Automatic video compression plugin for Moodle

Since the pandemic, video submissions have become a core part of remote learning – whether for presentations, role-plays, or assignments. But there’s a catch: many of these videos, especially when recorded on smartphones, are uploaded in formats that are extremely large and poorly compressed, sometimes reaching 1GB for just a few minutes of content. When dozens or hundreds of students submit these directly to platforms like Moodle, the result is bloated course storage, slow backup processes, and strain on institutional servers.

I propose a Moodle plugin that automatically compresses video submissions after they’ve been uploaded. Much like what messaging apps like WhatsApp already do behind the scenes, this plugin would optimise video size without placing the burden on students to do so manually. The feature would be configurable per course or assignment, giving teachers and admins control over where it’s applied.

Prototype already exists – I will publish it as Open Source once it’s ready for use. It currently runs in a test environment and can make video files significantly smaller:

Technical note: The current version of the plugin uses a lightweight architecture where Moodle communicates with a separate Java tool (installed as a .jar on the server) via REST API. This separation allows more flexible processing, but also means the hosting environment must support Java alongside PHP.

Submitted by: Jaya Krishna
Looking for: collaborators, trial partners, support with Moodle plugin directory publishing
Hashtags: #eLearning #EdTech #Moodle
Status: watched by potential sponsor (TAFE NSW)

🧪 AI Evaluation

✅ Novelty

While video compression tools are widespread in other domains (social media, messaging, streaming), their use within Learning Management Systems—particularly in student-upload scenarios—is rare. This plugin fills a niche gap in Moodle’s current capabilities, especially for institutions scaling up hybrid or distance learning. This represents a thoughtful and timely adaptation of existing technology to a new context.

⚙️ Viability

Technically, server-side compression is entirely feasible using existing open-source libraries (e.g., FFmpeg). The main development challenges would include:

• Ensuring broad format compatibility.
• Managing server processing load (especially during peak submission periods).
• Handling cases where compression could degrade video quality below acceptable levels.

The submitter has already built an Open Source prototype, suggesting this is more than just an idea—it’s a working concept ready for refinement and deployment.

🌍 Potential Impact

This plugin could offer substantial value to schools, universities, and training organizations using Moodle:

• Reduced server storage and backup sizes.
• Smoother course archival process.
• Lower technical barriers for students submitting from mobile devices.
• Administrative time saved on guiding students through third-party compression tools.

If widely adopted, it could improve Moodle’s scalability and user experience in subtle but significant ways.

💬 Clarity

The submission is clearly framed, with a strong understanding of the problem, the technical environment (Moodle), and user pain points. It also outlines practical next steps, including desired support and collaboration.

🔧 Recommendations

• Trial Deployment: This plugin would benefit from pilot testing in a real course with heavy video submissions. A small university unit or online course provider could be an ideal partner.
• Community Feedback: Sharing the prototype on Moodle forums or GitHub discussions may yield bug reports, feature suggestions, and co-developers.
• Video Quality: Consider offering multiple compression settings (e.g., “low,” “medium,” “original”) to balance file size with quality requirements.
• Privacy & Security: Ensure compression is done securely, and files are not temporarily stored in vulnerable locations.

🤝 Call to Action

If you’re an educator, Moodle admin, or edtech collaborator interested in improving video handling in Moodle, this project could use your support. Whether it’s testing the plugin, co-developing features, or helping it reach the official Moodle plugin directory, your contribution could help bring this smart, targeted innovation to classrooms worldwide.