As Moodle 4.5 has now officially launched, the latest LTS release since Moodle 4.1 in November 2022, we are excited to share the latest new features that users can utilise. LTS stands for ‘long-term support’. In software development, an LTS version is a stable release that will receive updates and support for an extended period, usually for several years, compared to regular releases.

We must ask ourselves the question, what extra benefits does LTS provide for the Moodle community?Typically, it provides the following:

1. Extended Support Period: LTS versions receive critical updates  for a longer duration, usually several years. This contrasts with regular releases, which may only get support for a shorter period.
2. Stability: LTS versions prioritise stability over introducing new features. They’re considered more reliable because they’re thoroughly tested.
3. Backward Compatibility: LTS versions often maintain backward compatibility, meaning they won’t break  existing systems or workflows when updates are applied.
4. Fewer Feature Updates: New features are reserved for newer, non-LTS versions, which may come with more frequent updates and experimental features.

LTS versions allow organisations to rely on a stable platform with long-term updates, minimising the need to frequently upgrade to newer, potentially less stable versions.

Before diving straight into what Moodle 4.5 has to offer, let’s look back briefly on Moodle 4.4 and what it brought to the table in terms of user experience and core functionality. The notable features to mention included drag-and-drop ordering question type, enhanced security through multi-factor authentication, smoother media integration with the introduction of TinyMCE content editor, and advanced reporting functionality.

Moodle 4.5 marks a significant step forward with innovative AI features and refined user experience upgrades. So let’s take a look at each new feature:

1. AI Subsystem

Moodle 4.5 introduces an AI subsystem, providing the foundation for future AI-powered tools. This subsystem places an emphasis on security, privacy, and transparency, ensuring AI tools respect user privacy. As AI integration grows, this subsystem will cater for the secure deployment of AI-driven learning tools across the platform.

2. AI Content Generation & Summarization

This is especially important from both the teachers’ and students’ perspectives. Teachers have the ability to use AI to generate text and images for their courses, significantly speeding up content creation. Students can benefit from AI-powered summaries, which help them quickly review large chunks of course content. All AI-generated content is clearly labelled to maintain transparency.

3. Course Subsections

With the addition of subsections, Moodle 4.5 makes it easier for instructors to organise their course materials. This feature allows teachers to segment related content into expandable sections, helping students to focus on the relevant material without getting overwhelmed​.

4. Assignment Activity Improvements

The assignment activity has received both visual and functional updates. Moodle 4.5 aligns it with the modern Moodle user interface, while also simplifying the grading, feedback, and submission workflows. Ultimately, this makes managing assignments more intuitive and faster for teachers.

5. Badge Improvements

Teachers can now easily create, assign, and distribute badges to reward student progress. This is especially useful for gamified learning and competency-based courses​.

6. Content Editor Media & Recording

Moodle 4.5 means working with multimedia is much more efficient. Teachers can record and embed audio and video directly within the TinyMCE content editor, reducing the time spent on external tools. Courses that rely on rich multimedia content will greatly benefit here.

7. Student-Focused Notifications

The notifications system has been revamped to help students stay on top of their work. Students now receive more timely alerts for upcoming or overdue assignments and quizzes. This promotes better organisation amongst the student cohort and helps to reduce late submissions.

In summary, Moodle 4.5 introduces a blend of AI-driven innovations and user-friendly improvements. With smarter content creation tools, better organisation of course materials, and enhanced student notifications, this version truly enhances the teaching and learning experiences.

The evolution from Moodle 4.4’s user-centric updates to 4.5’s AI innovations, promises to make Moodle easier, faster, and smarter, thus providing a more interactive and personalised learning experience.

To learn more about what Moodle 4.5 has to offer, please check out our video guide which also helps to visualise these new features and updates