Moodle – The best LMS you might not have!

Why Moodle LMS is the Best Choice for Any School

Modern Learning Management Systems (LMS) have become essential tools for educational institutions navigating the complexities of digital learning. They streamline administrative tasks, enhance teaching effectiveness, facilitate student engagement, and provide robust assessment capabilities. An effective LMS saves institutions time and resources while improving educational outcomes. However, these benefits only materialize when you choose the right platform—and that choice shouldn’t be dictated by vendor marketing budgets.

The Open Source Advantage

Many commercial LMS vendors publish articles emphasizing the “crucial need” for their proprietary solutions, conveniently leading readers toward expensive subscription models that generate recurring revenue for shareholders rather than value for educators. While these platforms may offer polished interfaces, they often lock schools into costly licensing agreements, limited customization options, and vendor dependency that can last for years.

The reality is far more promising: there’s a robust ecosystem of free, open-source LMS solutions that rival or exceed commercial alternatives in functionality, flexibility, and long-term value. Among these, Moodle stands out as the clear leader.

Why Moodle is the Best LMS for Schools

1. Proven Track Record and Scale

Moodle powers over 400 million users across 240+ countries, making it the world’s most widely adopted LMS. This isn’t accidental—schools, universities, and organizations choose Moodle because it delivers results. From small K-12 schools to major research universities, Moodle scales to meet any institution’s needs.  Our district began using Moodle in 2006 and it became mandated for all 5-12th grade classes 2 years later.  In that time we have been forced to reboot our Moodle server less than a handful of times, and those were usually my error in the configuration.

2. Zero Licensing Costs

Moodle is completely free and open source. There are no per-user fees, no annual licensing costs, and no surprise price increases. Your budget goes toward what matters: quality hosting, professional development, and educational content—not vendor profits.  I have talked with several schools about the total cost of ownership (the only cost being my time and the initial server cost) but those are so low compared to the commercial options, there really is no cost comparison at all.

3. Unmatched Flexibility and Customization

Unlike proprietary systems with rigid feature sets, Moodle can be tailored to your exact requirements. With thousands of plugins, themes, and customization options, you can create a learning environment that reflects your institution’s unique pedagogical approach and branding. If a feature doesn’t exist, your team or the global community can build it.  The community has 2547 plugins available for download.  If the core Moodle doesn’t have what you need, there is probably a plugin.  NTLS has an extensive number of home written plugins.  These include Elementary School Grade cards (based on indicators, not grades), automatic enrollment scripts, tardy and absentee displays, and  much more.  The ability customize Moodle is based only on your imagination.

4. Pedagogically Sound Design

Moodle was created by educators for educators. Its course structure supports diverse teaching methodologies—from traditional instruction to collaborative learning, competency-based education, and flipped classrooms. Features like conditional activities, learning paths, and comprehensive gradebook options give teachers powerful tools to personalize learning.

Students' preferences for future use of a distance-learning platform.

5. Ownership and Control

With Moodle, you own your data, control your platform, and determine your roadmap. You’re never held hostage by a vendor’s business decisions, sunset policies, or acquisition by a larger corporation. Your institution maintains complete autonomy over when and how you upgrade, what features you implement, and how you protect student privacy.  There is no need to worry about what a vendor is doing with your Moodle data, it is your data, on your machine, behind your firewall.

6. Active Global Community

Moodle’s vibrant community includes millions of educators, developers, and administrators who contribute code, share best practices, and provide support through forums and documentation. This collaborative ecosystem means continuous innovation driven by real educational needs, not market trends.

7. Enterprise-Grade Features

Don’t mistake “free” for “basic.” Current Moodle versions (like Moodle 4.5 on PHP 8) offer sophisticated capabilities including:

  • Advanced analytics and reporting
  • Mobile-responsive design with dedicated apps
  • Integration with external tools via LTI
  • Robust assessment engines with multiple question types
  • Plagiarism detection integration
  • Accessibility compliance (WCAG standards)
  • Single sign-on and authentication options
  • Video conferencing integration
  • Competency-based learning frameworks
  • Portfolio management

8. Future-Proof Technology

Moodle continues evolving with modern web standards and educational technology trends. Recent upgrades have brought improved user interfaces, enhanced performance, better mobile experiences, and integration with emerging technologies—all while maintaining backward compatibility and respecting existing investments.

The Bottom Line

When commercial LMS vendors claim their solutions are “crucial,” they’re right about the need but wrong about the answer. Schools don’t need expensive subscriptions to access world-class learning management capabilities. Moodle provides everything you need: proven reliability, pedagogical sophistication, unlimited scalability, and complete institutional control—all without licensing fees.

