For millions of learners, a missing caption or a low-contrast screen is more than a glitch—it’s a barrier. In this episode, Shalimar is joined by Moodle accessibility specialists Jun Pataleta and Carli Cockrell to discuss why accessibility is a fundamental right, not a luxury.

We dive into the Moodle accessibility toolkit, and discuss the power and benefits of Moodle integration partners Brickfield and ReadSpeaker. We also cover how AI is changing the game for transcripts and summaries.

From "Spoon Theory" and personal journeys to the practical magic of the POUR principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust), we explore how designing for the few benefits everyone.

https://moodle.com/accessibility/

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Recently, our hosts connected with Fred Dixon, CEO of Blindside Networks and co-founder of the open-source virtual classroom platform BigBlueButton.

In this episode, Fred shares his mission to eliminate the "back of the classroom" in digital spaces, arguing that virtual learning should never be a passive experience like watching a YouTube video.

We dive deep into the science of active learning and why "purposeful struggle" is the essential "burn" required for neural pathways to actually change. Fred provides a candid take on the rise of AI in education, warning that while it is a powerful tool for educators to gain back time, it risks becoming "ultra-processed food" for students—leading to cognitive offloading rather than true mastery.

Key topics discussed include:

• Active Learning vs. Passive Meetings: Why tools designed for business meetings (like Zoom and Teams) often fail the pedagogical needs of a classroom.
• Using digital analytics to help teachers identify struggling students and provide mentorship at the upper end of a learner's ability.
• The "Oreo Cookie" of AI: Navigating the short-term incentives of AI shortcuts versus the long-term rewards of mental effort.
• Social Constructivism: How the integration of Moodle and BigBlueButton creates a social environment where learners help one another.
• Fred's take on "The Future of Education"

Whether you are an educator looking to increase student engagement or a learner navigating the age of AI, this episode offers a grounded perspective on how to ensure "learning never stops".

Catch Fred at https://blindsidenetworks.com/ or https://bigbluebutton.org/ or connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ffdixon/

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In this episode, we sit down with Liz Starbuck Greer following her impactful session at MoodleMoot Global 2025, which was a firm favourite amongst attendees.

While educators often focus on providing tools, Liz argues that tools are only half the battle. She will dive into the concept of ‘Digital Capital’ - the unique blend of skills, confidence, and networks that determines a learner’s success in a virtual world.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why access is more than just having a laptop or smartphone.
• How to identify and support learners with low digital capital.
• The intersection of accessibility, equity, and Moodle design.
• Practical ways to build "digital confidence" into your curriculum.

This episode was hosted by Shalimar Anderson and Dan Lehner.

Watch Liz's presentation from MoodleMoot Global 2025: What is digital capital and why should you care on YouTube.

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