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Join MoodleMoot Malaysia 2024 – Country’s first MoodleMoot on 27 September 2024

Join MoodleMoot Malaysia 2024 - Country's first MoodleMoot on 27 September 2024
Join MoodleMoot Malaysia 2024 - Country's first MoodleMoot on 27 September 2024

The first ever MoodleMoot Malaysia 2024 will take place on 27 September 2024. The edtech event will be a perfect opportunity for all the educators, Moodle community members, enthusiasts to be a part of the open and free of charge conference.

The MoodleMoot Malaysia 2024 will be hosted by the Moodle Partner ModernLMS. The first-ever MoodleMoot in Malaysia invites educators to share knowledge and learn together. This event aims to stimulate community growth by fostering collaboration, discussing emerging trends, and addressing technical challenges. Throughout the day, participants will explore how Moodle can effectively support evolving trends in education and training.

MoodleMoots are dedicated conferences for users, developers, and administrators of the popular open-source learning management system, Moodle. Typically spanning a day, these events are held in venues conducive to discussions and collaborations among the Moodle community, offering workshops, presentations, and forums.

The MoodleMoot Malaysia 2024 will take place at the Corus Hotel, Persiaran Hampshire, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.

The call for presentations is now open for all interested candidates to present in the MoodleMoot Malaysia 2024. Please check out this page if you want to present.

For regular updates about Moodle, eLearning and edtech industry, please visit us regularly at https://lmsdaily.com. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or Subscribe our YouTube Channel.

Invite students to your Moodle course easily using the Invitation Moodle plugin

Invite students to your Moodle course easily using the Invitation Moodle plugin
Invite students to your Moodle course easily using the Invitation Moodle plugin

Moodle is one of the world’s most popular open source learning management system with more than 415 million users around the world. It allows you to easily create, distribute and manage online learning courses. In this post we will take a look at the Invitation Moodle plugin.

By default, Moodle LMS comes with many enrollment methods in core. There is a vast variety of Moodle plugins which can be used to expand the enrollment methods to different systems or different areas (such as enrollment restrictions).

However, by default Moodle comes with Self-enrollment method which allows the users to enroll themselves into a course. You can configure it in a way such that the students needs to enter an enrollment key to enroll themselves.

The Invitation Moodle plugin allows instructors to invite students to their course and site, and grant necessary access and role to them. The invitation is sent via email and contains a link with an unique, one-time use invitation token.

This plugin offers control over who can use the invitation, tracks past invitations, and allows for resending or revoking invitations. It also supports inviting users even if they are not yet registered on your Moodle LMS site and limiting the lifespan of the invitation.

The features of using the Invitation Moodle plugin over the Enrollment keys are:

  • You can control who can use the invitation.
  • You can include a personalized message in the invitation.
  • You can see a history of past invitations and their status.
  • You can also see who used an invitation or which ones are expired.
  • You can resend expired invitations or send reminder invitations.
  • You can revoke the invitation if has not yet been accepted.
  • You can invite users who do not yet have an account. However, they will need to create an account before they can accept the invitation.
  • You can limit invitations to users with existing accounts.
  • You can limit the lifespan of the invitation (e.g. 2 weeks)

You can download the Invitation Moodle plugin from the official plugins repository here.

For regular updates about Moodle, eLearning and edtech industry, please visit us regularly at https://lmsdaily.com. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or Subscribe our YouTube Channel.

Rice University’s OpenStax Receives $90M to Lead NSF Research Hub

OpenStax, an educational nonprofit initiative of Rice University, has received $90 million to create and lead a research and development hub for inclusive learning and education research. According to the official announcement, the organization received grant funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation for a five-year project to create the R&D hub called SafeInsights, which “will enable extensive, long-term research on the predictors of effective learning while protecting student privacy.

SafeInsights, funded through NSF’s Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-2 (Mid-scale RI-2) program, is not just a research hub, but a collaborative endeavor. It will serve as a central hub for a diverse and multidisciplinary team of 80 partners and collaborating institutions. This team will include major digital learning platforms that currently serve tens of millions of U.S. learners, as well as researchers, educators, developers, and students from a variety of backgrounds. This commitment to diversity and collaboration is a testament to the hub’s dedication to inclusive learning and education research.

NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan expressed his enthusiasm for the investment in SafeInsights, stating:

We are thrilled to announce an investment of $90 million in SafeInsights, marking a significant step forward in our commitment to advancing scientific research in STEM education. There is an urgent need for research-informed strategies capable of transforming educational systems, empowering our nation’s workforce and propelling discoveries in the science of learning. Investing in cutting-edge infrastructure and fostering collaboration among researchers and educators, we pave the way for transformative discoveries and equitable opportunities for learners nationwide.

Through SafeInsights, the education research community will generate research-informed insights about teaching and learning for educators, institutions and learning platforms to create tailored programs, pedagogies and policies that will equip learners to thrive.

Richard Baraniuk, SafeInsights leader, OpenStax Director and Rice professor, added:

Education R&D opens up opportunities to better understand how students learn in different contexts. Learning is complex. Research can tackle this complexity and help get the right tools into the hands of educators and students, but to do so, we need reliable information on how students learn. Just as progress in healthcare research sparked stunning advances in personalized medicine, we need similar precision in education to support all students, particularly those from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds.

For regular updates about Moodle, eLearning and edtech industry, please visit us regularly at https://lmsdaily.com. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or Subscribe our YouTube Channel.

HyperionDev Raises $5M in New Funding to Expand Its Operations

HyperionDev, the South African tech education firm, has secured a significant investment of R95 million (approximately $5 million) in a new funding round. This latest investment brings the company’s total growth capital to R595 million ($31.1 million). The identity of the investors remains undisclosed, but the startup revealed the participation of 23 backers from various countries.

Founded in 2012, HyperionDev offers specialized, mentored coding bootcamps, both online and on-site, at its campuses. These programmes equip students with job-ready tech skills for careers in the technology sector. The EdTech company takes immense pride in its achievements. It boasts a transformative impact on over 2,000 graduates through its educational offerings. These alumni have not only secured tech jobs across a diverse range of sectors and businesses but have also made a global impact. They are now key players in the fintech sector, working with renowned firms like Chip and Amazon

Speaking on the fundraising, Founder & CEO of HyperionDev, Riaz Moola, said:

This funding marks a significant chapter for HyperionDev. It underscores the critical need for global skills development in today’s digital age. 

We actively seek to partner with more universities nationwide and collaborate with the government to strengthen digital skills development and improve employability nationwide.

Moola also underscored the strategic alliances that HyperionDev has forged. These include partnerships with prestigious universities like Stellenbosch University in South Africa and Imperial College London in the UK. He also hinted at upcoming collaborations in North America, France, and Spain. These partnerships, according to Moola, have not only strengthened HyperionDev’s position as a leader in global tech education but also paved the way for future growth and expansion.

With this financing round, the company plans to expand into emerging markets and strengthen its position in South Africa and the UK. The funding will further develop HyperionDev’s scholarship programmes and educational offerings, such as the HyperionDev Academy.

For regular updates about Moodle, eLearning and edtech industry, please visit us regularly at https://lmsdaily.com. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or Subscribe our YouTube Channel.

CLAMP releases new LAE releases for April 2024

CLAMP releases new LAE releases for April 2024
CLAMP releases new LAE releases for April 2024

CLAMP project has released three new LAE releases for April 2024. The new Moodle: Liberal Arts Edition releases are maintenance releases only without any new features.

The new LAE releases are based on the supported Moodle versions which includes Moodle 4.1, 4.2 & 4.3. The next stable LAE releases are scheduled for June 2024 which will includes the LAE version based on Moodle 4.4 version. You can download the latest LAE releases from the official CLAMP code release archive.

Here are the release notes for the LAE releases:

The Collaborative Liberal Arts Moodle Project is a group of colleges and universities who collaborate to develop and support Moodle, with an eye toward the issues unique to a liberal arts environment.

For regular updates about Moodle, eLearning and edtech industry, please visit us regularly at https://lmsdaily.com. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or Subscribe our YouTube Channel.

NextWork Raises $2.3M in Pre-Seed Funding

NextWork, a Wellington-based online education startup offering to train 1000 students in the entry-level AWS certification for free, has recently raised $2.3 million in pre-seed funding. The round was led by Kiwi VC GD1 and included Blackbird, Icehouse, Phase One Ventures, and the founders of Eucalyptus.

