Moodle is an open-source application that is constantly being developed. Development can involve enhancements related to security, usability, accessibility, or the addition of new features. Moodle HQ releases new major versions approximately every six months (3.8, 3.9, 3.10, etc.) and also provides smaller updates approximately every two months (3.9.3, 3.9.4, 3.9.5, etc.), primarily addressing reported issues and making minor improvements to functionality. New features are typically introduced with major version updates.
The latest version usually offers the best security, usability, and a fully functional Moodle experience. In addition, new versions come with new features that can benefit not only teachers in their course areas but also administrators, providing necessary features for maintaining the product. For instance, versions 3.8 and 3.9 included tools to create accessibility statements, which are legally required to be provided to users. While it's possible to develop such features outside of Moodle, we have generally found it more sensible to make use of Moodle's ongoing development. However, we have occasionally developed specific features in our digital services to better serve the university staff.
Updating Moodle takes approximately 1-2 hours every two months. This ensures that university users have access to the most current and usable version of Moodle. Updates are scheduled on Wednesdays between 3 pm and 5 pm, which is known as the "digital services maintenance window." During this time, the majority of digital service updates and maintenance work are performed. Updates are not carried out during the Christmas and Midsummer holidays, as even we in the digital services need a break from time to time. Nevertheless, for Moodle updates we aim to choose the most suitable timing to minimize disruption and make the latest version available for the upcoming semester or academic year. We provide notifications about these updates and the associated changes, update HelpJYU guides, and offer free staff training. So, you won't be left on your own when it comes to learning about the new functionalities!