Folder Module - Sharing a Directory of Course Files
Margarita Berezyanskaya
Last Update 16 days ago
The Folder module makes it very easy for instructors to share files with their learners, since multiple files can be uploaded at one time, giving learners easy access to all of them. When a Folder is embedded on the main course page and the contents arranged sequentially, the contents can be seamlessly integrated into the course content. Thumbnails (small images of a file) are also used to display the folder contents. Many files can be embedded in a relatively small area on the course home page, minimizing the amount of scrolling on this page. In addition, by using multiple Folder modules on a course home page or sub-folders in a Folder module, multiple files can be grouped together logically.
Although there are options for where a Folder will be displayed, i.e. embedded on the course home page or on a separate page, there are no options available for how the contents of the folders will be displayed. Typically these items are downloaded to the learner's computer and then opened by the default application associated with that file type. The disadvantage of this is that the instructor is not able to manage the learner-course interface. However, the Activity reports do track learner access of individual files within a directory.
Using the Folder Module to Support Blended Learning
Instructors can use this function to provide learners with access to digital media files not available elsewhere on the Internet. For example, audio and video files they have used in class can be uploaded to the courseware and shared with learners. Instructors recording their own audio and video with a smartphone or tablet, can share these with learners using this feature.
PowerPoint presentations used in class, rubrics for grading assignments and spreadsheets can also be shared with learners using the Folder module. This is a very flexible feature that can be used to bring many types of activities from the face-to-face classroom into the courseware.
Exemplar
There is a Folder resource in the Stage 2/3 Exemplar Course. It is called the Sample Folder - Assessment Documents in the Sample Stage 3 Activities and Resources section.
Adding a Folder to the Course
Before starting this process, ensure that the documents to be included in the folder are in a compressed (ZIP) format on the hard drive. If you are unfamiliar with compressing files using ZIP, upload the files one at a time, or refer to the instructions on the following WikiHow article: How to Make a Zip File.
1. At the top of the Course Homepage, click on the Edit mode toggle button in the upper right corner of the screen to activate the editing tools.
Note: The toggle moves to the right, indicating that course editing is now on.
2. Hover your cursor over the dotted line between two activities. The Add an activity or resource button (plus icon) appears.
3. Click on this icon.
4. A drop-down menu appears, choose the Activity or resource link.
5. The Add a new activity or resource pop-up appears, select the Folder icon.
6. In the General section, type a brief, descriptive name for the Folder. This name will be used as the link to the file.
5. Type a description of the Folder being added to the course.
Note: Below, in the Content area, files can be uploaded to this folder.
6. Drag the .ZIP folder (compressed files) from your computer into the Files area as shown below.
7. The compressed folder appears in the Files area. Click on this file name.
8. The Edit window appears, showing options to edit the selected file. Click the Unzip button.
The file unzips (decompresses) and the individual files appear.
9. In the Display folder contents section, choose the On a separate page option to limit the size of the Folder link on the course home page and to open the folder contents on another page.
10. Click Save and return to course to see add the file.
11. On the main course page, the folder appears as shown below. Click on this link.
12. The folder appears on a new screen with a Download folder button and all of the folder files listed.
13. To show the folder expanded on the course main page. In the Display folder contents section, choose the Inline on a course page.
14. The folder appears with all of its files on the course main page.
Delete the .ZIP (or Any Other) File
1. Ensure that Edit mode is on. Open the Folder on your course.
2. in the activity menu, click on the Settings option in the menu.
3. Click on the .ZIP file or any other file you want to delete. A window appears with options to edit the selected file.
3. Click the Delete button.
4. Click Yes to confirm deletion of the file.
6. Click the Save and return to the course button.
The folder is displayed on the course page. The contents can be displayed and hidden by clicking on the activity and the triangle next to the directory link.
Video Resources
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