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://lmspulse.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?”
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).