MoodleMoot Global 2023 was truly a global phenomenon! With over 700 participants from 56 nations and more than 100 speakers from 24 countries, Moodlers from across the world came together to promote lifelong learning and exchange best practices from the eLearning field.
Pre-conference: Learning with global partners, certified integrations, and attending immersive sessions
Natanya van der Lingen, Head of Partner Program and Michael Blake, Partner Team Operations Lead, and, from Moodle HQ welcomed our partners on Moodle Global Partners Day.
The day drew 102 partner representatives from 46 Moodle Certified Partners worldwide. It provided an excellent opportunity to meet both our new and existing partners, engaging in captivating conversations about opportunities for innovation in eLearning.
Throughout the day, participants including Moodle Certified Integration Partners, engaged in various activities, such as DevJam and Learning Designer Jam where they were tasked with developing creative solutions that support lifelong learning.
At the end of the day, we also announced the Moodle Certified Partner award winners. The awards celebrate the remarkable contributions of over 100 Moodle Certified Partners from more than 50 countries. Check our blog to find out more about this year’s winners.
‘Lifelong learning’ takes centre stage
MoodleMoot Global 2023 started with a dedicated focus on the theme of ‘Lifelong learning’. The concept, as defined by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, promotes learning for all age groups and contexts, instilling the idea that learning itself is a lifelong process.
The day began with a welcome note by Marie Achour, Moodle Global Head of Product, outlining the day’s agenda and providing insights into the upcoming sessions.
The keynote address by Moodle’s Founder, Martin Dougiamas, centred on ‘Lifelong intelligence’ and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education and the workforce. Martin emphasised the importance of a balanced approach, leveraging AI while preserving the value of human interaction in education. He discussed AI’s potential to reshape work and learning, along with the need for a more comprehensive and accessible education system.
A continued exploration of innovation and collaboration
Day 2 of the main conference was marked by a series of enriching sessions and community activities. Abby Fry, Head of Marketing and Communications at Moodle, welcomed attendees and introduced the day’s highlights, including a keynote by Rakhat Zholdoshalieva, team leader for the Quality Learning Ecosystems Program at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning workshops, and the upcoming ’80s-themed Moodle Party.
Rakhat delivered a keynote on the topic of ‘Lifelong Learning: Past, Present, and Future’ that traced the historical and contemporary significance of lifelong learning. She highlighted the United Nations and UNESCO’s efforts to promote continuous education globally and connected lifelong learning to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Rakhat also engaged the audience in a discussion about the relevance of lifelong learning today.
Throughout the day, various sessions covered a range of topics, such as introducing Moodle Workplace 4.3 and the new Learning Catalogue, which is bringing learning on demand to Moodle Workplace, digital learning as a driver for social and economic transformation, and the essential UI components that can enhance a course page.
Martin Dougiamas led an Open EdTech innovation workshop encouraging creative thinking in educational technology. Aurélie Soulier, Community Engagement Lead at Moodle HQ, emphasised the power of community collaboration in shaping Moodle’s future.
Many presentations also showcased practical implementations of Moodle. For example, Albina Bardhi, from the Department of Product Development at Praktika.al, presented the transformative impact of Moodle on vocational education in Albania through the MësoVET Project, and a session by Robert Schrenk, from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research, highlighted Austria’s inclusive educational portal project.
Day 2 concluded with networking opportunities and the Moodle Party, where everyone came in their best ‘80s costume, showcasing very creative interpretations of the era. The winners of the best outfit were announced at the closing ceremony and won free tickets to the next MoodleMoot Global event!
Drawing the curtains on MoodleMoot Global 2023
The morning of the final day began with a panel discussion on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and workplace learning, hosted by Brett Dalton the Head of Education Solutions at Moodle HQ, featuring 5 experts from various fields such as academic research, educational technology, and online and distance education.
The panel was posed with critical questions about AI, such as its readiness in educational institutions, the potential impact of AI regulation on the education industry, and how AI can positively affect learning. Diverse viewpoints emerged, from addressing bias in AI to the intention behind building AI systems. The discussion also raised questions about the understanding and acceptance of AI’s implications.
The focus on innovation and lifelong learning continued throughout the day. Michael Maloney discussed the transformative potential of Moodle Workplace in government organisations’ lifelong learning initiatives, emphasising technology’s role in educational advancements. Michelle Lomman explored AI’s relevance to Moodle users, encouraging critical examination of AI beliefs and biases. Her presentation offered guidance for effectively navigating the AI landscape within Moodle-based education.
MoodleMoot Global 2023 concluded with a memorable closing session. Yasuko Aoki and Chie Tsukamoto from e-learning Co., Ltd. received the award for the best ‘80s outfit, for their brilliant interpretation of the iconic video game characters from the ‘80s, Mario and Luigi.
Over the course of the three days, we not only gained invaluable knowledge and insights but also forged new connections and reconnected with our community. And guess what? We are thrilled to announce that we’ll be back next year, and we are taking the MoodleMoot experience to Mexico.
If you couldn’t attend the event, don’t worry! We’ll be uploading all the videos from MoodleMoot Global 2023 to the MoodleMoot Global 2023 course on Moodle Academy in the coming weeks. This means you can watch them at your convenience, from anywhere you choose.
