There are 300+ tracker items that are part of the upcoming 2.9 release. I’ve looked through them all and pulled some of those that I found to be the most interesting. Based on that this is going to be a great release, but without the major changes that were ushered in with previous releases. A lot of the changes will be more minor (but in aggregate should go far in creating a much more usable Moodle site for you and your users).
The full list of 2.9 changes and updates is available here: http://goo.gl/ErdFEX
Security and user authenticity
MDL-47803: all users browser sessions available on a single page for viewing
MDL-47800: logs user out at password change
MDL-47829: limit concurrent sessions for users
MDL-47830: limit password rotation/reuse
Usability
MDL-10405: ability to delete (not just orphan) topic sections
MDL-46755: allows teachers to set the number of discussions set in a social format course
MDL-47501: show if a grade has been overridden (without having to edit it)
MDL-43387: provides an html editor to editing essays in a lesson
MDL-43996: add image drag and drop capability to the editing window
MDL-48715: add “time spent” as a custom completion rule for Lesson module
Quiz
MDL-348: printer friendly layout for quiz
MDL-40990: creates the ability to force the order in which questions are asked in a quiz
Do you have a favorite ticket or change that’s making its way into Moodle 2.9? Post it to the comments.
Adding the timing feature will be excellent. I can see GREAT value in being able to say that Module 2 is available no fewer than 7 days from the date Module 1 is started so I’m hoping this will be at the module level AS WELL AS at the activity/resource level. This will allow for relative scheduling particularly in fully online courses which start at the time of enrollment.
From a user’s perspective, this will be easy to set for readings, videos, audios, quizzes, and other activities that would have a reasonable time to complete. The challenge will be in setting it for forums and assignments since many students may craft these responses offline.
I’d be interested in knowing ideas that users have about this.
I hope MDL-40992 and MDL-40988 are also worthy of note. See https://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=310239