This provides you with a container for information about your module (or similar), with links to resources, and online activities. In Moodle-speak this is called a "course".

There are two types of Moodle course space, with very different lifecycles:

1. Auto-generated module space for a specific run (in a specific year) of a module (as registered in the module catalogue).
2. Ad hoc space created for some other purpose, such as an optional skills course or a learning community - similar to autogenerated modules. Ad hoc spaces are created on request, and students added to them manually. They continue in use until you request that they are deleted, and are not part of the annual rollover process.

Lifecycle for an autogenerated module space

1. Genesis and recycling
In many departments, a Moodle space is automatically created for each module that will run in the next academic year. This starts towards the end of the previous academic year. The Moodle spaces for existing modules are recycled into new copies. This removes the previous students, forum posts etc. The process for this is called "rollover". An admin interface can be used to select rollover options and to manage the process for individual modules. There should be someone in your department who is responsible for this.

New modules are sometimes created using a department template, for departments that have developed them.

The module convenors are usually added with the Course Leader roll, giving them the ability to edit and manage most aspects.

2. Defining

What do you want to use Moodle for? The obvious answer is: tell the students about the goals and structure of the module. But that's easily achieved. And Moodle does a lot more than that. Unfortunately not enough effort is put into using Moodle with purpose. We suggest that you use our support resources and services to reflect on how it fits into your pedagogic styles, strategies and goals.

3. Blueprinting and building

Moodle does not currently offer templates aligned to common pedagogic strategies. We hope to work on that to simplify its use and to make it more suitable for Arts Faculty teaching. Consider how you will use other tools alongside Moodle (such as Teams) to fill the gaps.

There are some basic design choices that can be made at this stage, regarding the organisation of learning content and how it is released to students. You can also plan to have your students added to groups. Also consider how students will be tracked as they read and complete activities (into the Moodle Gradebook). And then consider the types of activity you want to include. Moodle is not well-aligned with many of the pedagogic strategies at Warwick. There is less scope for students to create and collaborate on content. Changing teaching plans when responding to stdudents needs and ideas is not easy, so think about how to include options for that when blueprinting your module.

At this stage you can also select if you want Microsoft Teams spaces to be generated, with your students automatically added. Doing so will trigger the Teams lifecycle. You can also choose to have Private Channels set up that synchronise with your Moodle Groups.

4. Operation

Closer to the start of your module, students are enrolled to the module space automatically, based on data in the module registration system. It is recommended that you check this to make sure it is correct. Add additional people as needed (for example, external examiners, teaching colleagues on related modules. Add the students to Moodle groups.

You will also need to make the course visible to the students before they can access it.

You can modify the Moodle space once the course is running, but avoid confusing the students. Perhaps build in space for change in your design.

5. Archiving

Once a module has finished, its Moodle space remains available to the students, with some interactive elements switched off. This allows them to use it for revision or to make connections with future learning.

6. Recycling

If the module will run again without substantial changes, the design and content of the Moodle course can be recycled through a process called Rollover. In most departments a nominated person is responsible for arranging rollover.

Complete Moodle help guide.