Creating Course Content

Creating Course Content

The content area of your Moodle course is divided into modules. Content is created by adding resources and activities to these modules. Modules serve as clusters of related course materials. Every module should be clearly labeled by the topic and/or dates it applies to.

The module displayed at the top of the page (called the introductory module) which does not have a number at its left is reserved for the course title, generic course information and documents (e.g. syllabus, course policies, course schedule, grading rubrics, etc.) It includes a news forum (discussion board) by default.

Inserting a Title or a Name for a Module (Topic)

Important Note: The Module Title should only contain a single line of text. For more text area please use a label. Please do not copy text directly from Microsoft Word into a title.

  1. Log in to your course and click the Turn editing on button. #1
  2. Click on the block’s update icon, which is a placeholder for the block label. #2
  3. In the Summary box enter the label for the block.
  4. Using the Heading formats, Moodle will display predefined color and format combinations (see previews below). Suggested format is Heading 2. #3
  5. Click on Save changes.

 

 

 

Turn Editing On

Update Summary

Heading 2

Types of Headings

Heading Types

Insert a Label

Select this option if you want to add a label to a module. It might be helpful to think of a label as a note displayed in the module.  You can add additional labels throughout the course whenever you wish to add text directly to the course homepage.  All other activities and resources will show up in the form of a link that needs to be clicked in order to get to the document. Labels are useful when making notes or specifying directions to participants regarding the module.

Important Note: Please do not copy text directly from Microsoft Word into a title or label.

  1. Click the Turn Editing On button. #1
  2. Click on the Add a Resource drop-down menu for the specific week/topic and select Insert a label. #2
  3. Type in the label text to be displayed on the page. #3
  4. Click on Save and Return to Course.
  5. The label will appear in the content area.

Turn Editing On

Instert a Label

Label Text

Compose a Page

Select this option if you want to add a web page that can contain images, tables, and other enhanced layout elements.

  1. Click the Turn Editing On button. #1
  2. Click on the Add a Resource drop-down menu for the specific week/topic and select Compose a page. #2
  3. Type in a Name for the page. #3
  4. Type in the information in the Place text here box. The web editor menu above the box works in the same way as the menu in MS Word.
  5. Click on Save and Return to Course.
  6. The page will appear in the content area.

To delete this resource, click on the X button next to the resource when editing is turned on.

 

 

Turn Editing On

Compose a Page

Enter a name

Link to a File or Website

Select this option if you want to upload a file attachment (in Word, PowerPoint, etc) from your computer or to provide a link to an external web site.

To upload and link to a file:

  1. Click the Turn Editing On button. #1
  2. Click on the Add a Resource drop-down menu for the specific week/topic and select Link to a file or web site. #2
  3. Give a name to the file you are uploading.
  4. Click on Choose or upload a file. #3
  5. Click on Upload a file. #4
  6. Click on Browse. #5
  7. Find the location of your file on your computer, select it and press Open.
  8. Click on Upload this file.
  9. The file will appear in your Files directory.
  10. Click on the Choose option to the right of the specific file. The file will then appear in the Location box. #6
  11. Click on Save and return to course.
  12. A pop-up with the files appears. Click Cancel if you don’t wish to preview your upload. The file will be in your content area.

To delete resources, click on the X button next to the resource with editing turned on.

Turn Editing On

link to a file

Choose or Uplaod

upload a file

browse

select file

To link to a web site:

  1. Click the Turn Editing On button. #1
  2. Click on the Add a Resource drop-down menu for the specific week/topic and select Link to a file or web site. #2
  3. Give a name to the website you are linking to.
  4. Click on Search if you do not already know the website address. Google will load, providing a way to locate the site. #3
  5. Locate the specific web site.
  6. Copy and Paste the web site address (URL) into the Location box. #4
  7. Click on Save and return to course.
  8. The link will appear in the content area.

To delete resources, click on the X button next to the resource with editing turned on.

link to a file

Find Website Box

Location box

 

Moving modules, resources and activities

Different settings on different browsers and computers determine which of the two 'move icons' will show up in your course. By default the four way arrow (4-way move icon) should appear.

Moving an item: The four way arrow or two vertical hooks.

  1. Click the Turn Editing On button. #1
  2. Left click and hold the item’s four way arrow. #2
  3. Drag the item to its desired location, noting the horizontal line that appears which marks where the item will be placed. #3
  4. Release the left mouse button.

Note: If you see two vertical hooks (two-verticle-hooks) they will achieve the same thing as the four way arrow only in a different way. To move an item with the two vertical hooks click on the item’s hooks and then click in the appropriate position for it to be moved.

Turn Editing On

Four Way Move Arrow

Look for the Grey Line