View source for Teacher: Essential Resources

Resources are the "passive" materials in your course: the content students read, watch, or listen to. Unlike Activities (Assignments/Quizzes), students do not "submit" anything to a Resource.

This guide covers the three most important tools for building your course content.

__TOC__

== 1. The "Add Activity or Resource" Menu ==
To add anything to your course:
# Turn '''Edit mode ON''' (top right).
# Hover your mouse over the location where you want the item.
# Click the '''Plus icon (+)''' or the link '''Add an activity or resource'''.
# A chooser window will pop up. Select the tab '''Resources''' to filter the list.

== 2. The Big Three: Which one to use? ==
Before you click add, choose the right tool for the job.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Resource Type
! Best Used For...
! 📱 Mobile Experience
|-
| '''Page''' (网页)
| Creating content directly in Moodle (text, video, images). Like a mini-website.
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ <br>'''Excellent'''. Adapts to screen size.
|-
| '''File''' (文件)
| Distributing PDFs, PowerPoint slides, or Excel sheets that students need to save.
| ⭐⭐ <br>'''Fair'''. Requires downloading and opening a separate app.
|-
| '''Text and media area'''<br>(formerly "Label")
| Displaying headings, short instructions, or a banner video ''directly on the course homepage''.
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ <br>'''Good''', but don't make it too long or it clutters the scroll.
|}

== 3. Using "Page" (Recommended) ==
We strongly encourage using '''Pages''' instead of uploading Word documents. Pages are easier to update and readable on any device.

=== How to create a Page ===
# Select '''Page''' from the resource menu.
# '''Name''': The link the student clicks (e.g., "Lecture Notes: Week 1").
# '''Page content''': This is the main editor. You can:
#* Type or paste text.
#* Insert images (drag and drop into the box).
#* Insert videos (paste a YouTube/Vimeo link, Moodle will embed it automatically).
# Scroll down and click '''Save and display'''.

<blockquote style="background-color:#e3f2fd; border-left:4px solid #2196f3; padding:10px;">
'''Pro Tip:''' If you find a typo in a Page, you can fix it instantly online. If you find a typo in a Word doc, you have to fix it, save it, delete the old file, and upload the new one. Use Pages!
</blockquote>

== 4. Using "File" (PDFs & PPTs) ==
Use this for content that must preserve its layout (like a complex PDF) or slides for students to keep.

=== Method A: Drag and Drop (Fastest) ===
[Image of Moodle drag and drop file upload]
# Turn '''Edit mode ON'''.
# Open the folder on your computer containing your file.
# Drag the file from your computer directly onto the Moodle course page.
# Release the mouse. Moodle will upload it instantly.
# You can then change its name by clicking the '''Pencil icon ✎'''.

=== Method B: Manual Upload ===
# Select '''File''' from the resource menu.
# '''Name''': Enter a clear title.
# '''Select files''': Drag your file into the upload box.
# '''Appearance Settings''' (Optional):
#* ''Automatic'': Moodle guesses the best way to open it.
#* ''Force download'': The file saves to the student's computer immediately.
#* ''New window'': Opens the file in a new browser tab (Good for keeping Moodle open).

== 5. Using "Text and media area" (Labels) ==
This resource has no "click to enter" link; its content sits directly on the course homepage. It is the "glue" that holds your course structure together.

=== Common Uses ===
* ''Sub-headings'': To break up a long list of files (e.g., "📚 Required Reading" vs "📝 Optional Materials").
* ''Instructions'': A short note saying "Please read Chapter 4 before watching the video below."
* ''Banners'': An image to make the section look nice.

=== How to create it ===
# Select '''Text and media area''' from the resource menu.
# Type your text into the box.
# Use the formatting toolbar to make it '''Bold''' or change the "Heading" size (Large/Medium/Small).
# Click '''Save and return to course'''.

== 6. Using URL (External Links) ==
If you want to link to a news article, a YouTube video, or a library database.

# Select '''URL''' from the resource menu.
# '''Name''': What the student sees (e.g., "Article: The Future of AI").
# '''External URL''': Paste the website address (e.g., `https://...`).
# '''Appearance''': Change "Display" to '''In pop-up''' if you don't want students to leave the Moodle site completely.