Discuss possible use cases for SkoHub in MoodleNet

[acka47]

Every now and then we had contact with the MoodleNet project as there is lots of overlap in our work (especially with regard to metadata & classification, decentralisation and ActivityPub). I have the feeling that it would make lots of sense to introduce SkoHub-based classifications as actors in MoodleNet to allow for topic-based subscription to relevant educational resources.

We should probably arrange a call, maybe in February. @dajbelshaw & @mayel, what do you think about it?

[dajbelshaw]

Yes, let's hash it out here first and then have a call :+1:

[acka47]

As far as we understand is MoodleNet about connecting the great number of Moodle instances in use with the goal to foster sharing of learning resources between educators. A general challenge with the federated approach is that users with similar interests might not easily find each other across instances. A SkoHub could be an easy solution to facilitate discovery of relevant content and users.

The general idea is that users tag their content using a classification such as Educational Subjects Classification. Classifications are hosted on a dedicated ActivityPub server (a SkoHub). Each topic also is an ActivityPub actor on this server, providing an inbox and the possibility to be followed. This enables people to connect across instances by following and posting to shared topics.

The process could roughly work like this:

• Alice posts a new resource to the MoodleNet instance of her university
• She mentions Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the description of her resource
• Bob uses the MoodleNet instance of his university which might not yet be connected with Alice's instance and he is following ICT on the SkoHub
• He is thus notified, discovering Alice and the content she shared

(P.S.: We are not familiar with MoodleNet collections or communities and how they already address this. Would it be possible provide us with an account on a test instance?)

[acka47]

As the whole MoodleNet team left and, thus, no one with ActivityPub knowledge is left and the future of MoodleNet is unclear, I am closing this issue.