Extending Moodle functionalities with ontology-based competency management

Abstract

The Learning Management System (LMS) Moodle is currently the most popular software solution which provides many modules for various teaching and learning purposes. However, several aspects relevant for competency management are typically missing in Moodle. This paper proposes an ontology-based competency management application which is developed as a Moodle extension for supporting the development and assessment of competencies inside a course. Details about the competency ontology adopted for designing the competency-based course structure as well as the competency management features embedded into Moodle are presented. By incorporating these features into a LMS, it becomes possible to manage target competencies together with their associated evidence items and assess proficiency levels reached by students for each target competency. In addition, it becomes possible to generate different types of competency reports depending on the target role (teachers, students or administrators).