Keywords: read, observe, navigate, consume, one way communication, didactic, instruct, educational, educate, inform, information, teach, learning material, content, delivery

M01c - Resource explains how to add, remove and configure resources.

What Moodle resources are available and what do they do?

The following list gives a brief overview of each resource and why you may choose to use them.

Book

The book module enables a teacher to create a multi-page resource in a book-like format, with chapters and subchapters. Books can contain media files as well as text and are useful for displaying lengthy passages of information which can be broken down into sections.

A book may be used

• To display reading material for individual modules of study
• As a staff departmental handbook
• As a showcase portfolio of student work

See the Book miniguide for more information.

File

The file module enables a teacher to provide a file as a course resource. Where possible, the file will be displayed within the course interface; otherwise, students will be prompted to download it. The file may include supporting files, for example, an HTML page may have embedded images or Flash objects.

Note that students need to have the appropriate software on their computers in order to open the file.

A file may be used

• To share presentations given in class
• To include a mini website as a course resource
• To provide draft files of certain software programs (eg Photoshop .psd) so students can edit and submit them for assessment

See the File miniguide for more information.

Folder

The folder module enables a teacher to display a number of related files inside a single folder, reducing scrolling on the course page. A zipped folder may be uploaded and unzipped for display, or an empty folder created and files uploaded into it. 

A folder may be used

• For a series of files on one topic, for example, a set of past examination papers in pdf format or a collection of image files for use in student projects
• To provide a shared uploading space for teachers on the course page (keeping the folder hidden so that only teachers can see it)

See the Folder miniguide for more information.

IMS Content Package

An IMS content package is a collection of files which are packaged according to an agreed standard so they can be reused in different systems. The IMS content package module enables such content packages to be uploaded as a zip file and added to a course as a resource.

Content is usually displayed over several pages, with navigation between the pages. There are various options for displaying content in a pop-up window, with a navigation menu or buttons etc.

An IMS content package may be used for presenting multimedia content and animations.

See the IMS content package miniguide for more information.

Label

The label module enables text and multimedia to be inserted into the course page in between links to other resources and activities. Labels are very versatile and can help to improve the appearance of a course if used thoughtfully. 

Labels may be used to:

• To split up a long list of activities with a subheading or an image
• To display an embedded sound file or video directly on the course page
• To add a short description to a course section

See the Label miniguide for more information.

Lightbox Gallery

The Lightbox Gallery resource module enables participants to view a gallery of images.

This resource allows you to create 'Lightbox' enabled image galleries within your Moodle course.

As a course teacher, you are able to create, edit and delete galleries. Small thumbnails will then be generated, which are used for the thumbnail view of the gallery. Clicking on any of the thumbnails brings that image into focus, and allows you to scroll through the gallery at your leisure. Using the Lightbox scripts creates nice transition effects when loading and scrolling through the images.

If enabled, users are able to leave comments on your gallery.

Page

The page module enables a teacher to create a web page resource using the text editor. A page can display text, images, sound, video, web links and embedded code, such as Google maps.

Advantages of using the page module rather than the file module include the resource being more accessible (for example to users of mobile devices) and easier to update.

For large amounts of content, it's recommended that a book is used rather than a page.

A page may be used

• To present the terms and conditions of a course or a summary of the course syllabus
• To embed several videos or sound files together with some explanatory text

See the Page miniguide for more information.

Reading List Items

Reading List Items enables a teacher to select items from the ReadingLists@UCL list associated with the Moodle course, and display those directly within a section in that course. This helps to contextualise readings within the module.

The available Reading List must share the Portico Identifier entered in the settings of the Moodle course.

Please note: Reading List Items must be updated each year after the Library rolls over the service in summer, otherwise they continue to refer to the previous year's list.

Guidance at wiki.ucl.ac.uk/x/OxUVAw.

URL

The URL module enables a teacher to provide a web link as a course resource. Anything that is freely available online, such as documents or images, can be linked to; the URL doesn’t have to be the home page of a website. The URL of a particular web page may be copied and pasted or a teacher can use the file picker and choose a link from a repository such as Flickr, YouTube or Wikimedia (depending upon which repositories are enabled for the site).

There are a number of display options for the URL, such as embedded or opening in a new window and advanced options for passing information, such as a student's name, to the URL if required.

Note that URLs can also be added to any other resource or activity type through the text editor.

See the URL miniguide for more information.