URL Module - Inserting a Link to a Web Resource
Margarita Berezyanskaya
Last Update 17 days ago
The URL module allows instructors to add Internet-based resources to their courses. Any online content can be included, such as web pages, videos, images, audio files, documents, etc. Resources added using the URL module can be embedded directly within a course page, opened in the same window or displayed in a new tab or pop-up window.
Note: The way an embedded link displays depends on the URL type and browser settings, and it may not function consistently across all browsers.
The URL module is not the only way to link to external resources. Instructors can also use the Text editor to create hyperlinks within Text and Media Areas (Labels), Text blocks, Wikis, Forum posts, Pages, Glossary entries, Blogs, etc. However, if instructors want to track learner interaction with a link and view reports, they should use the URL module.
Note: Once learners click a link and leave the course, their activity cannot be tracked until they return.
Using the URL Module to Support Blended Learning
There are many different ways for instructors to use the URL module to blend online study with face-to-face classroom training.
Linking to an online resource using the URL module is also useful for instructors who take a flipped approach to instruction. In this approach, instructors assign a URL to learners with a task to complete before the face-to-face class. During the in-class session, learners collaborate and engage with the concepts introduced in the pre-class task. If an instructor assigns a web resource such as a YouTube video, the Activity tracking function allows them to monitor which learners clicked the hyperlink.
Instructors can also use the URL module to provide learners with online homework to follow up on an in-class lesson. For example, if the courseware offers limited opportunities to practice grammar, instructors can add links to external web pages that provide additional grammar practice. They can also assign remedial work using freely available online activities.
Exemplar
Adding a URL to a Course
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. Click the Add content icon in the appropriate section.
3. In the drop-down menu that appears, click on the Activity or resource link.
The Add an activity or resource pop-up appears.
4. Select the URL icon.
5. In the General section, type a brief, descriptive Name for the URL. This name will be used as the link to the file.
6. Type a Description of the URL being added to the course.
7. Paste the web address or URL of the resource.
8. The Choose a link... button next to the External URL text box can be used to find a URL using an available repository such as Tutela or Wikimedia in the File picker panel.
9. Click Appearance to display the appearance options.
10. Use the drop-down menu next to Display to select the appropriate option. In this example, In Pop-up has been selected.
Appearance choices include:
- Automatic: Opens a new page displaying the message, "Click on website name to open the resource". The user must click the website name to open it in the same tab or window. Not recommended.
- Embed: Displays the webpage within the Avenue page. This option may cause browser compatibility issues, so use it with caution.
- Open: Opens the resource in the same tab or window. Not recommended.
- New window: Opens the resource in a new browser window or tab.
- In pop-up: Opens the resource in a new browser window without menus or an address bar. If selected, you can specify the pop-up width and height.
10. Scroll down and click the Save and return to course button.
The URL appears in the selected section and can be repositioned using drag-and-drop.
Video Resources
Resources