Founded by Amber Joseph, NextWork has embarked on a mission of global significance-to upskill workers with tech talents. Offering its platform worldwide, NextWork is a personalized learning platform that empowers users to control the pace and style of their learning. The initial focus is on an entry-level AWS certification course, designed to cater to individuals with ‘zero experience’ in tech. Joseph acknowledges the challenges faced by adult learners, who often juggle their learning with existing jobs and family responsibilities.

Amber Joseph said about the company and its mission:

At best, online learning isn’t working; at worst, it’s stalling our progress as the gap between technology and how well prepared we are to use it is widening. This type of education has been essential, but there is a lot of ‘noise’ out there, and it’s hard for learners to determine which institutions and classes are credible. We aim to recruit 1000 participants into tech as soon as possible and prove that our approach is the best way to implement learning journeys for non-technical candidates at scale.

The company believes every individual should work at a job they enjoy and should be able to choose any talent that will succeed.

GD1 co-managing partner John Kells, a firm believer in the rapid shift of education to online platforms, stated:

Many platforms claim to offer personalisation or ‘self-paced’ learning, but their content remains static, leaving the user to ‘go slower’. NextWork, however, stands out by delivering on the promise of a truly unique learning experience. The platform’s success is evident in the positive response from users, and GD1 is excited to witness the growth of this world-class offering.

For regular updates about Moodle, eLearning and edtech industry, please visit us regularly at https://lmsdaily.com. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or Subscribe our YouTube Channel.

Join MoodleMoot Francophone 2024 from 2-4 July, 2024

Join MoodleMoot Francophone 2024 from 2-4 July, 2024
Join MoodleMoot Francophone 2024 from 2-4 July, 2024

The MoodleMoot Francophone 2024 will take place from 2-4 July 2024 in Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France. This will be the 19th edition of the French community hosting the MoodleMoot Francophone 2024.

The registrations for MoodleMoot Francophone 2024 will open from April 15 to May 1 2024 only with a limit of maximum participants to 500. The ticket pricing varies from € 100 to €  350 per person.

The 3 days edtech conference will includes practical workshops, conferences, round table and discussions across various edtech topics. During the edtech conference, the teachers, trainers, pedagogical engineers, developers, administrators will exchange, share and enrich each other.

The theme for MoodleMoot Francophone 2024 is – Personalization, evaluations, interactions.

Check out the official website for more details about joining, participating and presenting in the MoodleMoot Francophone 2024 here.

For regular updates about Moodle, eLearning and edtech industry, please visit us regularly at https://lmsdaily.com. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or Subscribe our YouTube Channel.

Anthology Raises $250M to Invest in Its Strategic Initiatives

Anthology, a global platform that supports learners and institutions with the largest EdTech ecosystem, has recently announced a significant milestone. It has secured $250 million in funding from its investors to fuel its primary EdTech solutions and strategic initiatives. This transaction, which closed on April 19, is a testament to its shared commitment to leading the industry forward and helping higher education institutions worldwide meet their goals in a rapidly changing landscape.

With a user base of over 150 million across 80 countries, Anthology is on a mission to empower the global education community. Its dynamic, data-driven experiences through Anthology Intelligent Experiences™ are revolutionizing learning. Offering more than 60 SaaS products and services aimed at advancing learning, the platform is a powerful tool for educators, leaders, and learners, helping them reach their goals and shape the future of education.

Commenting on the investment, Bruce Dahlgren, CEO of Anthology, said:

We are excited about the support from our investors and our journey to help customers realize the benefits of the “best of” education and technology coming together. Investment in education technology continues to be critical as institutions strive to evolve in today’s market and meet student needs. Anthology is a champion of progress, with a market-leading offer that will deliver long-term success for our customers and partners.

Higher education institutions find themselves at a critical juncture as they face challenges across enrollment, retention, and budgets, as well as a rapid shift in student needs and expectations. The Anthology is exclusively positioned to guide educational institutions through these times of change. The company remains devoted to helping customers adapt, strengthen their operations, and deliver the modern, dynamic learning experiences that today’s students demand.

For regular updates about Moodle, eLearning and edtech industry, please visit us regularly at https://lmsdaily.com. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or Subscribe our YouTube Channel.