The best LMS for any school isn’t the one with the biggest marketing budget or the slickest sales presentation. It’s the one that empowers teachers, engages students, serves your institution’s unique mission, and respects your budgetary constraints. For these reasons and many more, Moodle remains the gold standard in educational technology.

Choose open source. Choose community. Choose Moodle.


For technical guidance on implementing Moodle or upgrading to the latest versions, consult the extensive documentation at moodle.org or connect with the global Moodle community.

Video Card (AI enhanced) Blog

Have you ever wondered what you need to run AutoCAD? In this blog post I will be going over that and more by finding a proper video card on a $500 budget. First, you may be wondering, what exactly is AutoCAD?

“AutoCAD is a powerful computer software program primarily used for creating 2D and 3D designs and drafting. It’s widely employed in various industries such as architecture, engineering, and construction. Offering a robust set of tools and functionalities, AutoCAD allows users to generate precise drawings, models, and plans with ease. It provides a comprehensive suite of drafting features, including geometric shapes, dimensioning tools, and annotation capabilities, enabling users to accurately convey their design intentions. Moreover, AutoCAD facilitates the creation of intricate 3D models, aiding in visualization and analysis of complex structures and objects. With its versatility and broad applicability, AutoCAD has become a cornerstone in the design and drafting workflows of professionals worldwide.” (“ChatGPT on AutoCAD,” 24 Apr. 2024).

Now lets go over the requirements for AutoCad

Basic: 1 GB GPU with 29 GB/s Bandwidth and DirectX 11 compliant
Recommended: 4 GB GPU with 106 GB/s Bandwidth and DirectX 12 compliant

Crucial P3 500GB

The Crucial P3 500GB SSD offers an impressive balance of performance, reliability, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for users seeking to upgrade from traditional hard drives or older SSDs without breaking the bank.

Equipped with PCIe 3.0 x4 interface and leveraging Micron’s 176-layer QLC 3D NAND paired with the Phison E21T controller, the P3 delivers sequential read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,000 MB/s. While it lacks a dedicated DRAM cache, it utilizes Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, which allows it to use your system’s RAM as a cache, maintaining competitive performance in everyday tasks .​

Priced around $38, the Crucial P3 500GB SSD offers one of the best cost-per-gigabyte ratios in the market. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers looking to enhance their system’s responsiveness without a hefty investment.

Users have reported significant improvements in system boot times, application loading, and file transfer speeds. Its compact M.2 2280 form factor ensures easy installation in a wide range of desktops and laptops. With 4.7 eggs out of 5 I’d say that’s amazing.

NOTE: THIS IS FOR A SCHOOL PROJECT!

Samsung 970 EVO Plus

Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB SSD – A Compact Powerhouse for Speed and Performance


Image Source: Samsung

If you’re looking to supercharge your PC’s performance without breaking the bank, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB NVMe SSD is a game-changer. It’s a high-speed, reliable solid-state drive designed for enthusiasts, gamers, and creatives alike. Here’s everything you need to know.


🚀 Blazing-Fast Performance

  • Sequential Read Speed: Up to 3,500 MB/s

  • Sequential Write Speed: Up to 3,200 MB/s

Whether you’re booting up your OS, loading massive games, or editing 4K video, the 970 EVO Plus delivers performance that makes traditional hard drives look like they’re standing still.


Image Source: Wirecutter


🔧 Technical Specifications

 

Feature Specification
Type NVMe Solid State Drive (SSD)
Interface PCIe Gen 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.3
Form Factor M.2 2280
Capacity 500GB
NAND Type Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC (TLC)
Random Read (4KB, QD32) Up to 480,000 IOPS
Random Write (4KB, QD32) Up to 550,000 IOPS
Endurance (TBW) 300 TBW
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) 1.5 million hours
Warranty 5-Year Limited Warranty or 300 TBW

💰 Price and Value

With an MSRP of $79.99, this SSD offers fantastic value for the speed and reliability you’re getting. It’s an ideal upgrade for laptops, desktops, and compact builds.

🛒 Buy Now: Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB on Amazon
🛍️ Official Samsung Page: View Product on Samsung


✅ Why Choose the 970 EVO Plus?

  • Proven reliability with Samsung’s 5-year limited warranty.

  • Thermal control with Dynamic Thermal Guard for sustained performance.

  • Samsung Magician software lets you monitor health, optimize performance, and update firmware easily.

Whether you’re building a new PC or upgrading your existing setup, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB is a top-tier choice for fast storage without compromise.

