We ran a quick, unscientific poll yesterday to try to figure what the consensus was on the Web 2.0-y-ness of Moodle. When asked “Is Moodle Web 2.0?” of those that responded:
51% yes
49% no
Looks like it’s statistically even.
It’s not necessarily important though (as was stated in the comments); making Moodle have the traits of Web 2.0 (either site wide or in an individual classroom space) is possible in the hands of course designer with a little guidance, skill or experience. Or, the opposite is true of a course used as a file repository.
It’s an interesting conversation that will continue. Check out the poll and comments at http://www.moodlenews.com/2010/poll-is-moodle-web-2-0/.
Perhaps the last commenter is right:
A better poll would be “Do you think most facilitators use Moodle effectively or to its maximum potential?”
Related posts:
Websites and services called “2.0″ all rules, not only the admin or the teacher.
Moodle … 2.0 , no way !!!
A moodle site is for the institution not for the users.
Do they know what 2.0 mean ?… I think they don’t.
I would argue that the ability for a user to create content online is the key to Web 2.0
While many institutions and courses do not allow for student interactivity and choice, Moodle itself has a wide variety of tools for creating a student centered place.
Of course the institution can control if those features and spaces exist, but all it takes is creating an open/social forum on the front page of a course or turning on messaging to give students a web 2.0 space as part of the institution.
In fact, I believe the biggest benefit of using Moodle is that it when it creates a shared space for all students to interact (like the virtual hallways which surround the virtual classrooms).