Design Better Student Engagement with the Scratchpad Plugin for Moodle™ Software
For course creators using the Moodle™ platform, student reflection is one of the most underutilised tools in the learning process. That’s where the Scratchpad Moodle plugin fits in—built by Pukunui in collaboration with IFES, this new open-source tool empowers students to privately reflect on courses, track personal growth, and download their responses for future reference. It’s like a personal learning journal—minus the spiral binding and coffee stains.
Why Reflection Tools Are Crucial in Online Learning
While interactive quizzes and forums get most of the spotlight, private reflection plays a huge role in metacognitive learning. Scratchpad asks students thought-provoking questions at the end of a course, giving them a space to unpack what they’ve learned.
Used intentionally, this plugin helps support:
- Deep comprehension through guided journaling
- Self-paced learning without performance pressure
- Long-term retention via downloadable notes
- Improved emotional connection to course material
Meet the Features That Make Scratchpad Different
Here’s what sets the Scratchpad plugin apart from existing Moodle™ tools:
- Downloadable reflections – Students can keep a personal copy of their responses.
- Private entries – Not even teachers or admins can see what students write.
- Modular design – Activities can be linked across different Scratchpad modules.
- No grading stress – It’s not about right or wrong answers; it’s about capturing thoughts.
Practical Ideas for Using Scratchpad in Your Moodle™ Courses
Wondering how to activate this feature for meaningful learning? Here are a few strategies:
- Use it after project submissions to prompt student reflection.
- Attach scratchpad tasks to weekly lessons to consolidate learnings.
- Create end-of-term “big questions” to help students journal their academic journey.
- Ask emotionally charged questions about challenges or group dynamics to promote empathy and communication skills.
Getting Started with the Plugin — Fast and Painless
If you’re ready to install the Scratchpad Moodle plugin, you’ll find it in the Moodle Plugins Directory. It works with Moodle™ versions 3.10 and up and installs like any standard module.
And yes, it’s free—both in cost and licensing. You can tweak or expand it if you want. (Just don’t forget to share your pull request like a good open-source citizen.)
How the Scratchpad Plugin Protects Student Privacy
This cannot be overstated: entries made using the Scratchpad plugin are 100% private. Unlike forums or assignments where grades and peer review apply, here’s what makes this tool unique:
- No teacher access—even site admins can’t peek.
- No grading connection—it won’t show up in gradebooks.
- No required sharing—download it or leave it “in the cloud.” Your choice.
That design choice frees learners to reflect honestly, without the pressure of evaluation.
Easy Navigation and Student Accessibility in Moodle™
Scratchpad integrates into existing course structures using Moodle’s native activity chooser. You pick where it shows up, how it’s labelled, and whether it’s a standalone piece or connected to a broader module.
Bonus tip: Want a quick test? Add it to a sandbox course, post a fake question, and check the download feature for typos before using it live.
The Plugin’s Open-Source DNA—What This Means for You
Because Scratchpad is hosted on GitHub, you’re not locked into a rigid product. You can fork it, extend it, or suggest upgrades via issues or pull requests. That flexibility is critical for instructional designers who work in complex academic or corporate environments.
If you’re a developer: good news. The full codebase is clean, documented, and built using standard Moodle™ development practices.
When Should You Skip Scratchpad?
No tool fits every single need. Consider skipping Scratchpad if:
- You need collaborative journaling—this plugin is strictly personal.
- You want instructors to review text-based student work.
- You require rich grading rubrics for reflections.
Otherwise? It’s a plug-and-play fit for reflective learning elements in Moodle™ courses.
Summary of Benefits — Why You Should Try It Today
The Scratchpad Moodle plugin brings reflection back into online learning, quietly and effectively. Here’s a quick recap:
- Supports personal, private student engagement
- Lets users keep a downloadable record of learning
- Is free, fast to install, and open for contribution
- Works with Moodle™ 3.10 and future versions
Ready to bring authentic reflection into your Moodle™ project? Contact the Pukunui team—we’ll help you evaluate or install Scratchpad. Got a custom plugin in mind? We build those too. Just don’t ask us to debug it over lunch—unless you bring snacks.
FAQs About scratchpad moodle plugin
How do I install plugins on Moodle?
Log into your Moodle™ site as an administrator, go to Site administration > Plugins > Install plugins. Upload your plugin zip file or install directly from the Moodle plugins directory.
How to monetize Moodle?
You can monetize Moodle™ by selling course access, offering certifications, or integrating with payment gateways like PayPal. Consider plugins that support e-commerce models such as PayPal enrolment or integrate with third-party platforms.
How do I install Turnitin plugin on Moodle?
Download the Turnitin plugin from the Moodle plugins directory. Then, go to Site administration > Plugins > Install plugins in your Moodle dashboard to upload and install it. Configure authentication with your Turnitin account via the settings panel.
How to install vpl plugin in Moodle?
Download VPL (Virtual Programming Lab) from the Moodle plugins database. Upload it through Site administration > Plugins and follow the post-installation steps, including server setup for VPL service integration.
