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{{Courses}}
{{Courses}}
== Standard view of a blank course==
===Parts of a course homepage===
Our examples will be for a course homepage that is the standard default for a new install on a site. There are many course options that determine a course's appearance and make it look very different from our examples. The example course has a header, a footer (both content largely determined by a theme) and 3 columns in the middle.   
 
Watch the screencasts '''[https://youtu.be/ZHE8ygJH1wI What is a course?]''' and '''[https://youtu.be/6Qt1a4_5r1s How to lay out your course]''' for an introduction on setting up your course homepage.
 
A Moodle course can look very different according to the theme and course format (layout). Here are a blank course page using the [[Boost theme]] and the Clean theme, both with standard weekly format:
 
[[File:1exampleboosthemecourse.png|thumb|center||600px|Empty course with Boost theme]]
 
  [[File:example_course.png|thumb|600px|center|Empty course with Clean theme]]
 


[[Image:Blankcourselayout.png|thumb|600px|none|Example of Weekly format, teacher view, edit off - [https://docs.moodle.org/20/en/File:Blankcourselayout.png full resolution here]]]


===Parts of a course homepage===
1.[[Navigation block]]
Using the above image, here are the parts of a typical course homepage. It is possible to move and hide parts of the page and different themes display blocks in different regions,  so not all courses will look like this.
 
{| style="width:75%; height:200px" border="1"
Normally visible on all pages, this block  helps you find your way around the course and site.
|-
 
| Column left || Course sections - Center || Column right
2.[[Administration block]]
|-
 
|-
Again, normally visible on all pages, this block gives different levels of access to teachers and students.
| *1 [[Course_settings#Full_name|Course full name]] || *6 Section header & [[News forum|News topic]] || *9 Login information
 
|- 
3.[[Course formats|Course sections]]
| *2 [[Course_settings#Short_name|Navigation bar]] ||*7 Current week - First section || *10 Turn editing on button
 
|-
Here is where the learning materials are displayed. This element may be arranged in one or multiple weeks, topics, forums or other (non-standard) layouts.
| *4 [[Navigation block]]|| *8 Future week - Second section|| *11 [[Latest News block|Latest news]]
 
|-
4.[[Blocks|Side blocks]]
| *5 [[Administration block]]||*14 "Show only this section"  || *12 [[Upcoming Events block|Upcoming events]]
 
|-
Which blocks you see depend on what the administrator has selected and what you as teacher choose to add.
| *15 "Switch role to"||  || *13 [[Recent Activity block|Recent activity]]
|-
| *16 User profile settings ||  ||
|-
| *17 Site Administration || ||
|}


==Course sections==
5. Navigation drawer


Course sections are displayed in the centre of the course page.
This replaces the [[Navigation block]] and [[Administration block]] in the Boost theme. For course section links to appear, 'Always link course sections' (linkcoursesections) must be enabled by an administrator in the Site administration.


To edit a course section:
6. Gear menu


# Turn editing on
This replaces the course administration settings in the Boost theme.
# Click the edit icon after the section title


If [[Conditional activities]] are enabled for the site, access to the section (including all activities and resources within it) may be restricted.
===To edit a course section===


The number of course sections in the centre column may be changed in ''Settings > Course administration > Edit settings'' or by clicking the plus or minus icons at the bottom of the course page when editing is turned on.
# Turn editing on
# Click the pencil icon (1 in screenshot below) to quickly rename the section
# Click the Edit menu (2 in screenshot below) to edit the description and other settings.
[[File:31editsection.png|thumb|center|600px|Section editing menu]]


{|
If [[Restrict access]] is enabled for the site, access to the section (including all activities and resources within it) may be restricted.  
| [[File:editing a section.png|thumb|Editing a course section]]
| [[File:increasereduce.png|thumb|Changing the number of course sections]]
|}


To move a course section:
===To move a course section===
#Turn editing on
#Turn editing on
#Click the up/down arrow or the crosshairs icon to move the section
#Click the up/down arrow or the crosshairs icon to move the section
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Note: The ability to move course sections is controlled by the capability [[Capabilities/moodle/course:movesections|moodle/course:movesections]], which is allowed for the default role of teacher.
Note: The ability to move course sections is controlled by the capability [[Capabilities/moodle/course:movesections|moodle/course:movesections]], which is allowed for the default role of teacher.
===To add course sections===
#Turn editing on
#Click  'Add topics/weeks' underneath the bottom section
#Select the number of extra sections you wish and press 'Add topics/weeks':
[[File:33Addtopics.png|thumb|400px|center|Adding sections]]
===To delete a course section===
With the editing turned on, click the 'Edit' link to the right of the course section you wish to delete and then, from the menu that displays,  click 'X Delete'. You will be prompted to confirm your wish to delete the section and its contents. Note that all activities inside the section and their user data will also be deleted. Use the [[Recycle bin]] to reverse this if you do it by mistake.
===To link course sections===
An admin setting ''Always link course sections'' can be enabled from ''Site administration > Appearance > Navigation'' and will link course sections so that when a course section name is clicked in the navigation block or the central content area, it will go directly to that section.


