Add Links in Moodle (Two Ways)

This guide accompanies the video and shows two simple ways to add links to your Moodle course and, if you wish, track when students click them.

Overview

  • Method A: URL resource — a standalone link with optional activity completion tracking.
  • Method B: Text and media area — an inline link inside formatted text (e.g., a “Read more” button).

Before you start

  1. Open your course in Moodle.
  2. Click Turn editing on (top right).

Method A — Create a standalone URL (with tracking)

  1. In the section/topic where you want the link, click Add an activity or resource.
  2. Select URL (under Resources) and click Add.
  3. Name: Enter a clear, descriptive title (e.g., Generative AI: Overview).
  4. External URL: Paste the full web address from your browser’s address bar.
  5. (Optional) Description: Add a short synopsis and tick Display description on course page.
  6. (Optional) Appearance: Set Open in new window if you don’t want learners to navigate away from Moodle.
  7. (Optional) Activity completion:
    1. Set Completion tracking to Show activity as complete when conditions are met.
    2. Tick Require view so viewing the URL marks it complete.
    3. (Optional) Add an Expected completion date.
  8. Click Save and return to course.
  9. Verify: Turn editing off, click the link, then return and refresh—the completion counter should increase.

Use this method when you want simple analytics for whether learners accessed the link.

Method B — Link inside a Text and media area (inline “Read more”)

  1. In your chosen section, click Add an activity or resource.
  2. Select Text and media area (under Resources) and click Add.
  3. In the editor, add a heading and a short introduction.
  4. Type your link text (e.g., Read more) and highlight it.
  5. Click the Link icon in the toolbar.
  6. Paste the URL in the Enter a URL field.
  7. (Optional) Set Open in new window to keep the course page open.
  8. (Optional) Leave Activity completion as Do not indicate completion, or choose manual completion if preferred.
  9. Click Save and return to course.
  10. Verify: Turn editing off and click the link to confirm it opens as expected.

Use this method when you want the link styled within course content and don’t need automatic click tracking.

Which should I pick?

Need tracking or a tidy standalone item? Choose URL.
Need design flexibility or inline buttons/text? Choose Text and media area.

Good practice & accessibility

  • Use descriptive link text (e.g., “Read more about Generative AI”) rather than “click here.”
  • If opening in a new window, consider adding “(opens in new tab)” to link text.
  • Keep descriptions concise and scannable; display them on the course page when helpful.
  • Prefer https links to avoid mixed-content or security warnings.

Troubleshooting

  • Link won’t open: Re-copy the full URL, check for typos, and confirm it starts with https://.
  • Completion didn’t mark: Ensure Require view is enabled under Activity completion, then refresh after testing.
  • Pop-ups blocked: If opening in a new window, allow pop-ups for your Moodle site.
  • Student view check: Use Switch role to… Student (or a test student) to confirm what learners see.
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