H5P vs. HVP comparison

H5P vs. HVP comparison

by Jiří Procházka -
Number of replies: 4

We highly value the intuitive selection process in the HVP module, where descriptions and galleries of activities are readily available while adding the activity. This makes HVP our preferred choice for content creation and management. While the migration tool for H5P is excellent, we would consider switching if the gallery feature were integrated into H5P. Another concern is the automatic publishing of content in the bank, which is unclear and could lead to accidental sharing.

The multi-step process required for publishing content in H5P is also a significant disadvantage, as it adds complexity and increases the risk of losing changes before they are finalized.

I've decided to continue using and support HVP and staying on supported Moodle version. It seems the new H5P module overlooks a critical aspect—the user experience. 

However, we greatly appreciate the overall contributions of H5P.org to the e-learning community and the innovative tools they provide.

Average of ratings: Useful (1)
In reply to Jiří Procházka

H5P vs. HVP comparison

by Visvanath Ratnaweera -
Picture of Particularly helpful Moodlers Picture of Translators
Just to be sure that I understand the terminology. Please correct me, if I'm wrong.

- HVP module or just HVP refers to https://moodle.org/plugins/mod_hvp, the "black" one, the additional plug-in from the developers at h5p.org.

- H5P module is the one that belongs to the core H5P, the "blue" one, from the Moodle HQ.

- The migration tool is https://moodle.org/plugins/tool_migratehvp2h5p, also from the Moodle HQ.
 

P.S. Might worth linking this post to the epic Should you use the H5P plugin, or H5P core functionality in Moodle?
Average of ratings: -
In reply to Visvanath Ratnaweera

H5P vs. HVP comparison

by Stuart Mealor -

The post "H5P Forum - please read this BEFORE posting" clearly identifies the two H5P modules (core and plugin).

Average of ratings: -
In reply to Stuart Mealor

H5P vs. HVP comparison

by Visvanath Ratnaweera -
Picture of Particularly helpful Moodlers Picture of Translators
The H5P Forum - please read this BEFORE posting talks of "the H5P core activity (the Blue icon), or the H5P plugin (the Black icon identified as Interactive Content)". The OP talks of "the HVP module" and just "H5P". So, which is which is not immediately apparent. I wrote what I think what the OP thinks. I personally know that there are two different things and fallen victim to more than once. (Details are in the discussions I started here. Not that you have to re-visit them, just for the record.)
Average of ratings: -
In reply to Jiří Procházka

H5P vs. HVP comparison

by Visvanath Ratnaweera -
Picture of Particularly helpful Moodlers Picture of Translators

Hi Jiří

I don't know whom you were talking to - not me, I believe. Since no replies coming from knowledgeable people, I asked, don't hate me, ChatGPT! At the current rate, we need to consider replacing the forum with an AI agent.

Anyway, here's what the Oracle said:

When comparing the H5P plug-in for Moodle vs. the H5P capability built into Moodle core, the better option depends on your specific use case. However, in most modern Moodle setups (Moodle 3.9+), the H5P capability built into Moodle core is generally the better choice for most users. Here's a breakdown of the comparison:

✅ 1. Integration with Moodle

Core H5P (Built-in)

  • Tightly integrated with Moodle, especially from version 3.9 onwards.

  • Works well with Moodle content bank, which allows teachers to manage H5P files within the Moodle ecosystem.

  • Supports activity completion, grading, and reporting better.

Plug-in

  • A separate module that adds H5P activities as standalone activities.

  • Less integrated with Moodle's content bank or course content structure.

✔ Winner: Core H5P, due to better integration and streamlined UX.

✅ 2. Content Management

Core H5P

  • Uses the Content Bank, where H5P files can be stored, reused, and shared across courses.

  • Easier for teachers to manage large libraries of H5P content.

Plug-in

  • Content is stored within the activity or uploaded per instance.

  • No central storage (unless paired with external tools like H5P.com).

✔ Winner: Core H5P, thanks to the content bank feature.

✅ 3. Future Support and Development

Core H5P

  • Actively maintained by Moodle HQ.

  • Likely to receive ongoing updates and deeper integration.

Plug-in

  • Developed by the H5P project (Joubel).

  • Still maintained but may lag in Moodle-specific improvements.

✔ Winner: Core H5P, for long-term sustainability within Moodle.

✅ 4. Content Types and Features

Core H5P

  • Includes most popular content types.

  • New content types must be installed by an administrator.

Plug-in

  • May have more frequent updates to content types.

  • Sometimes easier to update H5P libraries independently of Moodle.

✔ Winner: Plug-in, if you need bleeding-edge content types or quicker library updates.

✅ 5. External Hosting and Tracking (H5P.com)

Core H5P

  • Designed for local hosting and doesn't integrate with H5P.com directly.

Plug-in

  • Can be connected to H5P.com, giving access to LRS tracking, analytics, and better scalability for large institutions.

✔ Winner: Plug-in, for organizations using H5P.com or needing xAPI/LRS integration.

✅ 6. Ease of Use for Teachers

Core H5P

  • Integrated with the editor in Moodle activities (e.g., Quiz, Book, Lesson).

  • Allows embedding H5P anywhere Moodle text editor is used.

Plug-in

  • Requires creating a separate "Interactive Content" activity.

✔ Winner: Core H5P, for flexibility in embedding and ease of workflow.

🧾 Summary Table

Feature Core H5P (Built-in) ✅ H5P Plug-in (mod_hvp)
Moodle Integration ✅ Strong ❌ Separate activity
Content Bank Support ✅ Yes ❌ No
Future Development ✅ Official Moodle support ✅ But separate
Latest H5P Content Types ⚠️ May lag behind ✅ More up-to-date
H5P.com Integration ❌ No ✅ Yes
xAPI & LRS Support ❌ Limited ✅ Supported via H5P.com
Teacher Workflow / Embedding ✅ Easy via editor ❌ Separate creation process

🏁 Conclusion

Use the built-in Core H5P if:

  • You want better Moodle integration.

  • You're using Moodle 3.9 or later.

  • You don't need external tracking or the very latest H5P content types.

Use the H5P plug-in if:

  • You need xAPI tracking, LRS support, or H5P.com integration.

  • You want faster updates to H5P content types.

  • You're on an older version of Moodle without core H5P (pre-3.9).

Let me know your specific Moodle version or institutional needs, and I can give a more tailored recommendation.

Average of ratings: Useful (3)