==Blocks==
==Blocks==


Blocks are displayed in the right and/or left columns of the course page.
Depending on the theme, blocks are displayed in the right and/or left columns of the course page. The [[Boost theme]] only displays blocks on the right, and when using the [[Moodle Mobile app]] blocks do not display at all.


To add a block to the course page
To add a block to the course page


#Turn on the editing by clicking the button top right or the link in ''Settings > Course administration''
#Turn on the editing from the gear menu of  the button top right depending on your theme.
#Select a block from the "Add block" dropdown menu (usually situated bottom right of the page)
#Select a block from the "Add block" link, either at the bottom of the nav drawer on the left or a drop down menu usually on the right.


To move a block
To move a block
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To add an activity or resource to the course
To add an activity or resource to the course
#Turn on the editing by clicking the button top right or the link in ''Settings > Course administration.''
#Turn on the editing either from the gear menu or the button top right, depending on your theme.
#Click 'Add an activity or resource' to open the new activity chooser. Select an activity or resource then click the Add button, or simply double-click on the activity or resource name.
#Click 'Add an activity or resource' to open the new activity chooser. Select an activity or resource then click the Add button, or simply double-click on the activity or resource name.


If desired, the activity chooser can be switched off via ''Administration > Course administration > Activity chooser off''. Activities and resources can then be added using dropdown menus. (The setting appears only when editing is turned on.)
{{MediaPlayer | url = https://youtu.be/M0GpH0oesfA | desc = Overview of the activity chooser}}
 
If desired, the activity chooser may be disabled from Course preferences from the [[Preferences]] link in the user menu. This will then display two separate resource and activity dropdown menus.


'''Note:''' The Moodle admin can switch this off by default in ''Administration > Site administration > Appearance > AJAX and Javascript''.
'''Note:''' The Moodle admin can switch this off by default in ''Administration > Site administration > Appearance > AJAX and Javascript''.
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*To add a [[SCORM module|SCORM package]], simply drag and drop it onto the course section where you'd like it to appear, answer 'Add a SCORM package' to the popup dialogue, then click the upload button
*To add a [[SCORM module|SCORM package]], simply drag and drop it onto the course section where you'd like it to appear, answer 'Add a SCORM package' to the popup dialogue, then click the upload button


==Editing elements on your course homepage==
===Moving between activities===
With the editing turned on, each item on your course homepage and each section/block will have icons next to it which all perform different functions such as edit/move/copy/delete/hide. '''Note:''' ''Your theme may have icons different from these below:''


:[[Image:quickrename24.png]] - the pencil icon allows to rename your item directly on the course page without entering the settings for that item.
{{MediaPlayer | url = https://youtu.be/MRX3NOO_oNY | desc = Activity navigation}}


:[[Image:edit24.png]] - the edit icon allows you to change the wording or settings of the item.
Underneath each activity is a link on the left to the previous activity and on the right to the next activity. A jump-to menu also allows you to choose other activities from the course page:


:[[File:duplicate24.png]] - the duplicate icon allows you to copy an activity or resource within your course
[[File:CHPActivityLinks.png]]


:[[Image:hide24.png]] - the open-eye icon means an item is visible to students. It will close when you click on it
The previous and next links and jump-to menu are not available in the mobile app, however the redesigned app for Moodle 3.5 will include navigation improvements and changes.


:[[Image:closedeye24.png]] - the eye with a strike through icon means an item is hidden from students. It will open when you click on it
==Editing elements on your course homepage==
With the editing turned on, activities, resources and blocks will have icons performing different functions such as edit/move/copy/delete/hide.


:[[Image:indent24.png]] - the right  arrow icon is used to indent course elements (there is also a left icon)
''Note:''' ''Your theme may have icons different from these below:''


:[[Image:moveajax24.png]]- the move icon allows you to move items or sections by dragging and dropping.