Check out the top exciting features included in Moodle 4.4

Check out the top exciting features included in Moodle 4.4
Check out the top exciting features included in Moodle 4.4

Moodle 4.4 – the next major version of the Moodle LMS has been released today. Along with Moodle 4.4 there are other supported minor versions released. The new major Moodle version released is packed with a lot of exciting new features.

  • Course page improvements and activity icons: A fresher look – Course pages, the heart of Moodle’s learning experience, have received significant improvements in Moodle LMS 4.4. The navigation experience within a course has been improved to help learners focus on the material at hand; by default, clicking on the section heading in the left-hand course index or on the section title will now navigate the student to a section page displaying only the content for that particular section.
  • Streamline communication with enhanced notifications – Moodle LMS 4.4 introduces enhanced notification options to proactively inform and engage users. Students are alerted when manually enrolled in courses, ensuring they can engage with new learning opportunities right away. If students are at risk of being unenrolled due to inactivity, they can be alerted to give them the chance to re-engage and continue their learning journey.
  • Ordering Question type in Moodle core – Funded by Moodle Users Association, the ordering question type enabling educators to create dynamic assessments that require learners to sequence content accurately. This tool develops learners’ problem-solving skills and deepens their understanding of narrative coherence and metacognition. 
  • Forum Upgrades – In Moodle 4.4, there are many significant forum management enhancements such as configurable defaults for announcements to forums, paired with quick access to the “Post to all groups” option.
  • TinyMCE text editor – Now, TinyMCE text editor is the default editor for all newly installed and upgraded LMS sites.
  • Better image handling -Image handling is more streamlined, giving a better user experience.
  • Mult-Factor Authentication via SMS – Multi-factor authentication now includes the option to authenticate via an SMS code. 
  • Last Saved Quiz Attempt & Section based grading
  • Many more…

These are just a glimpse of many new exciting features included in the Moodle 4.4 version. We encourage you to setup a development Moodle portal to test out the new features included in the new version before upgrading your current version to the latest version.

For regular updates about Moodle, eLearning and edtech industry, please visit us regularly at https://lmsdaily.com. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or Subscribe our YouTube Channel.

AI-Powered Job Simulation Platform Take2 AI Raises $3M

Take2 AI, a unique AI-powered job simulation platform for sales recruiting, has announced a significant milestone. The company has successfully raised $3 million in a seed round led by Reach Capital and SemperVirens, with participation from other renowned Silicon Valley-based venture funds, Techstars, and HR leaders from Visa, Disney, HP, and Google. This substantial funding will fuel the company’s expansion and development efforts, further solidifying its position in the market.

Take2 AI, co-founded by Kaushik Narasimhan and Yaniv Shimoni, aims to transform how companies find talent for high-volume sales positions, which make up 14% of all jobs in the United States. Companies need help to screen applicants and spend many hours evaluating applications thoroughly. Due to this, there is a relatively high short-term turnover rate: three times more salespeople than in any other occupation, or one in three churn annually.

Yaniv Shimoni, Co-founder of Take2 AI, said:

There has been so much buzz around skills-based hiring in recent years, yet most employers still heavily rely on resumes. In high-volume sales roles, resumes could be more helpful in predicting fit, leading to highly high short-term attrition.

The company’s two founders, Kaushik Narasimhan and Yaniv Shimoni, are highly skilled at creating and growing sales teams. They first connected at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Based on insights from Stanford University research on skills-based hiring, they founded Take2 AI.

Headquartered in New York, the firm helps companies generate tailor-made simulations of real-world sales scenarios that vet job applicants for skills, behavioural attributes, and culture fit. This enables companies to minimize their mis-hires and improve employee retention.

Esteban Sosnik, General Partner of Reach Capital, stated:

We are very bullish on skill-based hiring. Given the advancements in generative AI, Take2 AI brings a novel approach to recruiting that is scalable and timely. Putting candidates in front of real-world sales simulations results in a better assessment of candidates for companies and a more suitable fit for employees, leading to a win-win and clear ROI for both parties.

For regular updates about Moodle, eLearning and edtech industry, please visit us regularly at https://lmsdaily.com. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or Subscribe our YouTube Channel.