Applying UX Methodologies for Improving Moodle Usage

Abstract

According to several market research reports, Moodle is the most widely used Learning Management System (LMS) in the world, but how intuitive is it for teachers? Does it make teachers’ experience easier or is it a burden for them? Does it help teachers reach the expected learning outcomes? In line with our experience, teachers find barriers when designing a course in the LMS and, hence, students face difficulties affecting their learning process. Even more, considering that users (both teachers and students) have different needs and levels of expertise with this tool. The pandemic, and the consequent forced migration to distance learning scenarios, made these difficulties even more visible and the need for solutions much more urgent. This article will explain how to improve teachers’ experiences using Moodle by applying User Experience (UX) methodologies such as quantitative and qualitative research, user journey mapping, and heuristic evaluation. Inclusive and accessible design principles were applied in this work to consider a wide variety of users. The research methods used, the results obtained, and the guidelines for improving the quality and effectiveness of Moodle-based courses will be explained throughout this article.