: note this is part of a class project

Maybe one of the best mid range RAM sticks i ever reviewed

The G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32 GB is a memory stick perfect for mid tier gaming computers as it not only packs a lot of power but it’s also very cheap. it’s high capacity size and fast speeds makes it a beast with most high end games. the only flaw is it’s latency is rather long but it does not effect the speed all that much.

the specifications for this pair of sticks are:

Memory Type: DDR5
Capacity: 32GB (16GBx2)
Multi-Channel Kit: Dual Channel Kit
Tested Speed (Up To) (XMP): 5200 MT/s
Tested Latency (XMP): 36-36-36-83
Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Memory type is basically the generation that the ram is from and what motherboard it fits on. The capacity is how much the ram can process at once. the Channel kit determines how much identical ram must be connected to one board. Speed is how many cycles the ram does per second. The latency is many cycles the ram needs to perform before fully receiving data from the CPU.

the pair of ram sticks cost $87.99 on Newegg and if want to have it yourself click on the image down below.

 

 

 

 

THIS IS A CLASSROOM PROJECT

 Mushkin Redline Stiletto

 Mushkin 32GB RAM: Power, Performance & Reliability

If you’re looking to elevate your PC’s performance, Mushkin’s 32GB RAM kits offer a blend of speed, stability, and value. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or power user, these modules are designed to meet demanding workloads.​

 Mushkin Redline Stiletto DDR4-3200 (2x16GB)

The Redline Stiletto series is engineered for high-performance computing, featuring:​

  • Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) 
  • Speed: DDR4-3200 (PC4-25600) 
  • CAS Latency: CL16 (16-18-18-38) 
  • Voltage: 1.35V 
  • Features: Intel XMP 2.0 support, sleek black heat spreaders​ 

This kit is ideal for gamers and professionals seeking reliable and fast memory.​

Purchase Links:

  • Newegg 
  • [Walmart](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mushkin-Enhanced-Redline-Stiletto-32

Unleashing Power: A Closer Look at the Mushkin 32GB RAM

If you’re serious about speed, multitasking, and pushing your system to the limit, Mushkin’s 32GB RAM kit might just be the upgrade your rig’s been waiting for.

Why 32GB?

In today’s computing world, 8GB is no longer the gold standard—it’s just the starting line. Whether you’re gaming at high resolutions, editing 4K video, working with 3D rendering software, or just like having 50 Chrome tabs open while streaming and chatting on Discord, 32GB gives your system room to breathe. It’s not overkill—it’s the new sweet spot for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Mushkin’s Performance Pedigree

Mushkin has built a name for itself by delivering high-performance memory that doesn’t break the bank. Their 32GB kits (usually 2x16GB) are engineered for speed, stability, and longevity. You can expect:

  • Tight latency timings that keep your data moving quickly. 
  • High-frequency options (often in the 3200–3600MHz+ range). 
  • Robust heat spreaders that help manage thermals during long gaming or rendering sessions. 
  • XMP 2.0 support for one-click overclocking simplicity. 

 Plug, Play, and Dominate

Installing the Mushkin 32GB RAM is a breeze. Just slot it into a compatible motherboard, enable XMP in BIOS (if you want that performance boost), and you’re ready to roll. No guesswork. No stress.

Built to Last

Mushkin backs their memory with a limited lifetime warranty, so you’re not just buying performance—you’re investing in reliability. That peace of mind goes a long way, especially when you’re depending on your system for demanding workloads or competitive gaming.

Final Thoughts

If you’re building a new PC or upgrading an older one, Mushkin’s 32GB RAM gives you a solid mix of speed, capacity, and dependability. It’s not just memory—it’s a performance upgrade for your entire workflow.

: note this is part of a class project

Memory

Redline® Lumina – 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200 UDIMM PC4-3200 (3200MHz) 16-18-18-38 | MLA4C320GJJM8GX2 ECC

US $59.99

Condition
New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is … 
Brand
Mushkin Enhanced
Form Factor
UDIMM
Type
DDR4 SDRAM
Total Capacity
16 GB
Number of Modules
2
Capacity per Module
8 GB
Manufacturer Warranty
Lifetime
Custom Bundle
No
Model
MLA4C320GJJM8GX2
Number of Pins
288
MPN
MLA4C320GJJM8GX2
Bus SpeedPC4-25600 (DDR4-3200)
UPC846651030047

XLR8 Gaming EPIC-X RGB™ 3600MHz Desktop Memory review

This is the XLR8 Gaming RAM

 

XLR8 Gaming DDR4 RAM (2x16GB) – A Budget Powerhouse

If you’re looking for high-performance memory that won’t break the bank, the XLR8 Gaming DDR4 RAM (2x16GB) kit is a standout option. With a total of 32GB, this dual-channel setup is perfect for gaming, content creation, and multitasking-heavy workflows.

  • Speed: Clocked at 3600MHz, it delivers fast and responsive performance, ideal for modern AAA titles, productivity applications, and even light rendering tasks.

  • Voltage: Efficient power usage at just 1.35V (standard for high-speed DDR4, not 1.3V), helping reduce heat output and overall system power draw.

