by Barnana Sarkar.
We are thrilled to announce that the most anticipated event of the year started on a high note. Day 1 was all about exploring the theme of this year’s MoodleMoot Global, ‘Lifelong learning’. We not only engaged with like-minded educators, experts, and Moodlers from around the globe but also welcomed leading industry keynote speakers.
Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from Day 1!
Opening keynote and welcome message
The event started with Marie Achour, Moodle Global Head of Product, who greeted everyone in her welcome speech. She gave us a glimpse of what was scheduled for the day – right from a fantastic speaker lineup to the highlights of the upcoming Moodle LMS 4.3 release.
Following the welcome speech, our Founder, Martin Dougiamas, delivered his keynote presentation on ‘Lifelong intelligence’ focusing on how artificial intelligence is changing education and the workplace.
During his keynote presentation, Martin shared that the more he engaged with AI, the more he came to appreciate the nuances of human education, voice, and intent. He emphasised the importance of understanding the depth and meaning behind words and how this highlights the significance of education in today’s world. His presentation underscored the need for a balanced approach that harnesses AI’s capabilities while valuing and preserving the richness of human communication and education.
Morning sessions at MoodleMoot Global
Day 1 at MoodleMoot Global began with vibrant discussions, ranging from open-source education principles to advancements in AI for virtual classrooms. Brett Dalton from Moodle HQ elaborated on the essence of open platforms and standards, highlighting the importance of collaborative digital learning. Simultaneously, Fred Dixon from Blindside Networks showcased AI’s role in enhancing virtual learning experiences and using analytics for student support.
The day’s discourse also touched on AI-generated content’s academic implications and the evolving tech in education. Kate Bazilevskaya from Tiny further provided insights into the UX challenges faced in generative AI, revealing complexities educators and designers encounter when aiming for intuitive interfaces.
The second half of Day 1
Day 1’s second half showcased impactful presentations. Willian Mano Araujo delved into the ‘Evoke Game in Moodle’, revealing outcomes of the World Bank’s Evoke project aimed at addressing global challenges innovatively, including using AI-generated content. He stressed the game mechanics in Moodle, like avatars and badges, as rewards that signify a commitment to skill enhancement.
Another key talk was ‘Women in (Ed)Tech’, presented by Amaia Anabitarte and Sara Arjona from Moodle HQ. It highlighted challenges women face in the EdTech sector, spotlighting real-world experiences and the gender ratio among open source contributors. This ignited a dialogue, with several attendees sharing their narratives.
Networking drinks and Music Jam Night
Day 1 concluded on an exciting note! Firstly, the networking drinks provided everyone with a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere to connect and network. It was a fantastic opportunity for Moodlers from around the world to come together, share experiences, and build valuable connections.
Following the networking drinks, the evening continued with a lively “Music Jam Night.” This inclusive and friendly gathering welcomed individuals of all skill levels to explore the joy of making music together. We had the chance to join in and experience the thrill of performing on stage at Jamboree, in Barcelona. The night was a celebration of global culture and camaraderie, ensuring that everyone who took the stage received the well-deserved applause from their fellow Moodlers.
Find out more in our Day 1 recap blog, and also see what’s in store for Day 2.
