Have you always wanted to develop your teaching into more online format, but never had the time? We have collected some guidelines and links to a quick introduction to using Moodle in your teaching. Read on!
Before you start
Technical issues
- The default language after login in Moodle is Finnish. To change the language settings permanently, edit your profile (link "My Name" in the upper right corner of Moodle window). Check your other profile settings, as well.
Pedagogical perspective
Before you start developing your course online, think about the following things:
- course objectives (learning objectives)
- the contents of your course
- the materials in your course
- activities in your course
- evaluation
- accessibility issues
Then, consider which parts of your course work best online (think big but start small), and what kind of activities will help students to achieve their goals. More information on pedagogical design of an online course can be found on Michingan State University's Virtual University website: Pedagogical design considerations
Also, think whether you need to make course materials yourself, or are there materials available, or better yet, can students make the materials as they are learning. Take a wide perspective on what learning materials could be (not only written materials, but simulations, role plays, videos, podcasts, discussions, etc.).
Now that you have your basics thought through, it is time to order a course platform. The Getting Started link will get you to the Educational Centre for ICT's website. Follow the instructions on that page on how to get a Moodle platform. See also: Moodle manual for students
How to get help?
If you have not used Moodle before, it is best to attend one of our Moodle courses. You can find information about personnel training on the Educational Centre's website. The whole training calendar is in intranet Alma. Follow the path: Support for teaching and research > Educational technology > Training calendar and course registration.
Another way to learn the ins and outs of Moodle is to watch screencast tutorials.
If you are an online teacher already, and need to ask questions relating to Moodle tools, or enhancing your use of Moodle in teaching, contact Moodle help at ok-moodle@helsinki.fi. The Educational Technology Specialists from Educational Centre for ICT are there to help you with your inquiries.
Enhancing your teaching with Moodle
You do not have to change your teaching all at once. Start by adding some online elements to your course: discussion sessions, materials and links to additional information, etc. When you are more confident in teaching online, then add more web elements into your course.You can get a lot of ideas from these Teaching with Moodle links. It is also good to know what and what not to do online, check out this Teaching dos and dont's link. There are also more Teaching tips and tricks that you might find useful. Remember also that your colleagues that are already online can help you, just go and ask them how they got started and what they are doing online right now. Everyone has been a beginner at some point 
Successful online teaching
It is difficult to give criteria for good online teaching. However, there are some points that might help you in achieving better results when teaching online. Henry & Meadows (2008), have listed nine principles for good online teaching. Also, here at Helsinki University, Löfström at al (2006) have made a handbook for university teachers on Quality teaching in web-based environments.
Hopefully, the links on this page will help your teaching online!