When I started my journey at the University of Illinois, I was excited to use Moodle, the Learning Management System (LMS) for the university. However, I quickly realized that it can be overwhelming to navigate and use. As a student, I have discovered some simple tricks to make the most of Moodle UIUC. In this blog post, I will share some of these tricks that can help you use Moodle UIUC effectively and efficiently.
1: Customizing the Dashboard
The dashboard is the first thing you you log in to Moodle UIUC. It displays all your courses and activities, making it easy to keep track of everything in one place. However you know that you can customize your dashboard to suit your preferences? Here are some simple tricks:
1. Change the color of your course cards: Hover over the course card you want to customize, click on the three dots at the top right corner and select "Customize this page". Then choose your preferred color course card.
2. Hide courses: If you have completed a course or are not interested in a particular course, you can hide it from your dashboard. Hover over the course card, click on the three dots at the top right corner and select "Hide".
3. Pin courses: If you have a course that you access frequently, you can pin it to the top of your dashboard. Hover over the course card, click on the three dots at the top right corner and select "Pin".
2: Using the Calendar
The calendar in Moodle UIUC is a powerful tool that can help you stay on top of your coursework and deadlines. Here are some simple tricks to make the most of the calendar:
1. Customize your calendar view: You can change the view of your calendar to suit your preferences. Click on the "Calendar" tab on the navigation bar, and select the view you want, such as "Month", "Week", or "Day".
2. Add events: You can add events to your calendar, such as assignment due dates or project deadlines. To add an event, click on the "Create an event" button on the calendar and fill in the details.
3. Set reminders: You can set reminders for your events, so you don't forget important deadlines. To set a reminder, click on the event on the calendar, and select "Edit event". Then set the reminder time and type.
3: Collaborating with Others
Moodle UIUC offers several features that allow you to collaborate with your classmates and instructors. Here are some simple tricks:
1. Use the forums: Forums are a great way to discuss course-related topics with your classmates and instructors. You can post questions, share ideas, and get feedback. To access the forums, click on the "Forums" tab on the navigation bar.
2. Use the messaging tool: The messaging tool allows you to send private messages to your classmates and instructors. You can use it to ask questions, clarify doubts, or discuss course-related topics. To access the messaging tool, click on the "Messages" tab on the navigation bar.
3. Use the collaborative tools: Moodle UIUC offers several collaborative tools, such as wikis, glossaries, and databases. You can use these tools to work on group projects, create a shared knowledge base, or collaborate on research projects. To access the collaborative tools, click on the "Collaborative tools" tab on the navigation bar.
Conclusion
Moodle UIUC can be overwhelming at first, but with these simple tricks, you can use it effectively and efficiently. Customizing your dashboard, using the calendar, and collaborating with others are just some of the ways you can make the most of Moodle UIUC. Remember, Moodle UIUC is here to help you succeed in your academic journey, so don't hesitate to explore its features and make it work for you.