Moodle Documentation for Students (v.3.4)

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2 Moodle Documentation for Students (v.3.4)

3 Moodle Documentation for Students (v.3.4) GSC STAFF

4 Moodle Documentation for Students (v.3.4) by GSC Staff is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

5 Introduction Welcome to Moodle Documentation for Students. This handbook will provide you with the basics of using Moodle (version 3.4), the online course system used at your college. Navigating the Content You can navigate the content of this handbook in several ways: Use the arrows to proceed to the next page or chapter or return to the previous page. Use the CONTENTS link at the top of this handbook to display the table of contents. Use the search feature at the top of the page. If you are using a mobile device, you may need to open the options by clicking on the triple line icon at the top of the page. If you are experiencing technical issues with logging in or accessing any of the content or activities, please contact Support via the link on your Moodle site. 1 Introduction

6 1. Moodle Technical Requirements Technical Requirements A computer running a current operating system that supports a recent browsers. Access to the Internet. DSL or Broadband access is recommended. An up-to-date browser with Cookies enabled. See Browsers & Settings for specific web browser compatibility information. Anti-virus software with current updates. Word processing software is needed to complete and submit some assignments. Some courses will require specific software, hardware, plugins or applications. See course syllabus for details. If so, you will typically see a message asking if you want to install the needed software. Basic Computer Skills Needed: Saving and finding files and folders on a computer; Copying/cutting and pasting text; Using a word processing application, such as Microsoft Word; Attaching and uploading documents and assignments; Sending and receiving ; Using a supported web browser to access your course and other online resources on the Web. Moodle Technical Requirements 2

7 2. Browsers and Settings What is a Browser? A web browser is software that allows you to access websites and resources on the World Wide Web. Common browsers are Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome, and Internet Explorer. Moodle is compatible with most current browsers. It is highly recommended that you are using a current version of at least one (but recommended 2) supported browsers on your computer/device. To check the version of your browser or to download an additional browser, see WhatBrowser.org The following browsers are generally compatible with Moodle. Firefox Chrome Internet Explorer Opera Safari Note: IE may cause problems with file downloads, running errors, assignment completion, levels of interactivity using discussion board forums, and creating and editing content. Older versions of Firefox may not display all PDFs or videos properly. We recommend that you use the latest version of Adobe Flash Player and latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Opera does not show built-in html editor (WYSIWYG) in Moodle. Safari does not show built-in html editor (WYSIWYG) in Moodle. Chat tool does not always work properly. For Moodle to work properly, we recommend the following updates and settings since some of the Moodle courses use pop-up windows, therefore you will need to disable pop-up blockers in your browser or toolbar. (To make these updates in Firefox go to your navigation bar and click on Tools/Options or in IE go to Tools/Internet Options. In Safari click the Apple Menu/Software Update to update Java, to enable Cookies select Preferences/Privacy and for Pop-ups select Safari). For optimal performance, we recommend you select the following settings: 3 Browsers and Settings

8 Pop-ups: enabled Cookies: enabled Screen Refresh: set your browser to refresh on each visit to a Moodle site. Alert: Internet Explorer Security When using Internet Explorer to access Moodle, some users may get a pop-up message that says, This page contains both secure and non-secure items. Do you want to display the non secure items every time they click on a link. To stop this message from appearing, use the following steps: 1. In Internet Explorer, click on Tools and select Internet Options 2. Click on the Security tab 3. Click on Custom Level 4. Scroll down to the section called Miscellaneous and change the setting called Display Mixed Content to Enable 5. Click Ok Browsers and Settings 4

9 3. Clearing Your Browser's Cache Each time you access a file through your web browser, the browser caches (i.e., stores) it. By doing this, the browser doesn t have to newly retrieve files (including any images) from the remote web site each time you click back or forward. A cookie is a file created by a web browser, at the request of a web site, that is then stored on a computer. These files typically store user-specific information such as selections in a form, shopping cart contents, or authentication data. Browsers will normally clear cookies that reach a certain age, but clearing them manually may solve problems with web sites or your browser. A browser s history is a log of sites that you visit. When you press a browser s back button, you are moving back one entry in the history log. Browsers will normally clear the history at regular intervals, but you may want to clear it manually for privacy. See the instructions for clearing cache on computers using Windows and Mac operating systems and mobile devices: How to refresh your browser s cache 5 Clearing Your Browser's Cache

