Learning Modules & Folders: content containers

Summary

Learning Modules and Folders are containers for organising course content.

Relevant VLE site design principles

• 3.1 Essential: Organise module materials in sections that support student progress through the module.
• 3.4 Essential: Site and materials content is accessible.

Learning Module container for organising content items

Overview

Tip

Learning Modules and Folders are very similar; where the same guidance applies to both, container is used here for simplicity.

Learning Modules and Folders are containers for other site content, helping to organise your site and make it easier for users to find what they need. Module site templates contain pre-built Learning Modules for key site content.

In the Course Content area, click the container to show its content items then click a specific item to open it.

To add content to a container, drag in an existing item or hover where you want to add it, click the plus icon then select the relevant item type.

Learning Modules in Course Content area

Weekly materials within a Learning Module

Folder features

Folders are best used for reference and standalone items.

• Template: generally not included in Ultra templates, but you can add Folders to your site if needed.
• Nesting: can contain sub-folders, but avoid unnecessary nesting. Nested folders function like Folders.
• Icon: not personalisable; always has the default Folder icon.
• Navigation: click an item within the Folder to open it. To move between items, close the current item, go back to the folder and select the next item.

Learning Module features

Learning Modules allow easy navigation between items, so should be used in most instances.

• Template: used throughout Ultra templates, and you can add more to your site if needed.
• Nesting: can contain sub-folders, but avoid unnecessary nesting. There is no option to add sub-learning modules, but nested folders function like Learning Modules.
• Icon: personalisable; use the default Learning Module icon or add a custom image
• Navigation: click an item within the Learning Module to open it. To move between items, use the table of contents or the previous/next buttons. Can apply Forced sequence to make students access items in order. See below for more details of Learning Module navigation.

Navigation & Table of Contents

Tip

The Table of Contents and navigation within Learning Modules is available from 5th December.

Navigate between items within a Learning Module using the table of contents panel or the next / previous item buttons above the item content.

For Ultra Assignments, Test, Discussions and some other items, the settings summary panel may not appear inside Learning Modules on smaller screens, such as laptops. Instead, click the cog ion in the header to access the full settings.

Learning Module images

Tip

Some departmental templates include pre-populated Learning Module images and icons. Refer to your departmental guidance on whether these should be changed.

Learning Modules can display a small image on the Course Content page to make the site more visually appealing and aid navigation. You can't manually change the size or shape of the image shown, but they resize based on the display size..

To add or change an image:

1. Create a new Learning Module or click the three dots icon then Edit for an existing Learning Module.
   
2. In the settings panel, scroll down to the Image section. Click the image icon or Add Image.
   
3. Upload, source from Unsplash or use AI to generate an image. The method is described in the guide to the Documents images block

A demonstration of adding a Learning Module image:

How To Add Learning Module Icon Images To VLE Ultra [YouTube]

You can also create icons to upload:

• Guides on image manipulation to create an icon
• Create icons: template for number or letter icons

Generate Learning Modules & images with AI

Using AI tools effectively

AI-generated content is a starting point for your own content development rather than a finished product. You must always carefully check that output is accurate and appropriate for your intended use and adapt as needed.

See our general guide to Artificial Intelligence tools for more details on using AI responsibly.

The AI Design Assistant Tool can auto-generate Learning Modules with descriptions and images based on your site content.

1. In a relevant location in the Course Content Area, click the plus icon, then Auto-Generate Modules. In an empty site, just click Auto-Generate Modules.
2. Define the Learning Modules:
   • Provide module information in the Description box (eg. description copy/pasted from Module Catalogue) and/or Select course items (eg. a Module Overview page).
   • Choose a Complexity level and adapt other settings to your needs.
3. Click Generate
4. Review the generated content and select which Learning Modules to keep (you can edit them later).
5. Click Add to Course.
6. Check content for appropriacy and edit or adapt as needed.

Learning Modules: interface and examples of generated content

Description: Topics to include: history, fell racing, training, navigation

Select course items: none selected

Title prefix: Week

Include images: Yes

Complexity: level 7/10

Number of Learning Modules: 4 (maximum 20)

Content generated:

• Week 1: Introduction to Fell Running History. Discover the rich history of fell running, from its origins in the Lake District to the establishment of iconic fell races. Explore key moments and figures that have shaped the sport over the years.
• Week 2: Exploring Fell Racing Events. Dive into the thrilling world of fell racing, where athletes tackle rugged terrain and towering peaks. Learn about the different race formats, challenges faced, and the spirit of competition in fell running.
• Week 3: Fell Running Training Fundamentals. Master the essential training techniques for fell running, including strength, endurance, and hill skills. Understand how to develop a training plan tailored to the demands of fell running courses.
• Week 4: Navigating in Fell Running. Develop crucial navigation skills for fell running adventures. Learn to read maps, use compasses, and navigate challenging terrains with confidence. Enhance your ability to stay on course in any fell running event.

Each Learning Module also has a generated decorative image relevant to the content.

Manage containers

Edit existing containers

1. Click the three dots icon then Edit for an existing Learning Module.
   
2. Update the Title, Description (information that shows on the Course Content page) and other settings as needed.
3. Click Save.

Convert container type

Folders and Learning Modules can be converted to the other container type after creation. This does not affect the content inside the container.

If a Learning Module is converted to a Folder, it will lose any image associated with it. This is not retained if it's later converted back to a Learning Module.

To convert container type:

1. On the relevant container, click the three dots icon then Change to folder or Create learning module, depending on the container type.
   
2. Read the warning and click Continue if you are happy to proceed.

Create containers

Tip

Module site templates have pre-built containers for your site materials, so you're unlikely to need to create containers yourself.

Containers can be created within the Course Content area.

• Folders can also be created inside another container for supporting multi-level structures. A Folder within a Folder navigates like a Folder.
• Learning Modules cannot be directly created inside another container, but a Folder within a Learning Module navigates like a Learning Module.

To create a Folder or Learning Module:

1. Hover where the container should appear. Click the plus icon then Create.
   
2. Under Course Content Items, select Learning Module or Folder.
   
3. On the container Settings panel:
   • Enter a descriptive title for the container (eg. Week 3: equipment & safety).
   • Set the item visibility (you an also set this later).
   • Add a brief description to display under the container title in the Course Content area.
     
4. For Learning Modules only:
   • If you want students to access content items in order, click Forced Sequence.
   • Add a Learning Module image if desired.
5. Click Save.