moodle

How to Use Generative AI in Moodle 5: Top Plugins, Setup Tips & Ethical Use in 2025

Introduction

Generative AI in Moodle is revolutionizing how educators create, manage, and deliver personalized learning experiences. With Moodle 5’s built-in AI plugins, course creation and content automation have never been easier. This guide covers the best generative AI tools, plugin setup tips, and ethical considerations for using AI in Moodle in 2025.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top generative AI plugins for Moodle, how to set them up, real use cases, and ethical best practices every Moodle administrator should follow in 2025.

Moodle 5 dashboard with generative AI plugin enabled for course management
Moodle 5 dashboard with generative AI plugin enabled for course management

Top Moodle AI Plugins to Try in 2025

Moodle 5 now supports several official and third-party AI plugins. Here are the most popular ones:

🔹 AI Connector Plugin

Integrates Moodle with leading AI tools like OpenAI’s GPT or Claude. It allows you to:

  • Auto-generate quiz questions from course content

  • Summarize long paragraphs into key takeaways

  • Rewrite or simplify student instructions

🔹 AI Text-to-Questions Generator

This plugin uses generative AI to create multiple-choice or short-answer quiz questions based on lesson content or uploaded documents—saving hours of manual work.

🔹 OpenAI Chat Block

Add a ChatGPT-style chatbot directly into your Moodle dashboard. This virtual assistant helps students with FAQs, course navigation, or lesson recap—instantly available 24/7.

🔹 AI Text-to-Image Plugin

Generate visuals using text prompts to enhance content, illustrations, or presentations—great for courses in science, history, or art.


What’s New in Moodle 5.0 for AI Integration?

Moodle 5 isn’t just plugin-friendly—it’s AI-ready by design. Key features include:

  • Ollama Integration
    Moodle now supports self-hosted AI models via Ollama, giving institutions more control over data privacy and AI processing.

  • “Explain” & “Summarise” Tools
    Built directly into Moodle’s editor, these tools use AI to automatically clarify or condense content—ideal for accessibility and learner support.

  • AI Usage Reports
    Admins can now view usage stats, track AI-assisted actions, and ensure responsible use across the platform.


How to Set Up AI Tools in Moodle (Step-by-Step)

  1. Install the AI Plugin
    From your Moodle dashboard, go to Site Administration > Plugins > Install plugins, then upload the AI plugin ZIP file or install directly from the Moodle plugins directory.

  2. Connect to an AI Provider
    Enter your API key for OpenAI, Ollama, or another supported provider in the plugin settings.

  3. Configure Roles & Permissions
    Choose who can access the AI tools—admins, teachers, or students. Limit usage to avoid over-dependence or misuse.

  4. Enable AI Reporting
    Go to Reports > AI Usage Reports to view interactions and monitor ethical compliance.


Best Practices for Ethical AI Use in Moodle

AI brings huge benefits—but it must be used responsibly. Here’s how:

  • Disclose AI Content
    Tag AI-generated content with a disclaimer so learners know it’s machine-assisted.

  • Avoid Bias
    Regularly review AI-generated materials for fairness, neutrality, and accuracy.

  • Maintain Privacy
    Don’t input sensitive student data into external AI models without consent or anonymization.

  • Encourage Human Oversight
    Use AI as a support tool—not a replacement—for thoughtful course design and instruction.


Use Cases for Generative AI in Moodle

Wondering how real educators are using these tools? Here are some ideas:

  • 🎓 Course Builders: Generate first drafts of course summaries, objectives, or quizzes in minutes.

  • 🧑‍🏫 Teachers: Rewrite complex instructions for students with learning disabilities or ESL learners.

  • 📊 Admins: Use AI to generate content audits, policy templates, or user help docs.

  • 👩‍🎓 Students: Engage with AI-powered tutors or question generators for self-assessment.

Learn more about our Moodle plugin services.