Teacher: Editing & Layout

Before you can upload a file, create an assignment, or change a date, you must "unlock" the course interface. This page covers the fundamentals of the Moodle interface and how to structure your learning environment.

1. The "Edit Mode" Switch

In modern Moodle (Version 4.0+), editing is controlled by a simple toggle switch.

• Location: Top right corner of the screen.
• Action: Click the slide toggle labeled Edit mode.
• Visual Change: When enabled, the toggle turns blue (or brand color), and you will see Pencil icons ✎ and Plus signs + appear throughout the course page.

Note: If you cannot see the "Edit mode" switch, verify that you are logged in and have been assigned the correct role (Teacher). Students do not see this switch.

2. Course Formats: Topics vs. Weeks

Your course shell comes with a default layout (usually "Topics"), but you can change this to suit your teaching style.

Which one should I choose?

Format	What it looks like	Best used for...
Topics Format (Thematic)	Sections are numbered (Topic 1, Topic 2...) or named by subject (e.g., "Intro to Marketing", "Consumer Behavior").	✅ Module-based courses where students can study units at their own pace. ✅ Courses that don't strictly follow the calendar.
Weekly Format (Chronological)	Sections are automatically labeled with dates (e.g., "1 May - 7 May").	✅ Strictly scheduled courses (e.g., a 10-week Pre-Master semester). ✅ Helps students stay on track with deadlines.

How to Switch Formats

1. Go to the Settings tab (Secondary navigation bar).
2. Scroll down to the Course format section.
3. Change the Format dropdown to "Topics format" or "Weekly format".
4. Click Save and display.

3. Renaming Sections and Activities

You don't need to open the full settings page just to change a name.

1. Turn Edit mode ON.
2. Click the Pencil icon ✎ next to any section title (e.g., "Topic 1") or activity name.
3. Type the new name (e.g., "Week 1: Introduction").
4. CRITICAL: Press the "Enter" key on your keyboard to save.
   • If you click anywhere else on the screen, your changes will be cancelled.

4. Moving Items (Reordering)

There are two ways to move content around.

Method A: Drag and Drop (Main Area)

Good for short moves.

1. Turn Edit mode ON.
2. Hover over an activity. Look for the Move icon (four arrows ✥) on the left of the item.
3. Click, hold, and drag it to the new location.

Method B: The Course Index (Sidebar) - Recommended

Good for moving items across long distances (e.g., from Week 1 to Week 10).

1. Ensure the Course Index (left sidebar) is open. (Click the "hamburger" menu icon ≡ if hidden).
2. Turn Edit mode ON.
3. In the sidebar list, find the item you want to move.
4. Drag and drop the text in the sidebar. The main page will update instantly.

5. Hiding and Showing Content

You can build content in advance but keep it invisible to students until you are ready.

To Hide an Item (File/Quiz):

1. Turn Edit mode ON.
2. Click the Three Dots (⋮) to the right of the item.
3. Select Hide.
4. A badge labeled "Hidden from students" will appear.

To Hide a Whole Section (Topic):

1. Go to the section header.
2. Click the Three Dots (⋮) on the right.
3. Select Hide section.
4. Note: When a section is hidden, everything inside it is automatically hidden, regardless of individual settings.

6. Highlighting the Current Week

To help students navigate, you can mark the current module.

1. Turn Edit mode ON.
2. Find the section/week you want to highlight.
3. Click the Three Dots (⋮) on the right.
4. Select Highlight.
5. A colored bar or "Current" badge will appear around that section.