Instructional design for Moodle LMS course

Case Study: Digital transformation of teaching through e-learning platforms

Project summary

To enhance the quality of digital teaching and enable instructors to better utilize e-learning technologies, Logate Institute for Information Technology decided to transition to Moodle LMS as its primary learning platform.

  • Role: Instructional Designer & E-learning Trainer
  • Client: Logate Institute for Information Technology
  • Target Audience: 30+ instructors with varying levels of technical expertise

Goal: Develop a structured training program that enables instructors to seamlessly transition from WordPress LMS to Moodle, with an emphasis on interactive and engaging teaching.

Challenges and solutions

  • Instructors primarily conducted in-person classes, with online materials used only as recorded resources.
  • WordPress LMS lacked support for interactive elements and advanced teaching tools.
  • Most instructors had no prior experience with Moodle LMS.
  • There was a need for a fast and efficient training program that would not disrupt regular teaching schedules.

Solution? ➜ The implementation was carried out through a structured online course on the Moodle platform, designed to accommodate instructors with varying levels of technical expertise. The key approach was micro-learning, where video tutorials and short guides enabled gradual and focused skill acquisition.

Instructional Design process

01

Analysis and planning

  • After evaluating various LMS options, I determined that Moodle was the best solution for the Institute.
  • I prepared a detailed report that included a needs analysis, a comparison with WordPress LMS, and recommendations for the transition.
  • Based on this analysis, the key course objectives were defined—not only to provide technical training on Moodle but also to educate instructors on effectively utilizing digital tools in teaching.
03

Course structure & delivery

  • The course was organized into a modular structure with clear learning objectives.
  • Instructors first attended a 1-hour online introductory session, after which they could learn at their own pace.
  • Each course topic included video instructions and practical exercises. Quizzes were used only where they added value, considering that the course was primarily hands-on.
02

Design and development

  • Methodology: Asynchronous online learning with optional consultations.
  • Key Elements: Video tutorials, interactive quizzes (only where meaningful), and practical exercises.
  • Tools & Platforms: Moodle LMS, H5P for interactive content, Zoom for the introductory session.
  • Micro-learning: The course was based on micro-learning, with short video tutorials (up to 10 minutes) focused on specific tasks such as uploading video materials, creating quizzes, or managing courses on Moodle.
04

Results and feedback

  • Instructors found Moodle to be intuitive and easy to use.
  • They particularly appreciated the short and concise video lessons.
  • A major advantage of the course was unlimited access, allowing them to revisit materials whenever needed.

Challenges & future improvements

  • One of the biggest challenges was encouraging instructors to explore and utilize advanced Moodle functionalities, particularly interactive H5P content, which could significantly enhance student engagement. While the basic Moodle features were quickly mastered, additional capabilities were often underutilized as instructors did not perceive them as a priority.

  • Another challenge was the fully online format of the course. Although it provided flexibility, some instructors felt left on their own without sufficient support in acquiring new digital skills. Given their existing teaching and professional responsibilities, further Moodle training often became a lower priority.

  • To improve this course in the future, I would consider introducing regular short online sessions with an instructor. These weekly sessions would not only serve as an opportunity to address questions but also as a motivational boost for instructors to explore advanced platform features and tailor them to their teaching style.