Moodle 2.0

Chapter 4
Summary
Just as Moodle enables students to explore courses in a non-linear fashion, it also
allows you to build courses in a flexible, nonlinear manner. Once you fill out the
Course settings page, the order in which you add material and features to your
course is up to you. Don't get stuck if you don't know where to begin. For example,
if you're unsure whether to use a Weekly or Topics format, just pick one and start
adding material. If the course content begins to suggest a different type of course
format, you can change the format later.
If your course is still under development when it's time to go live, use hidden
sections to hide the unfinished portions. You can reveal them as you complete them.
When deciding which blocks to display, consider the comfort level of your students.
If they're experienced web surfers, they may be comfortable with a full complement
of blocks displaying information about the course. Experienced web surfers are
adept at ignoring information they don't need (when was the last time you paid
attention to a banner ad on the Web?). If your students are new computer users,
they may assume that the presence of a block means that it requires their attention
or interaction. And remember that you can turn blocks off and on as needed.
In general, make your best guesses when you first create a course, and don't let
uncertainties about any of these settings stop you—continue on with the next
chapter, Adding Static Course Material. As you add static, interactive, and social
materials in the coming chapters, you can revisit the course structure and settings
described in this chapter, and change them as needed.
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