Courses and course formats

Collapsed Topics released for Moodle 5.2

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:50:58 GMT

by Gareth Barnard.

Hello,

I've released the release candidate version of the Collapsed Topics course format for Moodle 5.2, 502.0.1:

Release candidate release 502.0.1 for Moodle 5.2 version 2026042000.00 (Build: 20260420) and above within the MOODLE_502_STABLE branch:

with:

Address implications of MDL-87276.
Boost theme anchor improvement.

Important

Please read my previous release post (https://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=467617) if you want to know why 'numsections' has been removed.

Always install on a test server to confirm that the format does what you want it to do before updating or installing on a production server! And as this release could contain bugs and so I strongly recommend that you check on a test server first! Not sure how to set one up? Then look at the 'Installer packages' on https://download.moodle.org/releases/latest/. Ensure that you have multiple backups of all data before using. Please report any issues. i.e. 'bugs' with this release ONLY here. Before doing so please read 'Reporting issues' on the 'Information' tab on the course format 'Settings' under 'Site administration' -> 'Plugins' -> 'Course formats' -> 'Collapsed Topics'.

If you find this post useful, then please mark it so.

Thank you,

Gareth

Collapsed Topics released for Moodle 5.1.

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 20:46:30 GMT

by Gareth Barnard.

Hello,

I've released the release candidate version of the Collapsed Topics course format for Moodle 5.1, 501.0.1:

Release candidate release 501.0.1 for Moodle 5.1 version 2025100600.00 (Build: 20251006) and above within the MOODLE_501_STABLE branch:

with:

First Moodle 5.1 version.
Fix 'Accessibility - "Jump to" menu on section page needs label' - #183. Thanks to [Stefan Topfstedt](https://github.com/stopfstedt) for the patch.
Put back removed 'One section icon' in #181 for when no element text is shown on the right of the toggle.
Fix badge and section availability messages when editing.
Address hidden sections string deprecation.
Address deprecation of '`get_max_sections`'.
Address move of activity chooser.
Address deprecation of '`course_section_add_cm_control`'.
Apply 'MDL-86565 courseformat: don't link to sections user cannot see'.
Impact of 'MDL-84045 core_courseformat: Restore section return functionality'.

Release notes

This release not only makes the format compatible with Moodle 5.1 but refactors it to put it in a position where it can continue in line with core improvements. Such as '[MDL-82709](https://moodle.atlassian.net/browse/MDL-82709)' which while still in progress is a good idea as section id's don't change when sections move. Thus I have updated the code to use section id's instead of numbers. This brings with it implications:

When a section moves then the open / closed intent stays with the section.
Risk in terms of code change to migrate from numbers to id's and hence this is a 'Release Candidate'. There is migration functionality, so you don't need to do anything. But... this also means that going back is currently not an option. Therefore it is 'really' essential that you test before using on production.
I've used the same user preference as the 'Custom sections' format with the same data format of storing what sections are collapsed. And thus changing between the two formats will retain the collapsed / expanded state of each section.

Timing

I realise that this version has been released much later than previous updates to major versions. I'm releasing this version now because I'm passionate about the impact that Collapsed Topics has within the community driven Moodle ecosystem that helps to bring education to all. It is one cog amongst many that contributes to the overall success of the eLearning system.

The format is fully 'Open Source' including the CSS and JavaScript ([GPLv3](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.html)). This is because from my understanding of the GPLv3 licence ([GPLAndPlugins](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#GPLAndPlugins) and [GPLPlugins](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#GPLPlugins)) then only the CSS could employ a 'Closed Source' licence as the JavaScript imports core API code which is GPLv3 licenced, and thus has to be too. The CSS is already GPLv3 and that cannot be revoked. Therefore when you get a copy of the code then you can redistribute for free or charge a distribution fee if you wish '[DoesTheGPLAllowMoney](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#DoesTheGPLAllowMoney)' and related in the FAQ.

Important

Please read my previous release post (https://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=467617) if you want to know why 'numsections' has been removed.

If you find this post useful, then please mark it so.

Thank you,

Gareth

Error when trying to delete course

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 11:13:29 GMT

by Gareth Barnard.

Dear Prashad,

What version of Moodle please?

Temporarily turn on developer level debugging, repeat the error, get more information (i.e. a stack trace), note down, turn off developer debugging. Check for any personal information / privacy issues, sanitise / remove and then post here.

G

Error when trying to delete course

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:45:31 GMT

by Prashad Wang.

I am trying to delete a course that was created in 2018 from the /course/delete.php page. I am getting this error:

"Error reading from database
Coding error detected, it must be fixed by a programmer: Invalid state passed to moodle_page::set_state. We are in state 3 and state 3 was requested."

[New Plugin] Letstudy Course Formats: 10 Modern Layouts in One!

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:34:05 GMT

by Marion Bret.

Hello Letstudy Team,

This is great! Just a heads-up: if you’re considering listing paid plugins as well, the NEW Moodle Marketplace is going live mid-2026.
More info here: https://marketplace.moodle.com/

I’d be happy to discuss this further anytime.

Marion Bret, Head of Technology Partnerships @ Moodle.

[New Plugin] Letstudy Course Formats: 10 Modern Layouts in One!

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 07:52:04 GMT

by Letstudy Group.

Hi everyone,

I’m excited to introduce Letstudy Course Formats, a versatile plugin designed to transform the visual experience of Moodle 4.x courses. Whether you need a professional corporate look or a creative gamified environment, this plugin covers it all.

What’s inside?

10 Unique Layouts: Cards, Tabs, Timeline, Learning Path, Kanban, Metro Tiles, Map Journey, 3D Bookshelf, and Polaroid Wall.
Modern Interaction: Real-time progress updates, section icons, and 4 types of entrance animations (Fade, Zoom, etc.).
Full Control: Custom colors per course and full support for Moodle’s reactive drag-and-drop editor.

Explore more from Letstudy: This plugin is part of our broader ecosystem.

Download from Moodle Directory: 👉 https://moodle.org/plugins/format_letstudy

We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

Best regards,

The Letstudy Team

(Edited by Gareth J Barnard - Removed advertising link that violates the site 'Code of Conduct' -> https://moodle.org/mod/page/view.php?id=7080 - original submission Friday, 6 March 2026, 7:52 AM)

Number 1 Icon Disappearing in Moodle Course

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:31:38 GMT

by Gareth Barnard.

Dear David,

I installed that version and the icon is being generated by a combination of CSS and markup, thus makes no sense that there is a broken image file icon there. Custom CSS?

Kind regards,

Gareth

Number 1 Icon Disappearing in Moodle Course

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:27:38 GMT

by David Balandy.

Hi Gareth,

thanks for your reply! we are on version: 4.5.0.26

Number 1 Icon Disappearing in Moodle Course

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:54:32 GMT

by Gareth Barnard.

Dear David,

What version of the Tiles format please?

Kind regards,

Gareth

Number 1 Icon Disappearing in Moodle Course

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:26:15 GMT

by David Balandy.

I am seeing an issue with have a course on Moodle 4.5.7 where the Number 1 Icon for Tiles format is not appearing. All other icons are appearing and the number 1 icon is appearing on other courses.

In the following image, you can see that the number 1 icon is not appearing

I couldnt find anything on this topic so would love some support.