1.5.2. PolyLearn

Moodle is a software package for producing internet-based courses and web sites. It is provided freely as Open Source software under the GNU General Public License. Moodle is one of the most widely used learning management systems with more than 60 million users around the world (moodle.org/stats/). PolyLearn is Cal Poly's branded version of the Moodle learning management system software.

Good Features:

• All the basic grade management functionality is provided
• Uses an interface designed around weekly topics
• Has a simple control panel ("Settings" block)
• Allows instructors to easily view courses as a student
• Instructors can assign point values greater than 100 (extra credit)
• Graded items can be categorized in various groups (Ex. Midterms, Quizzes, etc)

Bad Features:

• Lack of privacy (Student's full name and email addresses can be seen on most Poly Learn activities)
• Gradebook scrolls automatically
• Extra credit is not very easy to set up

Missing Features:

• Graphical input
• Historical grade trends
• "What if" question feature for students
• Overall grade statistics for students
• Late policy scheme