10 4. Logging into Moodle To access your college s Moodle site, go to Online.Keene.edu and select the log in link. Enter your assigned user name and password which was provided to you by the college. If you are unable to log in, contact Support via the link available on the Moodle site homepage. Logging into Moodle 6

11 5. Moodle on Mobile Devices Accessing your Moodle course using an iphone, ipad, ipod Touch, or Android device does not require the use of any special app. Moodle courses will automatically display properly using your mobile device s standard Web browser app. Once loaded, your course content will respond to your device s display dimensions without the need for using a special app. 7 Moodle on Mobile Devices

12 6. Moodle Overview When you log into Moodle, you will land on the Dashboard which includes: Your Account: use the dropdown menu to access your profile, account settings & preferences, grades and more. Your Courses: courses in progress are listed. Access past or future courses via the tabs. System Announcements: these announcements are posted by staff or support and are intended for all users on the system Site Navigation: to jump to specific courses or to sections of the Moodle site Quick Links: to notifications, messages and social media sites. Moodle Overview 8

13 7. Customize Your Dashboard When you first log into Moodle, you will land on the Dashboard page. You will find many things on this page including your course list, system announcements, and links to resource blocks. You can customize your Dashboard according to your preferences. Start by clicking on the Customize this page button found under your profile: Use the editing tools to customize the blocks, the number of courses to show, order of courses, etc. When you are done, click on the Stop customizing this page button to save your preferences. 9 Customize Your Dashboard

14 8. Your Profile Page Your profile contains personal information that other users in Moodle can view by clicking on your name. Standard profile information includes your name, location (City/Town/ Country), address (if you chose to make it accessible), the list of courses you are enrolled in, a picture (if you choose to insert one) and your interests. First time users need to go into their profile page and fill out the required fields. When your information changes please ensure your profile is updated as necessary. To edit your Profile Page: 1) Go to the User Menu found next to your name in the upper right of the screen. Then, select Edit profile. Your Profile Page 10

15 2) In the Edit Profile screen, you can edit: Your first name, display, city, country as well as a bio (brief description of your self.) Your profile picture and various personal information. Please note that personal information that you add about yourself will be available to all other users logged into Moodle site so limit it to only information that you wish to share with the community. 11 Your Profile Page

16 The illustration below shows the editable fields of your profile. Your Profile Page 12

17 13 Your Profile Page

18 3) You can also edit your Preferences for things like notifications of course activity. Recommended Profile Page Settings: Edit Profile/First name*: You may edit this, but please use an actual name (such as Alex instead of Alexander ) but not a nickname. Edit Profile/Surname*: Your last name (family name) cannot be edited. Edit Profile/ address: The address cannot be edited. Edit Profile/ display: Allow only other course members to see my address Edit Profile/City, town, and Select a country*: Insert your location if you wish. The Country should be entered automatically. Forum Preferences: digest type: Complete (daily with full posts) Forum auto-subscribe: No: don t automatically subscribe me to forums Forum tracking: Yes: highlight new posts for me Your Profile Page 14

19 Preferred Language: English United States (en_us) *Required fields. Optional: There are other fields you may fill in on the bottom of the Profile page that are optional, such as inserting a user picture, list of your interests, webpage, phone, etc. If you insert a picture, please use a portrait style image rather than a long shot from a distance. Use a picture of yourself that you would want classmates and your instructors to see. Please do not use pictures of just your pet or something other than yourself. Be sure to use good judgment in sharing your personal information. 15 Your Profile Page

20 9. Forum Subscription Settings When you participate in a discussion forum, you have some options for how you would like to be notified that there has been some interaction in forums where are a participants. Subscription Settings enable you to decide how you would like to be notified so that you can jump back into the discussion in a timely way. User subscription settings When you are subscribed to a forum, it means that you will receive a notification of each new posting. By default, posts are permanently recorded 30 minutes after the post was first saved. Once this happens, automated notifications are sent to all participants. The following options describe how you will receive those notifications. Area 1: My Profile Settings: You can set your global forum subscription settings within your Profile settings. From your course home page select Administration > My profile settings > Edit profile and ensure the Forum auto-subscribe feature is set the way you want. Forum Subscription Settings 16

