1.2.1 Include communication opportunities

The options to setup and run communications within the Moodle platform are numerous. Depending on the personal needs of both learners or teachers, the type of the communication, the course theme and structure, the communication domain, and many other factors, communication in Moodle can be tailored in a different ways. It is even possible to use features that are not primary designed for communication purposes. 

Online learning demands constant and sometimes redundant communication possibilities. When you run an online course (especially if it is asynchronous) you want your students to feel like they can easily communicate and are not missing information, even if they are their attention is intermittent. Course information should be obvious, right beneath the learners nose. 

When one starts to build the communication plan it is good to have a clear vision of all the communication parameters: how many people need to communicate, what is the expected level and frequency of communication, who is communicating with whom. Will teachers communicate to learners one-way, or will communication be both ways? Will learners be able to communicate to other learners? Will there be small group communication? What is confidential? Is there a need for communication filtering (approval of the posts)? What is important to communicate (quick information, timely delivery of resources, quiz results)? Is communication restricted only to Moodle, or will email or other methods be used?

There are several modes of communication inside Moodle which are introduced on the following page.