Folder Module - Sharing a Directory of Course Files
Margarita Berezyanskaya
Last Update há um mês
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
The Classroom Activities (Employment) Folder in the Employment (LINC 4) topic in the Stage 2/3 Exemplar course is an example of a link to a directory of files that displays on a separate page. Examples of a Folder with the content embedded on the course home page can be found in the Course Management section in the Stage 2 training course.
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. On a course, click on the Turn editing on button.
2. Click the Add an activity or resource link in the appropriate topic/section.
The Add a new activity or resource pop-up appears.
3. Select the Folder icon.
The Add a new activity or resource window appears.
4. 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.
The folder is ready to accept uploaded files.
6. Drag the .ZIP folder (compressed files) from your computer into the Files area as shown below.
The icon for the compressed file changes in appearance.
7. Click on this icon.
The Edit window appears, showing options to edit the selected file.
8. Click the Unzip button.
The file unzips (decompresses) and the files appear as a
new folder that is unzipped.
9. Click Save and return to course to see add the file.
Delete the .ZIP (or Any Other) File
1. Turn editing on in your course, navigate to the Folder and click on Edit settings in the Edit drop-down menu.
2. Click 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 OK to confirm deletion of the file.
The file is removed from the folder.
Change the settings below the drag and drop area to choose how the Folder and its contents will be displayed on the course home page.
5. Select Inline on a course page in the drop-down menu, next to Display folder contents.
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
Resources