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Accessing Course Materials
Course Content can be presented in a variety of forms. The most common forms of content used in Moodle are:
PDF Files
- pdf files
- microsoft office files
- external website links
- internal webpages
In order to view pdf files you will need to have Adobe Reader on your computer. This program can be downloaded for free from the Adobe website. Click here to go to the Adobe site. Once you have the reader on your computer you will be able to view the pdf files in your course. These files can be printed or saved using the icons provided.
Microsoft Office Files
Doc files and PPT files are two examples of Microsoft Office files. They are probably the most commonly used files in Moodle however you may encounter rtf, xls,etc. In order to view Microsoft Office files you need to have the required program on your machine. For example if you are trying to access a doc file you will need to have Word on your machine in order for it to open. Because these files open with the specific program a copy of the file will be downloaded to your computer when you click on the link in Moodle. You will then be given the option to Save to Disk or Open the file. Important Note: The new Microsoft Office suite automatically adds an 'x' to the file extension of all files. So doc files will be docx files. These files will only open in Office 2007.
External and Internal Webpages
External links will take you to webpages outside of Moodle. To access these pages just click on the link. You may also encounter internal webpages. These are pages that your instructor has created inside of Moodle. Again clicking on the link will give you access to the content.
It is possible that your course will utilize streaming media (such as video or audio) files or Adobe Presenter (narrated lectures) files. These are normally attached to the course as linked files. Clicking on the link will give you access to this content. For these types of files to display correctly, you will need to install the latest Adobe Flash Player on your computer. Click here for the free Adobe Flash Player download.
Assignments
Using the Moodle Assignment Tool, your instructor can post assignment information, establish deadlines, and grade submitted assignments. As a student this tools lets you submit responses, view your scores, and view instructor comments once the assignment has been graded. There are four different types of assignments that can be used by your instructor. These are:
Offline Activity
- Offline Activity
- Online Text
- Upload a Single File
- Advanced Uploading of Files
An Offline activity assignment only contains assignment instructions. No area is provided for submitting answers or files.
Online Text
Online Text Assignments show both the assignment instructions and a text box where you can type in your submission. Please remember that you must click submit before navigating away from the page in order for your text to be saved. If your instructor has allowed resubmission you will be able to make changes to your text until the instructor grades your submission.
Upload a Single File
Upload a Single File Assignments will display the assignment instructors and provide a place for you to browse and submit one file for grading. The file can then be graded by your instructor and you will be able to view your grade.
Advanced Uploading of Files
Similar to uploading a single file, Advanced Uploading of Files gives you the ability to attach files to be submitted. However, Advanced Assignments will allow you to upload several files for a particular assignment. Your instructor will also be able to review and comment on your submitted file and turn back the file for you to review. You and your instructor will be able to continue this back and forth file sharing until you submit the file for grading.
For more information please visit these sections of the ISU Student Guide to Moodle:
- The Book Resource
- Adobe PDF Files
- Microsoft Office Files
- Webpage
- The Four Assignment Types
- Submitting Your Assignment