:[[Image:movenoajaz241.png]] - this move icon appears if you don't have Ajax enabled.
:[[Image:pencil.png]] - the pencil icon allows you to edit inline the title of the resource / activity


:[[Image:movenoajax24.png]] - the move here icon appears when moving a course element without Ajax. Click into the box to re-locate your item.  
:[[Image:26actionicon.png|150px]] - this icon groups actions together for easier editing on smaller screens. Click to reveal the options.  


:[[File:topicmove24.png]] - the up/down arrows allow you to move course sections up or down and appear if you do not have Ajax enabled.
:[[Image:moveajax24.png]]- the move icon allows you to move items or sections by dragging and dropping. (If you have many activities to scroll through while moving, see the Tips and Tricks section below for a useful suggestion.)


:[[Image:delete24.png]] - the delete icon will permanently delete something from the course
:[[Image:movenoajaz241.png]] - this move icon appears if you don't have Ajax enabled.


:[[File:groups24.png]] - the groups icon allows you to change between no groups or separate/visible groups
:[[File:groups24.png]] - the groups icon allows you to change between no groups or separate/visible groups


:[[File:assignroles24.png]] - the roles icon allows you to assign roles locally in the item.
:[[Image:movenoajax24.png]] - the move here icon appears when moving a course element without Ajax. Click into the box to re-locate your item.  


:[[File:topicmove24.png]] - the up/down arrows allow you to move course sections up or down and  appear if you do not have Ajax enabled.


The following icon only applies to sections
==Tips and tricks==
 
===Moving items in a course with many activities===
:[[Image:lightbulb24.png]] - the highlight  icon allows you to highlight a section as current.
If you click and drag an activity or resource on a course page which has many items, this might cause you difficulties with "scroll of death" issues. Instead of dragging the activity to move it, click on it. It will display a list of all the items on your page and you just need to click to select where on the course page you want the item to be moved to.


==Tips and tricks==
[[File:alternativemovemethod.png|thumb|center|500px]]


*Make your course home page look more like a webpage - see [[Course FAQ]]
*Make your course home page look more like a webpage - see [[Stealth activities]]
*Activity and resource descriptions can be displayed on the course page just below the link to the activity or resource by clicking the 'Display description on course page' checkbox in the activity or resource settings.
*Activity and resource descriptions can be displayed on the course page just below the link to the activity or resource by clicking the 'Display description on course page' checkbox in the activity or resource settings.


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*[[Capabilities/moodle/course:setcurrentsection|Set current section]]
*[[Capabilities/moodle/course:setcurrentsection|Set current section]]


==See also==


*[http://youtu.be/Je9udHLCIv0 How to quickly rename activities and use the activity chooser screencast]
*[http://youtu.be/1You5H_NXM0 Quickly add a course section in Moodle 2.3 screencast]
*[http://youtu.be/Yy6-Sg7z7A4 Drag and drop blocks in Moodle 2.3 screencast]


[[es:course/view]]
[[es:Página principal del curso]]
[[fr:Page de cours]]
[[fr:Page d'accueil de cours]]
[[ja:コースホームページ]]
[[ja:コースホームページ]]
[[de:Kursseite]]
[[de:Kursseite]]

Latest revision as of 12:07, 16 July 2019

Parts of a course homepage

Watch the screencasts What is a course? and How to lay out your course for an introduction on setting up your course homepage.

A Moodle course can look very different according to the theme and course format (layout). Here are a blank course page using the Boost theme and the Clean theme, both with standard weekly format:

Empty course with Boost theme
Empty course with Clean theme


1.Navigation block

Normally visible on all pages, this block helps you find your way around the course and site.

2.Administration block

Again, normally visible on all pages, this block gives different levels of access to teachers and students.

3.Course sections

Here is where the learning materials are displayed. This element may be arranged in one or multiple weeks, topics, forums or other (non-standard) layouts.

4.Side blocks

Which blocks you see depend on what the administrator has selected and what you as teacher choose to add.

5. Navigation drawer

This replaces the Navigation block and Administration block in the Boost theme. For course section links to appear, 'Always link course sections' (linkcoursesections) must be enabled by an administrator in the Site administration.

6. Gear menu

This replaces the course administration settings in the Boost theme.

To edit a course section

  1. Turn editing on
  2. Click the pencil icon (1 in screenshot below) to quickly rename the section
  3. Click the Edit menu (2 in screenshot below) to edit the description and other settings.
Section editing menu

If Restrict access is enabled for the site, access to the section (including all activities and resources within it) may be restricted.

