Exploring the Moodle Roadmap: What’s New and What’s Next?
Hello, Chris Richter here! It’s been a while since we caught up, and today I’ve got something a little different for you. I thought it would be exciting to take a look at what Moodle is up to and where it’s headed. If you want to dive into the details, you can visit the Moodle roadmap on MoodleDev.io under the General Community Roadmap section. Last updated on October 31, 2022 (as of the time of recording), this roadmap offers a great look into the future of Moodle and the direction the platform is taking.
In this post, I’ll go over a few useful resources and some key insights from the roadmap. I’ll highlight some exciting developments, as well as a few things that might not have happened yet but are still on the horizon.
Useful Resources to Explore
Before we dive into the big picture, let’s talk about a few resources you might find valuable:
- The Tracker
If you’re interested in Moodle’s code, the issues tracker is a fantastic place to stay up-to-date on bugs, fixes, and changes. If you’ve ever encountered a problem, chances are, someone else has too. The tracker is a great place to find out about ongoing issues and follow their progress. - Moodle Users Association
If you want to have a say in the direction of Moodle’s development, consider joining the Moodle Users Association. You can vote on upcoming projects for each release, which makes you a proactive participant in the Moodle community. - Forums
Moodle’s forums are packed with discussions and helpful insights. They are a great resource for finding answers to questions and learning from others’ experiences. I visit them regularly and highly recommend checking them out. - Plugins Directory
Moodle has an extensive plugin directory that allows you to extend the functionality of your Moodle platform. It’s a great resource to enhance your Moodle setup with various tools and features. - Moodle Mutes & Conferences
If you want to learn more about Moodle and meet other users, attending Moodle Mutes or related conferences can be a lot of fun. These events are an excellent opportunity to discover new features and services available for Moodle.
The Big Picture: Moodle’s Four Main Goals
Moodle has outlined four main goals they’re focusing on for the next four years:
- User Experience (UX) Improvements
With the release of Moodle 4.0, we’ve already seen significant strides in improving the user experience, particularly with the Boost theme and the overall navigation. This is an ongoing process, and Moodle is committed to resolving hundreds of smaller, annoying issues to further enhance UX. - Enabling Developers
A key area of focus for Moodle is enabling developers to contribute more easily to the platform. One exciting idea that was mentioned (though still not realized as of the latest update) is the concept of a Moodle Plugin Service. This would act as an app store for Moodle plugins, allowing developers to build and sell plugins, helping to create a more sustainable ecosystem for those who work on Moodle. - Better Integration with Moodle Products
Moodle is working towards better integration not just within its own products but also with the broader edtech landscape. This would make Moodle more seamless to use and connect with other platforms and tools. - Financial Sustainability
This goal is geared towards ensuring Moodle remains financially viable for developers and service providers. A more robust plugin marketplace would be a key piece in this puzzle, offering more financial opportunities for those who contribute to the Moodle ecosystem.
Key Updates from the Roadmap
Moodle’s roadmap includes several updates that reflect their ongoing efforts to improve the platform:
- Moodle 4.1 (November 2022)
One of the most significant changes in Moodle 4.1 was the introduction of UX improvements, particularly for navigation and the main course page experience. While this was a step forward, Moodle has more work ahead, with future versions focusing on further improvements to activities like assignments and quizzes. - Gradebook UX
Improving the Gradebook user experience is a priority for Moodle. This area of the platform has long been a bit clunky, and Moodle is committed to refining it for better usability. In my own experience with Moodle 4.1, I didn’t see huge changes here, but small adjustments like button consistency are a sign of what’s to come. - Navigation Improvements
A common concern among users is the disappearance of the navigation button at the bottom of each page in Moodle 4.0’s Boost theme. This feature had been pulled back previously and was reintroduced after user feedback. However, it’s currently absent again in Moodle 4.1, which has caused some frustration. It’s an example of why being involved in Moodle’s development process is important—your feedback can make a difference!
Security and Version Releases
Another crucial aspect of Moodle’s development is ensuring the platform remains secure. Moodle follows a release schedule with major versions every six months and minor releases every two months. This regular cadence helps ensure that the platform remains up-to-date and secure.
- Security Updates
It’s vital to stay on top of Moodle’s security updates. After the full support period ends for a version, Moodle will still release security patches for an extended time. Keeping your Moodle version up-to-date ensures that you don’t miss out on important security fixes. - Upgrade Process
Upgrading Moodle is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to stay proactive about it. Falling too far behind on version updates could mean missing out on crucial security fixes and support. As a Moodle administrator, staying on top of the upgrade process is essential for keeping your platform secure and running smoothly.
Conclusion
The Moodle roadmap is full of exciting developments that aim to improve the user experience, expand the platform’s ecosystem, and ensure its sustainability. There are some promising features in the works, such as better plugin integration and a more seamless user experience. However, some of these initiatives are still in the works, and it will be exciting to see how they evolve in the coming years.
If you’re a Moodle administrator or developer, it’s worth keeping an eye on these updates and getting involved in the community. Whether through the Moodle Users Association, forums, or just staying up-to-date with the latest releases, you can be part of shaping Moodle’s future.
Stay tuned for more updates, and make sure to check out the courses I offer on Moodle as well. Hope you found this post helpful, and I’ll talk to you again very soon!
