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Creating a new course in Moodle can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process straightforward. Watch the video tutorial or follow the steps below to prepare a functional, user-friendly course ahead of the semester.
1. Locate Your Course
Begin by navigating to the course you want to populate. If you're preparing for a future semester, ensure you switch to "Future Classes" in your menu to access courses not yet active.
2. Setting Up Course Settings
Once inside the course, head to the settings menu to configure essential details:
- Course Dates: Define the start and end dates.
- Summary: Add a brief overview to inform students about the course content and requirements.
- Image: Upload a course image for better visibility on the dashboard.
- Format: Choose between Topics or Weekly formats, and customize topic names based on course structure.
Pro Tip: Hide incomplete sections from students while you prepare them.
3. Organizing Topics and Sections
When designing your course in Moodle, organizing topics effectively can make navigation intuitive and learning more engaging for your students. Below are a few variations for structuring your course content. These ideas can be adapted to fit your teaching style and course objectives.
Default Structure: Sequential Topics
- General Overview: A starting point for essential course information (syllabus, contact details, schedule).
- Week-by-Week Format: Organize topics into chronological weekly sections (Week 1, Week 2, etc.).
- Categories by Type:
- Lectures: Add slides, notes, or recorded videos.
- Assignments: Include links to tasks, rubrics, or submission boxes.
- Quizzes: Set up practice tests and formal assessments.
- Group Work: Create forums and collaboration tools.
Thematic Organization
- Module 1: Foundations
- Overview, background reading, and key terms.
- Module 2: Core Concepts
- In-depth discussions, lectures, and formative assessments.
- Module 3: Applied Learning
- Case studies, group projects, and practical activities.
- Module 4: Assessment & Feedback
- Final quizzes, assignment submissions, and feedback forms.
Skill-Based Structure
For skill-oriented courses, structure topics around competencies:
- Skill 1: Analyzing Data
- Content: Data analysis tools and tutorials.
- Activities: Hands-on exercises with datasets.
- Skill 2: Creating Presentations
- Content: Slide design principles and software guides.
- Activities: Create and share mock presentations.
- Skill 3: Writing Reports
- Content: Best practices for technical writing.
- Activities: Peer-reviewed report submissions.
Flexible Structure for Flipped Learning
- Pre-Class Preparation:
- Videos, reading materials, and introductory quizzes.
- In-Class Activities:
- Discussion prompts, problem-solving tasks, or lab activities.
- Post-Class Assignments:
- Reflection exercises, peer feedback forums, and follow-up questions.
4. Adding Content
Start populating your course with resources:
- Files: Drag and drop documents like syllabi into the appropriate sections.
- Text Boxes: Add instructor contact details or other important information directly on the course page.
- Activities and Resources: Insert quizzes, forums, or other interactive elements as needed.
5. Reviewing Student View
Switch to the student role to preview the course from their perspective. This ensures everything looks polished and accessible. Adjust hidden sections or incomplete elements as needed to avoid confusion.
- Select the User Menu (your profile picture or name) in the top-right corner.
- Click the menu, and from the dropdown, select Switch role to....
- Choose Student from the available options.
6. Monitor Completion Tracking
Enable automatic tracking for activities, so students can see their progress. This feature ensures clarity and keeps them engaged.
Final Touches
Once your content is set, revisit the course regularly to fine-tune details and address feedback from students. By organizing sections, enabling relevant features, and previewing the course from the student’s perspective, you’ll create a seamless learning experience.
Need to Import a Past Course into Moodle?
Learn how to seamlessly transfer content from previous courses into your new Moodle shell with this straightforward, step-by-step guide.