To move a course section

  1. Turn editing on
  2. Click the up/down arrow or the crosshairs icon to move the section
  3. Drag the section to where you want to position it and let go

Note: The ability to move course sections is controlled by the capability moodle/course:movesections, which is allowed for the default role of teacher.

To add course sections

  1. Turn editing on
  2. Click 'Add topics/weeks' underneath the bottom section
  3. Select the number of extra sections you wish and press 'Add topics/weeks':
Adding sections

To delete a course section

With the editing turned on, click the 'Edit' link to the right of the course section you wish to delete and then, from the menu that displays, click 'X Delete'. You will be prompted to confirm your wish to delete the section and its contents. Note that all activities inside the section and their user data will also be deleted. Use the Recycle bin to reverse this if you do it by mistake.

To link course sections

An admin setting Always link course sections can be enabled from Site administration > Appearance > Navigation and will link course sections so that when a course section name is clicked in the navigation block or the central content area, it will go directly to that section.

Blocks

Depending on the theme, blocks are displayed in the right and/or left columns of the course page. The Boost theme only displays blocks on the right, and when using the Moodle Mobile app blocks do not display at all.

To add a block to the course page

  1. Turn on the editing from the gear menu of the button top right depending on your theme.
  2. Select a block from the "Add block" link, either at the bottom of the nav drawer on the left or a drop down menu usually on the right.

To move a block

  1. Ensure editing is turned on then click onto the block title until the crosshair icon appears
  2. While keeping the block selected, drag it to where you want to position it and let go.

Alternatively

  1. Click on the up/down arrow
  2. Click on the place holder (a zone with a dashed border) where you want the block to appear.
Crosshair icon for moving a block
Up/down arrow icon for moving a block

Activities and resources

To add an activity or resource to the course

  1. Turn on the editing either from the gear menu or the button top right, depending on your theme.
  2. Click 'Add an activity or resource' to open the new activity chooser. Select an activity or resource then click the Add button, or simply double-click on the activity or resource name.
Overview of the activity chooser

If desired, the activity chooser may be disabled from Course preferences from the Preferences link in the user menu. This will then display two separate resource and activity dropdown menus.

Note: The Moodle admin can switch this off by default in Administration > Site administration > Appearance > AJAX and Javascript.

The activity chooser

Alternatively, certain resources and activities may be added using drag and drop:

  • To add a file, simply drag and drop it onto the course section where you'd like it to appear
  • To add a folder of files, simply zip the folder then drag and drop it onto the course section where you'd like it to appear, answer 'Unzip files and create folder' to the popup dialogue, then click the upload button
  • To add a SCORM package, simply drag and drop it onto the course section where you'd like it to appear, answer 'Add a SCORM package' to the popup dialogue, then click the upload button

Moving between activities

Activity navigation

Underneath each activity is a link on the left to the previous activity and on the right to the next activity. A jump-to menu also allows you to choose other activities from the course page:

CHPActivityLinks.png

The previous and next links and jump-to menu are not available in the mobile app, however the redesigned app for Moodle 3.5 will include navigation improvements and changes.

Editing elements on your course homepage

With the editing turned on, activities, resources and blocks will have icons performing different functions such as edit/move/copy/delete/hide.

Note:' Your theme may have icons different from these below:


pencil.png - the pencil icon allows you to edit inline the title of the resource / activity
26actionicon.png - this icon groups actions together for easier editing on smaller screens. Click to reveal the options.
moveajax24.png- the move icon allows you to move items or sections by dragging and dropping. (If you have many activities to scroll through while moving, see the Tips and Tricks section below for a useful suggestion.)
movenoajaz241.png - this move icon appears if you don't have Ajax enabled.
groups24.png - the groups icon allows you to change between no groups or separate/visible groups
movenoajax24.png - the move here icon appears when moving a course element without Ajax. Click into the box to re-locate your item.
topicmove24.png - the up/down arrows allow you to move course sections up or down and appear if you do not have Ajax enabled.

Tips and tricks

Moving items in a course with many activities

If you click and drag an activity or resource on a course page which has many items, this might cause you difficulties with "scroll of death" issues. Instead of dragging the activity to move it, click on it. It will display a list of all the items on your page and you just need to click to select where on the course page you want the item to be moved to.

alternativemovemethod.png
  • Make your course home page look more like a webpage - see Stealth activities
  • Activity and resource descriptions can be displayed on the course page just below the link to the activity or resource by clicking the 'Display description on course page' checkbox in the activity or resource settings.

Course homepage capabilities