Getting Started in Moodle

Welcome to Moodle!

If you are new to Moodle, we’ve got you covered. Here you’ll find articles on the basic functions that you’ll need to know to get started, as well as information about easy-to-use tools that make teaching and learning smoother for all of us.

For assistance, please contact the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning or submit a ticket. See these instructions for how to ask for help.

First Things First

ethink keyboard Here’s what you need to know to get started in Moodle.

Moodle Basics for Faculty
Download this comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about getting started in Moodle at SOU—provides context for the articles below

Basic Navigation
Take a quick look at getting around in Moodle.

Meet the “Atto” Editor
Familiarize yourself with editing options in Moodle textboxes.

Edit Your Profile
Provide a description of your expertise and interests and add an image to connect with your students.

Post a File
Upload your course syllabus, readings, slides and other files by dragging and dropping them onto your course page.

Create an Announcement
Post a welcome message or course news—course participants will receive an email message when you add an announcement.

Add a Page
Create a link to more information in a separate web page—great for providing material in text, a series of web links and/or video links.

Add a URL
Post a link to an external website.

Create a Label
Use labels to provide subheadings or snippets of information on your main course page.

Switch to Student View
See how your course will look to your learners.

Make Your Course Available
Provide access to your course by making it visible.

Taking it Further

Expand your Moodle repertoire with these useful features.

I love moodle Create an Assignment
Add a drop-box, textbox or informational link for an assignment—a corresponding item will automatically be created in the gradebook!

Add a Discussion Forum
Post a course “Q & A” forum or provide a prompt to extend a discussion beyond your classroom.

Take Attendance
Say goodbye to taking roll on paper and keep learners informed about when they’ve missed class.

Track Completion
Keep an eye on which course items your learners access, and help them track what they have completed and what remains to be done.

Use Quickmail
Send messages to one or more users—mail is sent to SOU accounts.

Insert Images
Dress up your course with graphics.

Embed Links to Files, Websites and Videos
Provide a link to additional resources from any textbox in Moodle.

Enroll a User
Add a TA or another instructor to your course.

Learn About the Calendar
Find out how to add events to the course calendar.

Bring It Home!

Learn about some of Moodle’s most commonly used advanced features. Contact the CATL staff for assistance.

Boost Explore the Groups Feature
Support group work or manage a course with multiple sections.

Use the Gradebook: Weighted Grades or Straight Points
Communicate with learners about their progress in your course—make a date with the CIS staff and spend 10 minutes to get up and running with your gradebook.

Create a Quiz
Let Moodle grade your quizzes and record the scores! Contact the CATL staff for assistance—we’re happy to help.

Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning
Hannon Library, Room 321
(541) 552-8290