The following will provide answers to some of the questions you may have regarding the Moodle 1.9 migration.
Why Moodle 2.x now instead of Moodle 2.3?
Moodle point releases come out on a fairly frequent basis. Point releases address bug fixes, security vulnerabilities, and performance improvements. Moving from Moodle 1.9 to 2.3 included differences in the look and feel of the product because it was a version update, not a simple point release. Point releases are applied to the Moodle server environment and do not require any user interaction. From here on out, all web pages, documents and communications will refer to IUP’s instance of Moodle as Moodle 2.x.
Do I have to take action if I am currently using Moodle 1.9?
Yes. You must decide if you are going to move to Moodle 2.x or Desire2Learn. If you would like to have course material converted, you can make a request by filling out the Moodle Conversion Request Form. Any Moodle 1.9 material not converted by Fall 2013 will no longer be available.
What happens if I do not take action?
Action is required. All faculty teaching in Moodle 1.9 must choose Moodle 2.x or Desire2Learn and migrate all course material over. Any Moodle 1.9 material not converted by Fall 2013 will no longer be available.
Why do we have to change from Moodle 1.9?
During the 2011-2012 academic year, we learned that Moodle 1.9 would no longer be supported, meaning that updates necessary to assure the security of the learning environment would no longer be available. We were able to extend support for the 2012-2013 academic year to assure continuity and to provide faculty time to transition to Moodle 2.x or Desire2Learn.
I am currently teaching in Moodle 1.9 and have requested that my courses be converted either to Moodle 2.x or Desire2Learn. What affect will this have on courses that I am currently teaching?
The conversions process uses a copy of your existing Moodle 1.9 course material. There should be no disruptions to the courses you are currently teaching
How do I request my courses to be migrated to Moodle 2.x or Desire2Learn?
Faculty currently using Moodle 1.9 have received a targeted communication through iMail that points to Moodle 1.9 Conversion Request Form.
I plan on using either Moodle 2.x or Desire2Learn, but I do not want any of my Moodle 1.9 courses converted; what should I do?
You should complete the Moodle 1.9 Conversion Request Form as outlined previously. However, in the comments section, please note that you do not want any of your Moodle 1.9 courses converted.
Can Moodle 2.x courses be converted to Desire2Learn?
Desire2Learn only offers a conversion tool for Moodle 1.9.
Can I request that my Moodle 1.9 courses be converted to both Moodle 2.x and Desire2Learn?
Yes. You have the option to request that your course(s) be converted to both learning management platforms on the Moodle 1.9 Conversion Request Form. Any Moodle 1.9 material not converted by Fall 2013 will no longer be available.
Who will be responsible for converting my Moodle 1.9 course(s) to Moodle 2.x or Desire2Learn?
Upon request, the IT Support Center will run conversion tools to transition the course material. However, each faculty member is responsible for reviewing the output from the conversion tool to ensure that the course is ready for teaching purposes.
Will there still be development course and meta course shells in Moodle 2.x?
Yes. Faculty will still have the ability to take advantage of the three course shell types. However, the process of creating those in Moodle 2.x may be slightly different. The creation process is forth coming.
When can I expect to have access to Moodle 2.x to begin building/revising my course?
We anticipate that the Moodle 2.x will be available for faculty to begin developing/revising their courses in May 2013.
When can I begin teaching courses in Moodle 2.x?
Faculty can begin teaching in Moodle 2.x in Fall 2013.
Will the existing modules currently available in Moodle 1.9 also be available in 2.x?
IT Services will attempt to install all existing 1.9 modules in 2.x based upon their availability.
Will there be a process for adding new features and tools to Moodle 2.x? If so, what will this process be?
Yes. We will continue to use the process in place for Moodle 1.9. There is a request form, as well as other information regarding Moodle enhancements, available on http://www.iup.edu/itsupportcenter/moodle. This information is located under the Moodle Enhancement Summary, Status, and Request Form link.
