Objectives:

In this section, we will introduce the Moodle app and some of its basic functions.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Download the Moodle app and find DD courses

• Set language in Moodle app

• Understand how Moodle app can be used for offline learning 

• List some tips for creating a mobile-friendly course

Introduction

The Moodle app is an application you can download to your device (ex., mobile phone or tablet). The Moodle app works on iOS and Android devices. 

With the Moodle app, students can:

• Access and browse course content, even when offline.

• Find and contact people in their courses.

• Receive instant notifications of messages and other events, such as assignment submissions.

• Submit assignments and upload images, audio, videos and other files from a mobile device.

• View their grades, check completion progress in courses and browse learning plans.

• Complete activities anywhere, anytime such as attempt quizzes, post in forums, edit wiki pages and more - both on and off-line.

***Note that you cannot edit or add course content through the mobile app. You will need to use a laptop or personal computer when building and editing your course. Downloading the App and find DD Courses

1. You can download the Moodle app from the Google Play Store if you have an Android device or the Mac App Store if you have an Apple device. Search “Moodle” and then download to your device. 

Figure 1. Screenshot of Moodle app in Google Play Store.

2. After you have downloaded the app to your device, open the app and search “Darakht-e Danesh Courses” to connect with the DD Courses site. 

3. You will then need to sign into DD Courses using your username and password or using your Google or Facebook account. 

Setting Your Language

Please note that as of this writing, the Moodle app is available in Farsi but not in Pashto. 

1. If you are logged out of DD Courses in the Moodle app, select the gear icon in the corner. 

2. Select the drop down beside “Language” to choose your language. 

 Offline Learning

A big benefit of using the Moodle App is that you can access course content offline, when you don’t have access to the internet. But first you need to download the course, or parts of the course to your device when you are connected to the internet. 

1. Go to your course. At the top of your screen on the course homepage, click on the icon of a cloud with a downward arrow.

2. Choose what you would like to download to your device. You can download the whole course or just parts of the course. You can also view the size of the download. 

3. If you go offline, you will see a green cloud icon with a check mark meaning that you have downloaded that content and can view it offline. Your course activity will sync automatically when their device is back online. That means if a student does any work offline, their work will be saved and added to the course once they have access to the internet again. 

Creating a Mobile Friendly Course 

Many students use the Moodle app because it is convenient but also because they may not have a personal computer or laptop to use for school. Therefore, it is important for you as the instructor to make sure your course content is appropriate for a mobile environment. 

Here are some tips for making a mobile friendly course:

• Topics or weekly course format is best suited to mobile devices.

• Don't use direct links to activities (the links will work but is not the best experience for mobile).

• Avoid putting important information in blocks. Site or course blocks are not displayed in the Mobile app. 

• Use a Page or Book instead of downloadable documents where possible.

• Avoid having numerous, text heavy pages.

• If you include YouTube videos, keep them short and consider providing them for download and offline viewing in a folder. 

• Most importantly, once you have created your course view it on the Moodle app to see if everything works and displays properly. 

You Try: Downloading the Moodle App

1. Download the Moodle app to your phone or device.

2. Search and log into Darakht-e Danesh Courses.

3. Set your language.

4. Optional: Download this course (or parts of) and view the course offline.

Resources

1. Creating mobile-friendly courses (Moodle Documentation): https://docs.moodle.org/401/en/Creating_mobile-friendly_courses 

2. Moodle app offline features (Moodle Documentation): https://docs.moodle.org/401/en/Moodle_app_offline_features

3. Moodle app features (Moodle Documentation):

https://docs.moodle.org/401/en/Moodle_app_features  

1. Moodle app FAQ (Moodle Documentation): https://docs.moodle.org/401/en/Moodle_app_FAQ