Adding Resources

Resource types enable almost any kind of web content to be inserted into the course.

  • Book is a multi-page resource in a book-like format, with chapters and subchapters, useful for displaying lengthy information. 
  • File provide a downloadable Word document, a PDF, an Excel spreadsheet or PowerPoint slides as a course resource.
  • Heading enables text and optional icons to be inserted among activities on the course page.
  • Label enables text and multimedia to be inserted into the course page between links to other resources and activities.
  • Page can display text, images, sound, video, web links and embedded code, such as Google maps. 
  • Subpage no longer available to add. Existing subpages are still visible in courses on the site.
  • URL The URL module enables a teacher to provide a web link as a course resource.


2. Add a file

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

Note that learners 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 so learners can edit and submit them for assessment

To add a file

  1. In the course space switch editing on.
  2. Click on Add an activity or resource under the main course home page or below an existing heading.
  3. The ‘add an activity or resource’ screen will appear.
  4. Under Resources select ‘File’.
  5. Click on the ‘Add’ button
  6. The ‘Adding a new File’ screen will appear.
  7. Enter a name for the file.  You could also add a short description in the Description box.  This can be displayed below the file name on the course page if you choose.
  8. In the ‘select files’ box click on the add files icon
  9. The file picker screen will appear
  10. Click on the ‘browse’ button to find the file
  11. Update the author information and the licence. Click on ‘upload this file’
  12. The file will appear in the ‘adding a new file’ screen
  13. In Appearance, decide how the file will be displayed (the default is 'automatic'). The display setting, together with the file type and whether the browser allows embedding, determines how the file is displayed. Options may include:
    Automatic - The best display option for the file type is selected automatically
    Embed - The file is displayed within the page below the navigation bar together with the file description and any blocks
    Force download - The user is prompted to download the file
    Open - Only the file is displayed in the browser window
    In pop-up - The file is displayed in a new browser window without menus or an address bar
    In frame - The file is displayed within a frame below the navigation bar and file description
    New window - The file is displayed in a new browser window with menus and an address bar

    You can choose to display the file size, such as '3.1 MB', beside links to the file.  If there are multiple files in this resource, the total size of all files is displayed.
    You can also show the type of the file, such as 'Word document', beside links to the file.  If there are multiple files in this resource (i.e. if you have uploaded a whole folder of files), the start file type is displayed.  If the file type is not known to the system, it will not display.

  14. Click on ‘Save and return to course’

  15. The file will appear on the course page.