Proposed New Functionality

Proposed New Functionality

by Tony Blundell -
Number of replies: 8
Hi all,
 
I'm creating this thread to discuss the proposed new functionality described here: docs.moodle.org/dev/Moodle_Mobile#Proposed_New_Functionality 
 
This is really just a list at the moment, but more implementation details will be added as soon as we've finished our specification and design processes.
 
Any comments, questions or thoughts welcome.
 
Thanks,
Tony
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In reply to Tony Blundell

Re: Proposed New Functionality

by Juan Leyva -
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Hi Tony,

I moved the section "Proposed New Functionality" to the Moodle Mobile Roadmap since it seems the better place to be

http://docs.moodle.org/dev/Moodle_Mobile_Roadmap#Proposed_New_Functionality_.28Totara_Lite.29 R

egards

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In reply to Juan Leyva

Re: Proposed New Functionality

by Juan Leyva -
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Hi Tony,

the new features seems amazing, I can't wait for the local SCORM player!

A few comments in these two points;

  • Ability to view HTML labels (Not necessarily in situ - perhaps in a pop-op or slide-over when an icon is clicked)

Currently this is implemented and will be available for next version, the label text is displayed shortered, on click on the text the full label is displayed.
See: https://tracker.moodle.org/browse/MOBILE-258

  • Ability to brand the web app

Currently the app can be branded creating a new plugin that overwrites the current templates or inject new CSS. What is your approach for this?

http://docs.moodle.org/dev/Moodle_Mobile_Plugins_Development#Use_cases_for_plugins

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In reply to Juan Leyva

Re: Proposed New Functionality

by Tony Blundell -

Thanks Juan, that's good to know.

We hadn't got as far as deciding the technical approach yet, but it looks like the plugin method you mention is the way forward.

Tony

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In reply to Tony Blundell

Re: Proposed New Functionality

by David Shaw -

For your review and feedback here is a link to the draft functional specification for proposed changes to Moodle Mobile which will be enhanced to also include some Totara specific functionality.  These changes are planned for release in Q1 2014.  The development work is being coordinated between Moodle, Totara and Kineo.

We look forward to receiving input into how this feature can work best for the community. 

Relevant links:

Moodle Mobile Enhancements https://github.com/totara/Totara_Lite-Docs/blob/master/Moodle%20Mobile%20Enhancements.pdf?raw=true

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In reply to David Shaw

Re: Proposed New Functionality

by Dave Perry -
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This looks thorough - it took a couple of reads to get some of it. The questions I have at this point are:

  • would this need a Totara plugin to be installed on the moodle site, to provide some of the extra functions?
  • which of the functions (if any) will not be available when moodle is the host LMS?
  • will it be updated to reflect the abolishing of MNet as moodle replaces it with OAuth2 / more web services (which I believe is a change for m2.6)?
  • what will the minimum moodle version be?
  • will it address the concern that a lot of devices can't open up word files just within any old app (yet apps like Mail on the iPad) can? Or would it be the case that a free Office viewer app could be recommended and integrated, or offer a 'open in another app on this device' button? I've put this request in for the current official app
  • I was told yesterday by a well-informed source that moodle is moving away the mobile app to more responsive/html5 themes - is this app going to be fully supported by moodle HQ (even if they just back it saying 'yes talk to these guys, their app is the one we recommend') in the long run?
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In reply to Dave Perry

Re: Proposed New Functionality

by Juan Leyva -
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Hi David,

Totara LMS is a custom distribution of Moodle, not a plugin. They are developing a mobile app based on MoodleMobile.

The idea is join efforts so MoodleMobile can benefit from new features added in the Totara app that are not specific for Totara LMS

Regarding the future of Moodle Mobile, I can assure you that we have a long roadmap for MoodleMobile app, I was talking in person with Martin Dougiamas last week, also here is the presentation I did with Martin Dougiamas a few days ago in the MoodleMoot Spain. Things like responsive themes are described:

http://www.slideshare.net/juanleyva/moodlemoot-spain-2013-juan-leyva-martin-dougiamas-on-moodle-mobile-1

Regards

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In reply to Dave Perry

Re: Proposed New Functionality

by David Shaw -

Hi David,

To add to Juan's reply:

  • No you don't need Totara to make use of most of these.  As mentioned Totara is a distribution of Moodle, but all the work we are doing that can be used directly with Moodle i.e. the non Totara specific functionality, is being incorporated into the Moodle Mobile code for use by the Moodle community.  The additional Totara specific functionality will be part of the Totara distribution code base.
  • Everything in section 4.2 is Moodle specific and should be included in future Moodle Mobile releases.  Section 4.3 is the work that ties into Totara functionality.
  • This work should not be impacted by MNet changes as we are linking into Moodle webservices for all functionality.
  • The minimum version of Moodle will probably be 2.6 but it may be that it will work on 2.5.  We need to get it working on 2.5 for Totara as the Totara code base is one version behind the current Moodle release and hopefully the work we will do will be easily backportable/compatible with 2.5.
  • re opening word files, we are saying that we are not going to handle file formats within the Moodle app, we are going to rely on third party readers installed on the phone to handle opening these

Regards

David

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In reply to Tony Blundell

Re: Proposed New Functionality

by Richard van Iwaarden -
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I would really like to see forum-post subscriptions to be pushed to MoodleMobile. We use the forums a lot for communication, espcially on the frontpage. When you are using the right groups it's one of the most powerful features of Moodle!

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