  • Form Factor: Standard 288-pin DIMM design, compatible with most DDR4 motherboards.

  • RGB Lighting: Comes with built-in RGB, adding style and personality to your rig. It’s usually compatible with most major motherboard lighting software (like ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, etc.).

  • Performance & Compatibility: Being DDR4, it offers widespread compatibility with both Intel and AMD platforms (including Ryzen), and still performs excellently even in the era of DDR5—especially considering its price-to-performance ratio.

Why it’s a Great Buy:

At around $60, this kit offers a lot of value. While DDR5 is the new standard, it’s still relatively expensive and often doesn’t offer noticeable performance benefits in real-world gaming for most users. If you’re building a budget to mid-range PC, this XLR8 RAM provides more than enough power without draining your wallet.

Whether you’re upgrading an older system or building a new one on a budget, this memory kit hits the sweet spot between performance, aesthetics, and affordability.

 

 

Western Digital Black Performance

The WD Black 8TB Gaming Internal Hard Drive (model WD8002FZWX) is a high-capacity 3.5″ SATA HDD designed for gamers and power users seeking substantial storage for large game libraries, media files, and backups.Amazon+3Best Buy+3Best Buy+3

Key Features

  • Capacity & Speed: Offers 8TB of storage with a 7200 RPM spindle speed and 256MB cache, providing faster read/write speeds compared to standard 5400 RPM drives.

  • Performance: While not as fast as SSDs, its 7200 RPM speed makes it suitable for storing and accessing large files and games, especially older titles or less frequently played ones.Best Buy+1TechRadar+1

  • Compatibility: Ideal for desktop PCs and compatible with gaming consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X for storing and playing previous-generation games.Best Buy

User Feedback

According to customer reviews on Best Buy, the drive has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 47 reviews. Users praise its ample storage capacity and performance, noting its suitability for gaming and media storage. Some users mention that the drive can be noisy during operation, which is common for high-capacity HDDs.Best Buy+1Best Buy+1

Considerations

  • Noise: Some users report that the drive can be noisy during operation, which is common for high-capacity HDDs.

  • Reliability: While many users have positive experiences, there are occasional reports of drives arriving defective or failing early.

  • Use Case: Best used as secondary storage in conjunction with a primary SSD to balance speed and capacity.pcgamer+2TechRadar+2pcgamer+2

Conclusion

The WD Black 8TB Gaming Internal Hard Drive is a solid choice for users needing large storage capacity for games and media. While it doesn’t match SSDs in speed, its performance is adequate for many gaming and storage needs. Potential buyers should be aware of the noise level and ensure proper installation to mitigate any issues.TechRadar+4Best Buy+4Best Buy+4

Note: This is for a school project

BarraCuda 3.5″ Hard Drive 1TB Review

So I am broke, just like most people I know. But I still wanted a decent Hard Drive to store some of my less-used files, like my insane amount of screenshots. They barely take up a GB of storage, so a TB like the one used in this BarraCuda is more than enough for me, and I will bet you its more than enough for you too.

 

 

This HDD was incredibly easy to install, much easier than I was expecting. It also runs incredibly smoothly and is very quiet. Funny story: I was actually on the verge of divorce with my wife because of all of my computer stuff being incredibly noisy at night, including my old HDD, but now, because of this, it’s so quiet that she doesn’t even know I’m home. She then sometimes invites over her lover; he’s a pretty cool guy. Though when we go to bed, it’s a bit awkward. A queen-sized bed wasn’t meant for 3 people.

I have gotten the word around about this little thing and gotten a lot of positive feedback from it. Most of everyone I talked to made the same points about it being easy to install and having it run buttery smooth. Also, with all Seagate products, there is a 3-year warranty, so even if you use and abuse this thing to its limits or you just get a faulty one on arrival, no worries, you can get another.

Now before I close off I have yet to go into detail about its most prominent selling point. You are practically stealing this thing for how cheap it is. I mean, only $54 (at the time of writing this price is subject to change) is really good for how much space you get out of it. I actually did the math and its about 6 cents per GB of space in this thing.

If my review isn’t convincing enough, there are plenty of others such as this one that provide even more insight into the greatness of this drive!

In conclusion I am very happy with this drive and highly recommend it to those who are on a budget but still need some extra storage space.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91QNrzgPizS.pdf

https://www.amazon.com/Seagate-BarraCuda-Internal-3-5-Inch-ST1000DM010/dp/B01LNJBA2I

https://www.seagate.com/support/internal-hard-drives/desktop-hard-drives/barracuda-3-5/

Note: This review is part of a classroom project

Also, this post is satire and not to be taken seriously; the story above should especially be viewed in this light.