Tips for (Google) Tasks

Google Tasks is one of the lesser-used apps in the Google Apps suite, but it's a powerful app when you use it to combine and compliment the functionalities of various apps.

OpenLMS Moodle Mobile App Update

On April 28, the “old Open LMS” app will be removed from from the Google & iOS App stores (add to Google Calendar). You will still be able to use the old app, but will not be able to update it.

We recommend you delete the "old Open LMS" app, and ensure you have the latest version of the new app installed. The screenshot below shows the new app highlighted in yellow, and the old app is highlighted in red:

Create a Calendar Event from a Gmail Message

Have you ever decided to hold a meeting based on an email message thread, and then navigated back and forth between your Gmail and Google Calendar to create the event? Here is how you can make Gmail and Google Calendar do all of the work for you… PLUS an added-value trick you may not know about!

 

Open LMS Moodle Mobile App Update

We received a message from our Moodle host today:

As we mentioned in past communications about the Open LMS Moodle mobile application, there are currently 2 versions of the app available in the Apple and Google app stores. One is labeled “Open-LMS” and one is labeled “old Open LMS”.

As of the end of April, new updates and changes to the mobile app will only be available on the “Open-LMS” app version. The “old Open LMS” version will not be updated and will no longer be available in app stores. Technically, this older version will still work until the end of 2021, but new updates will not be included.

As a reminder from previous updates, here is the timeline of app changes:

February 17: We started deploying the new Open LMS App in the Apple and Google app stores and we changed the name of the old Open LMS app to “old Open LMS” in the stores. In the old app’s listing description, we recommend downloading the new App, titled “Open-LMS”.

April 28: We will remove the “old Open LMS” app from the stores. (Users will still be able to use it, but will not be able to update it.)

We recommend you encourage your users to delete the "old Open LMS" app, and ensure they have the latest version of the new app installed. To assist with this process, we’ve updated the icon on the old app to make it clear which one is no longer recommended.

The screenshot on the left is iOS, screenshot on the right is Android. The new app is highlighted in yellow, while the old app is highlighted in red:

Just as a reminder, a new version was created to ensure consistency and clarity with the deployment details in the app store. We do not anticipate this approach will be needed again. We realize that this creates confusion with users and additional work for all involved. Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible for your users, and to provide sufficient notice to you to ensure a smooth transition.

Create a Google Calendar Event with a Link to Your Zoom Room

I have been using a terrific Chrome browser extension for a few months now that makes it very easy to include a link to your Zoom room in your Google Calendar events. No more copying & pasting between your Zoom "Meetings" page and your Google Calendar event, as the selection is available directly in Google Calendar:

The Zoom for GSuite Chrome extension has worked so well for me over the last year (anyone have Zoom fatigue yet?) that I have become somewhat of an evangelist for it. I think you will like it, too.

Converting a Course Between LMSes

We received a request from an instructor asking for assistance in converting a Canvas course into a Moodle course. They had a Canvas backup file and had discovered a video describing the basic process. I had seen that video (and many like it) before, and found it curious that they didn't close the loop and show the resulting Moodle course.

In hopes of sharing what we on the Moodle team have observed and experienced over the last dozen years or so, here is my reply to the instructor:

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We have fielded this and similar questions numerous times over the years. The only solution along those lines that has been more or less successful is when the backup file (in this case, from Canvas) is made from a course that was built as a "file dump/repository," as in simply containing files (usually Word Docs, PowerPoint files, PDFs, etc.), but nothing representing any true LMS functionality such as those you are familiar with in Moodle: Assignment, Quiz, Forum, Attendance, Book, Lesson, etc.

Do you have any idea as to the nature of the Canvas course you are looking to convert to Moodle? If it just consists of files, your idea might work, but not necessarily better than replicating that type of course in Moodle. If the course incorporates Canvas LMS functions, we have yet to see a conversion utility or process (including the one you referenced) that will accurately translate into a Moodle course.

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That said, if you know of, or discover a utility or process that reliably facilitates a conversion of true LMS functionality from and/or into Moodle, please let us know - comment below!

Moodle Course Basics Screencast

Here are the basic processes we on the LBCC Moodle Team have seen work best for most instructors and students in most Moodle courses. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Moodle Assignment Default Settings Tour

Take a tour of the most widely-used default settings for the Moodle Assignment activity.

0:40 - General

1:03 - Availability

1:13 - Submission Types

2:43 - Feedback types

3:14 - TurnItIn

3:25 - Grade

3:52 - Restrict Access

4:08 - Activity Completion

4:54 - Outcomes

How to Share Anything in Your Google Drive with Anyone with the Link

This screencast shows how to configure the sharing settings on anything in your Google Drive so that anyone with the link can view it. Whether you are a student, instructor, or other college personnel, this technique can save you a lot of time and frustration!

Moodle For New Instructors Fall 2020

Fall 2020 Inservice Sessions

 Moodle for New Instructors (9/21 @ 1pm)

https://linnbenton.zoom.us/j/93909819277

(Add to Google Calendar)

Moodle Updates and Things You May Not Know (9/21 @2pm)

https://linnbenton.zoom.us/j/92900510998

(Add to Google Calendar)

Google Apps Tips and Tricks (9/24 @ 12pm)

https://linnbenton.zoom.us/j/98621382213

(Add to Google Calendar)

Kaltura/Moodle/Zoom (9/24 @ 2pm)

https://linnbenton.zoom.us/j/93815588461

(Add to Google Calendar)

Moodle Updates and Things You May Not Know (9/24 @ 3pm)

https://linnbenton.zoom.us/j/94407420235

(Add to Google Calendar)

Google Apps Tips and Tricks (9/24 @ 4pm)

https://linnbenton.zoom.us/j/96200623769

(Add to Google Calendar)

8 Tips for More Professional Education Videos

You are probably already aware of the power of video in teaching. When you consider the amount of screen time most students engage in, it's probably worth considering implementing some amount of video content in your LMS course. Many educators are hesitant to record themselves on video for their students to view, but if you can get over that hump, we are confident your students will benefit from it. Once you master the most basic concepts and practices, and you're ready to step up to the next level, you may find this article useful.

For advice and support on campus, see Ken Long (x4671) or Paul Tannahill (x4647).

Submitting Your Course Grades in WebRunner

It's a very simple process, but one that you only need to do once a term. You might want to bookmark this post in your browser.