The Moodle Podcast

Moodle

Moodle is the learning management solution used by hundreds of millions of learners worldwide. Across every country and in nearly all languages - schools, colleges, universities, vocational trainers and all types of workplaces use Moodle as a toolbox to manage their online learning.In a series of conversations, this podcast series explores topics, provides insights and uncovers personal stories from a range of guests who are specialists in their field whether in education technology, instructional design, Moodle-based solutions or the future of online education. Join us and become part of the global community that supports freedom and access to high quality education technology as fundamental to allowing education to flourish and grow in a more equitable and accessible way. 

  1. 5D AGO

    Tapping into neurodivergent talent: leveraging Universal Design for Learning with Amy Foxwell

    In the latest episode of the Moodle Podcast, hosts Shalimar and Dan dive into the shifting landscape of neurodiversity in education and the workplace. They are joined by Amy Foxwell from ReadSpeaker, a certified Moodle integration, to discuss why designing for neurodivergent learners isn't just "the right thing to do"—it’s a strategic competitive advantage. From the "operating system" analogy of the human brain to the "curb-cut effect" of assistive technology, this conversation explores how proactive, Universal Design for Learning creates an environment where every learner can thrive.  In this episode, we discuss: The Neuro-Inclusion Revolution: Why we are seeing a massive uptick in neurodivergent identification and how businesses like Ultranauts are proving that neurodiversity is a world-class engineering advantage.Moving Beyond Accommodations: Amy explains the shift from a "declaration-dependent" system (where students must disclose a diagnosis) to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), where inclusion is built in by default.The Curb-Cut Effect: How tools originally designed for specific disabilities—like text-to-speech—have become essential productivity tools for the general population.Combating "Masking": The mental and emotional cost of performing "normalcy" and how asynchronous tools and flexible course structures allow learners to focus on content.The Business Case for Inclusion: Startling data shows that neurodivergent teams can be 30% more profitable and significantly more productive.Quick Wins for Course Designers: Practical advice for "exhausted" designers on how to implement small, immediate changes—from font choices to integrated text-to-speech—that move the needle for accessibility. To learn more about Moodle and ReadSpeaker, visit their partner profile here on our website or visit their website.Visit Moodle at Moodle.com

    22 min

  2. MAR 29

    Proactive vs. Reactive: A Toolkit for Accessible Course Design

    For millions of learners, a missing caption or a low-contrast screen is more than a glitch—it’s a barrier.  In this episode, Shalimar is joined by Moodle accessibility specialists Jun Pataleta and Carli Cockrell to discuss why accessibility is a fundamental right, not a luxury. We dive into the Moodle accessibility toolkit, and discuss the power and benefits of Moodle integration partners Brickfield and ReadSpeaker.  We also cover how AI is changing the game for transcripts and summaries. From "Spoon Theory" and personal journeys to the practical magic of the POUR principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust), we explore how designing for the few benefits everyone.  https://moodle.com/accessibility/ Visit Moodle at Moodle.com

    41 min

  3. MAR 3

    Truly active learning: Empowering modern classrooms with Fred Dixon

    Recently, our hosts connected with Fred Dixon, CEO of Blindside Networks and co-founder of the open-source virtual classroom platform BigBlueButton.  In this episode, Fred shares his mission to eliminate the "back of the classroom" in digital spaces, arguing that virtual learning should never be a passive experience like watching a YouTube video. We dive deep into the science of active learning and why "purposeful struggle" is the essential "burn" required for neural pathways to actually change. Fred provides a candid take on the rise of AI in education, warning that while it is a powerful tool for educators to gain back time, it risks becoming "ultra-processed food" for students—leading to cognitive offloading rather than true mastery. Key topics discussed include: Active Learning vs. Passive Meetings: Why tools designed for business meetings (like Zoom and Teams) often fail the pedagogical needs of a classroom.Using digital analytics to help teachers identify struggling students and provide mentorship at the upper end of a learner's ability.The "Oreo Cookie" of AI: Navigating the short-term incentives of AI shortcuts versus the long-term rewards of mental effort.Social Constructivism: How the integration of Moodle and BigBlueButton creates a social environment where learners help one another.Fred's take on "The Future of Education"Whether you are an educator looking to increase student engagement or a learner navigating the age of AI, this episode offers a grounded perspective on how to ensure "learning never stops". Catch Fred at https://blindsidenetworks.com/ or https://bigbluebutton.org/ or connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ffdixon/ Visit Moodle at Moodle.com

    44 min
  4. The invisible barrier: Liz Starbuck Greer on the power of digital capital

