Moodle 2.0 represents the largest single change to the Moodle platform since its initial release in 2002. Moodle 2.0 combines a vast number of 'under the hood' changes to the software, as well as introducing several new features to end users. Since then, Moodle has continued to pave the way as a leading edge learning management system with version 2.1 released and 2.2 due in December 2011, the new versions provide further enhancements for users and developers.

Benefits of Upgrading

New and improved features of Moodle 2.x include:

• Easy progress tracking - activity and course completion features, students can work at their own pace and follow varied learning paths using conditional seeting to release activities and resources as they progress.
  
  
• Improved usability - more dynamic user interface with improved navigation structure.
  
  
• Easy integration – integrate directly with e-portfolio solutions, such as Mahara. Users can transfer content between Moodle and their ePortfolio quickly and easily.
  
  
• Mobile Moodle– download the Moodle app to an iPhone or Android device. Users can upload photos, audio and videos via the app. The app provides access to course participants' information and attendance records. Users can also receive messaging and notifications, (only available with version 2.1 +).
  
  
• Improved themes - easier to develop and modify new themes with user friendly designs that are flexible.
  
  
• Effective tracking of course work - simple implementation of 'conditional activities' can be used to create learning paths which enables effective tracking of a student's progress over time, reducing the burden on instructors and administrators.
  
  
• Share and re-use content – contains an updated file management and repository systems that reduce storage requirements throughout Moodle, easily share and re-use content.
  
  
• Interact with user communities - known as 'community hubs', users in different communities are able to share information and courses.
  
  
• Social Media integration - easy integration with online tools such as YouTube, Google Docs, Flickr.

About our quality upgrades services
NetSpot is acknowledged as a global leader in implementing large Moodle 2.x environments, including the world's first enterprise-wide deployment of Moodle 2.0 performed at La Trobe University in 2010. Other large scale 2.0 and 2.1 deployments include Monash University, Macquarie University, University of New England and Flinders University, plus many more.

These experiences combined with the existing Moodle 1.9 deployments supported around Australia have given NetSpot a unique perspective of how the two platforms are used in the Higher Education sector. We have an understanding of the necessary change management processes which will be required in a large-scale migration from 1.9 to 2.x.

NetSpot's Moodle 2.x upgrade service combines technical, operational and strategic aspects that guarantee that the move from 1.9 is performed with a focus on providing both continuity of service and all of the benefits of the new platform.

Additional NetSpot services
In addition to our upgrade services, NetSpot also provides the following services to make the most of your upgrade.

Capacity planning*
We review the existing infrastructure to determine the future-readiness of the environment to support Moodle beyond the initial release. This means that the system we deliver will not only meet your needs now but for also many years to come.

Architecture planning*
We review the existing physical and logical design of the underlying infrastructure that supports Moodle. We determine the scalability, performance and risk of the existing environment, ensuring that the underlying platform meets your requirements.

Migration to a NetSpot hosted solution*
We can provide an estimate to transfer from a self-hosted Moodle site to a high-availability NetSpot hosted solution. NetSpot currently manages and hosts online learning environments which are accessed by over 600,000 users. We provide 24x7 monitoring and response and nightly backups, giving you peace of mind that your system will always be up and running.

Load testing
By testing and establishing the user load capacity of the upgraded 2.x environment, we ensure that the upgraded system is robust and will always perform at its highest capacity during high usage and peak times.

Disaster recovery planning
To make certain that your system operates smoothly, we develop and review disaster recovery plans for the upgraded environment, which help to sustain business continuity in the face of adverse effects.

Plug in review
NetSpot can assist with recommending, reviewing and installing plugins and additional features such as Alfresco, MERLOT, EQUELLA, Google Docs, Mahara, Flickr. We make sure that your Moodle site has all the learning management features to meet your current and future teaching requirements.

Educational design and training support
Our consulting team of educators can review migrated courses on the upgraded environment and provide guidance on how to improve the course design using the newly available tools. We make sure that our clients get the most out of their investment in learning technologies. The NetSpot Consulting Team comprises of experienced educators who have extensive knowledge in how technology is used in the education sector, backed by teaching and learning qualifications which ensure that the technology is underpinned by sound pedagogies.

The details and cost estimates for these services vary according the specifics of the client environment, please contact NetSpot for more details.

Find out more about our other NetSpot services that we offer.

*for client hosted deployments