21 Area 2: Forums: You can also choose how to subscribe to a forum within each individual forum. However, your instructor may configure the forum in a certain way that overrides whatever settings you may choose, such as if the subject matter is critically important. To view all of your forum subscription settings, go to the Activities block and click on Forums. 17 Forum Subscription Settings

22 10. Basic Navigation Moodle courses use modules and blocks to organize the instructional resources and activities. The images below illustrate the layout of a typical online course. Though some courses may differ, they will all function similarly. Top Section The top section of a Moodle course (sometimes referred to as Topic 0) provides course administration information such as an Announcements forum, course syllabus, details on course major assignments and rubrics. Blocks Moodle uses Blocks to provide additional course information, navigation and resources. Some instructors customize their Blocks, but every class will include the blocks listed below. Activities Lists and allows navigation between the different activities available in your course (Forums, Quizzes, Assignments, Checklists and so forth). Instructor Details Provides students with the instructor s contact information. Resources Includes a link to Try Turnitin and another for Video Tutorials and Guides. Basic Navigation 18

23 Modules 19 Basic Navigation

24 Moodle courses use Modules as a means of chunking course topics into individual sections. Generally, a Module corresponds to a week of learning and engagement in your online course. Unless otherwise specified, Modules begin on Mondays and end on Sunday. Each Module includes its start and end date along with: Overview A description of the week s topic and Learning Objectives. Read, Review, Watch A collection of instructional media such as reading assignments, website links to review, videos to watch, downloadable documents, and other assets. Activities Discussion forums, submissions assignments, quizzes, and other assessed activities. Navigation Bar The Moodle navigation bar (also referred to sometimes as breadcrumbs ) shows the current content path. Some items in the path are clickable so that, for example, if you are in currently in a Forum activity, you can click on the course title in the path to return to the main course page. This can save you a few clicks! Basic Navigation 20

25 This image shows the top navigation for your course. On the left end of the menu bar there is an image of three horizontal lines which can be clicked on to open the Navigation block to the left of the window. Navigation Block- (see image below) Includes My home, Site pages, Current Course and My courses. The Navigation block has links which can be expanded or collapsed. To view all your courses go to the Navigation block, click on the small triangle to the left of My courses which will open a drop-down menu. A list of all your active courses will be shown. Click on the course you would like to open to view that course. 21 Basic Navigation

26 This image shows the contents of the Navigation Block. To close the block, select the X on the top navigation bar. Basic Navigation 22

27 11. Submission Assignments Moodle submission assignments are the digital equivalent of printing out your assignment and handing it in to your instructor in a classroom. Moodle submission assignments can accommodate uploading digital documents such as word processor files (Microsoft Word), spreadsheets, and PDF files. Your instructor will provide you with assignment details, requirements, expectations, and other special provisions for the assignment. There are also Moodle submission assignments that require you to record and upload a video. Video assignments are handled differently and would not use the standard Moodle submission assignment. To read more about submitting videos for a video assignment, please contact your instructor. To submit an assignment using the Moodle submission assignment feature. 1. Click on the Moodle assignment link. Assignment links are denoted by the unique assignment link icon shown below: 2. Click on the Add submission button 3. Click on the Add (+) button to browse and attach the assignment file or files. The process is just like adding an attachment to an . Select the Save changes button and your work will be submitted to the instructor for grading. The submissions will also include a time stamp of your submission which is recorded in Moodle and can be viewed by your instructor. 23 Submission Assignments

28 Once your assignment has been graded, you will be able to view your grade and feedback by navigating to the Administration block and selecting Grades. Submission Assignments 24