    FEB 5

    The invisible barrier: Liz Starbuck Greer on the power of digital capital

    In this episode, we sit down with Liz Starbuck Greer following her impactful session at MoodleMoot Global 2025, which was a firm favourite amongst attendees. While educators often focus on providing tools, Liz argues that tools are only half the battle. She will dive into the concept of ‘Digital Capital’ - the unique blend of skills, confidence, and networks that determines a learner’s success in a virtual world. In this episode, we discuss: Why access is more than just having a laptop or smartphone.How to identify and support learners with low digital capital.The intersection of accessibility, equity, and Moodle design.Practical ways to build "digital confidence" into your curriculum.This episode was hosted by Shalimar Anderson and Dan Lehner.  Watch Liz's presentation from MoodleMoot Global 2025: What is digital capital and why should you care on YouTube.  Visit Moodle at Moodle.com

    36 min

  5. 08/22/2025

    Shaping tomorrow: Introducing three MoodleMoot Global 2025 keynote speakers

    Listen in as Moodle HQ's Shalimar Anderson talks with Moodle Moot Global keynote speakers Dr. Naeema Pasha, Moodle CEO Scott Anderberg, and Marie Achour, Chief Product Officer at Moodle. The group explores the future of education and work, touching on the human-AI relationship, the importance of curiosity, and why our innate desire to learn gives them hope for the future. You'll hear why Moodle is committed to giving users choice and agency in a rapidly changing world and what the speakers hope attendees will take away from their MoodleMoot Global experience in September. Plus, get a sneak peek at the party theme and some tips for your costume! Join us for a fascinating conversation that will challenge you to think differently about how we learn, work, and shape tomorrow.  #MootGlobal25  Visit Moodle at Moodle.com

    42 min

  6. 06/17/2025

    How Mature Is Your Moodle? Why Evaluation Frameworks Matter with Dr Mark Glynn

    Join Dr Mark Glynn (Head of Business Development at Catalyst IT Europe) and Jessica Gramp (Moodle Community Manager at Moodle HQ) as they discuss the Moodle Maturity Framework  In this episode, they: Introduce the Moodle Maturity Framework and how it works.Share why evaluation frameworks are essential for strategic planning, quality assurance, and resource prioritisation.Explain how the tool aligns with JISC’s Digital Transformation FrameworkExplore the benefits for institutions, whether they’re just getting started with Moodle or looking to elevate their digital learning environment.Highlight why we’ve made the framework free and open to the global Moodle community.Learn more here: https://www.catalyst-eu.net/service/moodle-maturity-framework  Visit Moodle at Moodle.com

    36 min

  7. 05/08/2025

    Learning without borders: Building equitable education in the humanitarian sector

    "In a country of so many billions of people and such little resources, how do you provide quality education to everyone?" In this inspiring conversation, Tanya Tierney, Learning Platform Lead at the FABO community, shares more about digital learning innovation for humanitarian organisations worldwide.  In this episode, Tanya reflects on what it means to create accessible, relevant, and locally grounded education in a world marked by stark digital divides, shifting funding realities, and rapid technological change.  This is a deep dive into the challenges and possibilities of NGO learning, from the flexibility of Moodle as an open-source learning platform to designing for diversity and inclusion. Whether you're an educator, technologist, or development practitioner, Tanya’s insights offer both practical lessons and bold inspiration for rethinking how we deliver educational tools.  This episode was hosted by Barnana Sarkar.  Visit Moodle at Moodle.com

    38 min

  8. 02/28/2025

    Inside Moodle’s next chapter: Scott Anderberg shares his thoughts after one year as CEO

    In this episode of the Moodle Podcast, host Lauren Goodman, Product Marketing Manager at Moodle, sits down with CEO Scott Anderberg to discuss his first year at Moodle and his vision for the future of education. Scott shares his journey from his early days in the LMS space to leading one of the world’s most widely used learning platforms, and how Moodle is tackling global educational access and empowering learners around the world. Scott discusses the uniqueness of the Moodle community, what makes the organization’s open-source mission so powerful, and how MoodleHQ plans to continue evolving. Lauren and Scott then dive deep into the opportunities and challenges ahead for Moodle and what makes the platform so special for users, developers and partners. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the future of learning, Moodle's global impact, and Scott's leadership in accessible education at scale.  Visit Moodle at Moodle.com

    31 min
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About

Moodle is the learning management solution used by hundreds of millions of learners worldwide. Across every country and in nearly all languages - schools, colleges, universities, vocational trainers and all types of workplaces use Moodle as a toolbox to manage their online learning.In a series of conversations, this podcast series explores topics, provides insights and uncovers personal stories from a range of guests who are specialists in their field whether in education technology, instructional design, Moodle-based solutions or the future of online education. Join us and become part of the global community that supports freedom and access to high quality education technology as fundamental to allowing education to flourish and grow in a more equitable and accessible way. 

Information

  • Creator
    Moodle
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Moodle Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Moodle Podcast