HowToMoodle: OSS Learning Platform Goes Pro

Ray Lawrence is managing director of Telford, UK-based HowToMoodle, which shows people how to take advantage of Moodle open source software -- freely available on the Internet -- and use it for professional online training and learning.

Captive Audience

The software is widely used by universities and other educational institutions but is relatively unknown in the commercial world.

"I decided to introduce Moodle to HR managers at an expo organized by the Chartered Institute for Personal Development," said Lawrence.

"This is a prestigious event, attended by delegates from more than 70 countries."

As the only Moodle organization there, Lawrence had a captive audience.

"I was amazed at the amount of interest; HR managers and training companies were eager to know more.

The Most Out of Moodle

Many had heard something about it, but only had vague information."

Moodle is used for online learning on some 40,000 Web sites, but UK training managers have been slow to react. "They are used to proprietary software, but this is very often costly to adopt, with heavy license fees that can be expensive if large numbers of people are involved.

"They are looking for a professional alternative, and Moodle is just waiting to be used. We show them how to do it, by designing and delivering a range of training courses and offer them ongoing help that allows them to get the most out of Moodle," added Lawrence.

How To Moodle is based at the e-innovation center at the Telford campus of Wolverhampton University and has been trading for three years. It was the first business set up to focus exclusively on Moodle training.

Learn Your Way

"Moodle has been like a lot of open source software, where development has been left to individual innovation and training.

"We decided to introduce an element of professionalism into the business."

"We are now training and supporting organizations all over the UK as the recognized center of Moodle support," Lawrence added.