29 12. Quizzes and Exams The Quiz activity enables the instructor to design and build quizzes, tests, and exams (assessments) consisting of a variety of question types including multiple choice, true/false, and short answer questions. Most will have special conditions, requirements and expectations such as: Single or multiple attempts Time restrictions Availability restrictions Questions delivered at one time or all at once Therefore it is important that you carefully read and follow the instructor s directions before attempting the assessment activity. Prior to Starting the Quiz: Review the instructions provided by the instructor. If the instructions are unclear, contact your instructor for clarification. Ensure you are using a Moodle supported browser. If the assessment is only available during a specific period, do not wait until the last minute to begin it. An Internet outage or some other interruption may occur that interrupts your attempt. In the event that you do experience any technical difficulties, it is recommended that you submit a Support ticket immediately and let your instructor know. When you are ready: 1. Select the quiz, test or exam link denoted by the quiz icon: 2. Then select the Attempt quiz now button: 25 Quizzes and Exams

30 The quiz questions will load into a new page, as illustrated below. You can track your progress using the quiz navigation feature on the upper left. Once you submit your answers for grading, the results will be automatically graded and/or graded by the instructor. The results will be recorded in the course grade book. Once the grade is made available, you will be able to view your grade by selecting Administration > Grades. Quizzes and Exams 26

31 13. Grades To access your grades go to the Administration block located on the left side of your Moodle course and click on the Grades item. Note: If you docked the Administration block onto the left side of your screen, click on the tab to slide out the menu. Click on Course administration triangle icon and you will see the Grades link. Click on Grades to view your report. The report collects items that have been graded from the various parts of your course. Below is a sample student User grade report. If you have questions about your grades in the course, please contact your instructor. 27 Grades

32 14. Messages The Moodle Message system operates a little bit like Instant Messaging (IM) and a little bit like . The main thing to remember is that if the person you are messaging is not logged in to Moodle at the same time you are, your message will automatically be forwarded to their account. Depending on how you have your Profile preferences set, messages that are sent to you can also be sent to your account when you are not in your course. When to use it: Messages are best used for short conversations and inquiries such as asking questions to your instructor or classmate. It is not recommended for lengthy detailed attachments. conversations and messages do not allow formatting or How it works: The Message tool link is located on the dropdown menu on the Navigation Bar. Click on the Messages link and you will be taken to the Messages page. (This takes you out of your course, so you might want to right-click on the link and open it in a new tab or window instead.) Once you are in the Messages page, Click into the Message Navigation menu to select the course where the recipient is located (see below). Messages 28

33 Once the course is selected, you will see a list of names associated with the course you have selected. Locate the person you wish to send a message and click on their name. The content window will appear for you to type in (see below). Click the Send Message button to send your message. Each message will include a timestamp denoting when it was sent. If the recipient of your message is not online, your message will be sent to the address specified in the message settings when the user is offline for more than the time specified. 29 Messages

34 15. Discussion Forums Discussion Forums are the online equivalent of a classroom discussion, but with a few differences: Discussions happen across a period of time rather than all at once. Posts to discussions are threaded so that all posts are listed chronologically. You post links and videos along with your text. A forum can contribute significantly to successful communication and community building in an online environment. There are several different types of discussion forums, though the most common forum used is the Standard forum. In this forum type, students see the introduction text (or prompt) in a separate space above the discussion area. Also visible is the title of the discussion, who it was started by, the number of replies, and the date of the last post. Follow your instructor s instructions about whether you should select the Add a new discussion topic button or to reply to a specific thread. IMPORTANT: Once you save your post in the Forum, you will have 30 minutes to edit or delete your post (see below). After 30 minutes, you cannot edit or delete your post. If you think you may need to deliberate on your post before posting it, work it out in a separate text editor (TextEdit [Mac]; Notepad [PC]) and then copy/paste your post into your discussion thread. Discussion Forums 30

35 HTML Editor: If you know how to edit your post content in HTML, you can change the view of your post content by clicking on the Show More button (below) then clicking on the HTML view button (below). Other types of Forums On some occasions, you may encounter alternative forum formats that require participating in slightly different ways. The following forum types describe how they differ from the Standard forum. A single simple discussion This is similar to the standard forum except there is only one thread. Students will see the first post placed in the Forum by the instructor. Students will post replies to the instructor s post. Each person posts one discussion Students are allowed to post only one discussion thread, but otherwise this forum format works the same as the Standard forum. Question and Answer forum 31 Discussion Forums

36 In a Q and A forum, instructors post the question and students are required to post once before viewing other students posts. After the initial post, students can view and respond to others post. This feature encourages original and independent thinking without the influence of a prior answer. Discussion Forums 32