4. Organising resources & activities
Commonly, people present information and resources in a range of file formats. On deciding on a document format, think about the purpose of the file and what the student is expected to do with it.
For example, PDF format for those documents that students do not need to edit (this format is better supported on mobile devices). Be prepared to provide alternative formats for accessibility, where necessary for the student.
If you wish students to edit a document, then Word files are better. If you are providing PowerPoint presentations think about allowing students to see any notes you have made to support the presentation.
Whatever file format you use, ensure its name is logical and has a description that
allows the student to make a judgement on what it is they are able to open. To edit item titles and descriptions, turn on editing at the top of your Moodle site, locate the item, click the Edit button next to the item/resource and select "Edit Settings". You will be taken to a page where you can update the name and description of the file, as well as toggle whether or not the description is displayed on the course page. When you are done editing, click "Save and return to course."
If you are adding an extended explanation or subsection with a group of files, use the label function to separate this out. Labels support clear module navigation.
- Use logical item names that are understandable to students.
- Add item descriptions to help students make best use of resources.
- For long sections use labels or folders to clearly group common elements.
To add a label, navigate to the bottom of the section you wish to add the label to, and click "add an activity or resource". Scroll to the bottom of the list which appears and select Label from the Resources section, then click Add. You will be taken to a view where you can edit the label text to describe the files it relates to. Save your label and you will be returned to the course screen. You can use the crossed arrows icon next to the label to click and drag the label to the preferred location in the section.
To add folders to contain files, navigate to the bottom of the section which should contain the folder and click "add an activity or resource". Scroll down to the Resources section of the list which appears, select Folder and click Add. You will be taken to a screen where you can input the folder name, a description of its contents or intended usage, toggle whether or not the description displays on the course page. Here you can also drag and drop files from your file browser, or search your local files for the files you wish to upload to this folder. You can return to this page after the folder is created, if you wish to add more files at a later date. Once you have uploaded the files you wish to include, click "Save and return to course." You can use the crossed arrows icon next to the label to click and drag the label to the preferred location in the section.
"I like how the modules all have subheadings with the relevent slides and further reading under, this makes it easier to find the information you are looking for."
"When there are lots of documents, powerpoints etc not under headings - like these things to be grouped together so you know what they are."