Moodle's Latest Features: Tips for Students in 2026
Recent Moodle versions changed the course page, dashboard and quizzes. Here are the features students should know about in 2026 and how to use them.
Moodle has changed a lot in its recent versions. If your school upgraded and everything looks different, or you simply want to get more out of the platform, these are the features worth knowing in 2026.
The course index drawer
Since Moodle 4.0, every course has a course index on the left side of the page. It shows each section and activity, and it marks what you have completed. Use it to:
- Jump straight to a quiz without scrolling through the whole course.
- Spot activities you have not opened yet.
- Collapse sections you have finished to keep the page clean.
Activity completion and dates
Many courses now show completion conditions directly on each activity, such as "View", "Make a submission" or "Receive a grade". Activities also show their opening and due dates. Get in the habit of scanning these before each week starts, because some activities only unlock after others are completed. We explain this in why your Moodle quiz is locked.
The timeline and calendar
The Timeline block on your dashboard lists upcoming deadlines across all your courses. You can filter it by the next 7 days, 30 days or overdue items. The Calendar shows the same events by date. Together they are the easiest way to never miss a quiz.
Built-in AI features
Moodle 4.5 introduced an AI subsystem. If your school enables it, you may see options to summarise or explain course content. Read our student guide to Moodle's AI features for what they do and when you can use them.
Quiz improvements worth knowing
Quizzes look cleaner in recent versions, and a few details help during an attempt:
- Flag question: mark questions you want to come back to. Flags appear in the quiz navigation panel.
- Quiz navigation: the numbered boxes show which questions are answered, flagged or unanswered. Use it before submitting.
- Summary of attempt: before you submit, Moodle lists every question and its status. Always read it.
- Timer: if the quiz is timed, the countdown appears in the navigation area. Learn how it behaves in Moodle quiz timers explained.
The Moodle app
The official Moodle app lets you read course content, take some quizzes and get notifications for deadlines. You can download course content for offline use, which helps on a commute or with weak internet. Some quizzes are restricted to the browser, especially those that require Safe Exam Browser.
Accessibility and dark mode options
Recent themes improved keyboard navigation and screen reader support. Moodle itself does not always offer a dark mode, but browser extensions can add one. Our list of the best Moodle Chrome extensions includes a few.
Use new features to study, not to shortcut
Quick checklist for the new term
- Pin your courses on the dashboard so they appear first.
- Turn on notifications in the Moodle app.
- Open every course's index and note quiz dates.
- Try one practice quiz early to learn how your teacher sets them up.
A few minutes of setup at the start of term makes every quiz less stressful. Then use our Moodle quiz prep guide to build a weekly routine.
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Install extensionFrequently asked questions
What version of Moodle does my school use?
Schools choose when to upgrade, so it varies. You can often find the version in the footer or on your school's Moodle help page. Most schools run a 4.x or 5.x version in 2026.
Where is the course index in Moodle?
In Moodle 4.0 and later, the course index is the collapsible drawer on the left side of a course page. It lists every section and activity so you can jump straight to them.
Can I use Moodle on my phone?
Yes. The official Moodle app works with most school sites, lets you download content for offline use and sends notifications for deadlines.