from version 2.3 to 2.5.
The OLC team are generally pleased with Moodle 2.5.
“There are some nice usability improvements and a number of exciting new features with Moodle 2.5” explains Cemone Reti, LMS Administrator for the OLC.
The core Moodle functions still exist in the newer version and you will be pleased to find the same friendly and familiar working environment.
For further background information regarding updates to Moodle see: Update policy for Moodle – Discussion paper (25 March 2013).

FAQs

When will we be updating to Moodle version 2.5

We plan to upgrade the Whitireia Online website on Tuesday 17th December 2013 from 9 am–4pm.
Normal Whitireia Online service will not be available during this time. All existing courses within Whitireia Online will be upgraded automatically during this process. Once the upgrade process is complete we expect normal Whitireia Online service (with the addition of the new improvements and features) to resume as normal.

Why are we updating the Moodle software?

Running the latest Moodle software means we are mitigating the risk of any software bugs, security vulnerabilities and system instability. There are also a number of desirable new features that will bring improvements to the user experience.

What new features are included in Moodle 2.5?

Using Moodle across any device (desktop PC, tablet & smartphone)

Moodle is now truly mobile friendly! Moodle 2.5 resizes automatically for desktop, tablet and smartphone users and thus provides a consistent web-based user experience across all device types.

For Whitireia, this means our students and faculty staff can access their teaching and learning where ever they are, whenever on whatever device they decide to use.

Usability improvements

Drag and drop improvements Drag and drop images and text straight into a course page from the desktop or another browser window.

Other improvements Display course folders directly on the course page. Jump quickly between course sections, and more.

This continues Moodle’s focus on usability improvements in every release.

Badges

Tutors can award badges based on a variety of chosen criteria, making it easy to acknowledge student’s skills and hard work. Moodle’s badges are fully compatible with the Open Badges Initiative (OBI), so they can be exported to external repositories or included in portfolios and CVs.
Further reading see:

Will I need training for this new version of Moodle?

Moodle 2.5 behaves in the same way that our current version of Moodle (version 2.3) behaves, with a few extra features and ways of doing things. We are confident that without any further familiarisation and/or training you will be able to use the Whitireia Online website in the same way that you always have.

The new features and upgrades have improved the way you can complete some tasks or functions, but the core functions of Moodle remain and you can continue to operate Moodle mostly using the same methods that you have grown used to using.

Do I need a new computer or software for Moodle 2.5?

You will be able to use the same computer and software that you are currently using.

Will the Whitireia Online website address change?

The Whitireia Online (http://moodle.whitireia.ac.nz) website address will remain the same.

What about my login information, such as my username and password. Will they be the same after the upgrade?

Your username and password will be the same that you used to login to the current version of Whitireia Online and the Whitireia computer network.

Further questions?

If you have any further questions or feedback about the update, email the Online Learning Centre (online@whitireia.ac.nz).

Site news

Whitireia Online (Moodle) update to version 2.5 - now complete!