The Theme Switcher block allows users to switch their theme based on themes found in the theme directory of the Moodle installation. This version can be found at moodle.org in a forum thread and it replaces the older version called "Session Theme" which did not work in Moodle 1.9.x.

As with other blocks, to install you simply unzip the download and place in your /moodle/blocks directory. Then visit the Notifications page of your Moodle site (logged in as admin). The table for the block should be created and you can then click Continue.

Add the block to the front page of your site by first turning Blocks Editing. Then add it in the normal way, using the Add Block menu. Make sure you remove any unwanted themes from your theme folder (except for the standard theme which is often used in other themes) so that users can only select themes that you preselect.

This block is particularly useful when testing themes during development. Being able to switch themes without having to navigate into the slow-loading theme selector of Moodle is a real boon for developers.

One thing I was frustrated with, which is not the fault of this block, is how moodle.org does not have a quality controlled place to find the latest blocks and other extensions. I had to experiment with the older Session Theme block as well as many hacks to try and get it working with 1.9 before stumbling across this Theme Switcher block. Surely it's time for moodle.org to have a moderated space for third party extensions!

Suggestion for future feature of this block is a theme preview when hovering over the theme in the menu. That would no doubt require some nifty javascript but could be pulled off to add much needed functionality.

Conclusion: Overall a very useful block tested and working fully on 1.9.8.

Overall Rating: (4 stars)

Link to Read More or Download: http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=141193