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6.7. Creating Course Modules & HTML Files
Creating Content Modules, Sub-modules, and Topics
Course content contains modules, sub-modules, and topics. You must create a module before you can add topics. You can create submodules (modules within existing modules) to establish a deeper hierarchy.
Getting Started
Course content contains modules, sub-modules, and topics. You must create a module before you can add topics. You can create submodules (modules within existing modules) to establish a deeper hierarchy.
A module can be added either at the bottom of the table of contents or below the last module in the content section by selecting Add a module or Add a sub-module. Add a name for the module and select Enter/Return. Structurally, modules were added to the table of contents. Submodules are added to the module highlighted in the table of contents.
While it is possible to drag and drop files into the module, it is not recommended until you have verified with your regional accessibility specialist that the files are accessible. Furthermore, consider using content to build accessibly compliant course files with the HTML/Text Editor.
You can learn more by watching a video from D2L.
Topics
To create an accessible HTML page, select Create a File from the Upload/Create menu.
Use Enter a Title to create a descriptive title. Keep in mind, this title will be the title of the document in the table of contents and the course files.
Document Template
Before entering any content, Select a Document Template for the document. General Page Structure is commonly used for common pages.
*Please note, templates must be applied appropriately to all new pages. Templates provided in the template menu are the only templates available. Browse for Template is on the menu, but you will not be able to navigate back to them since they are shared from an org unit level.
HTML/Text Editor
The Text Editor is a key resource for developing accessible content. Headings, lists, links, images, and equations can be copied and pasted, but using these and other text editor tools ensures the most accessible options. Even when text and object "look" the same as they did in other documents there may be unexpected HTML code. Use plain text and each of the needed tools to format your documents. Insert Stuff has some topics you might miss just browsing through the toolbar. Use it to embed and record videos and insert course offerings and resources from your computer just to name a few. The Text Editor is packed with features.
Additionally, Insert Stuff is expanded in this image to reveal its contents and other options.
Images and Alternative Text
If pictures are inserted in documents, an alternative text prompt will open. If the image is meant to convey information, there must be a full description of the information in the Alternative Text box. If the image is strictly meant for decoration, mark This image is decorative and select OK to finish.
See WebAIM's site for more information on Alternative Text Basics .
Editor Attribute Improvements for Accessibility
Brightspace added a new tab to the existing Attributes menu of Brightspace Editor, allowing users to enter page attributes for language and title to meet accessibility compliance requirements. Previously, users had to manually add code into the source editor to add language and title page attributes.
Using this feature will resolve the Ally error message about language.
Changing Path in Managed Files
Content must be organized in Managed Files. After entering or adding content, select Change Path.
The Course Offering Files window will open displaying a list of folders in the course. It is recommended to create a folder for each module in the course. If a folder already exists for a module, highlight it, and choose Select Path. If the folder does not yet exist, select New Folder and name it appropriately. Selecting the path for the document determines where to save it to keep your course organized and easy to manage.
*Please note, when creating new folders, the new folder you create will be nested within the folder that is highlighted. It is easy to inadvertently select an unintended folder within the course folder.
Enter an appropriate Folder Name and then choose Create. (In this example, we have created a chapter overview document in module 4 of the course content with the title folder Module 04.)
*Please note, it is recommended that you keep folder names consistent to improve course management.
The new folder is shown in the Course Offering Files list. Highlight the folder then choose Select Path.
Notice the file path shown at the bottom of the page. Review the document created and choose Update when finished, or select the Revert to Draft to save the document and return to finish editing it at a later time. Documents saved as a draft are not viewable by students.
Edit an HTML File
There are two starting points to editing a file. Choose Edit HTML from the context menu of the document title or select Edit HTML at the bottom of the page.
Either option will open the HTML editor. Apply any additions or changes needed. This process is very similar to creating a new file. Choose Publish when finished.
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Delete Content (carefully)
The option to Delete content is found in many menu locations. There are two choices to delete in Brightspace.
- Delete content from the location selected. This only deletes the content or object that is selected in that location. Content that was uploaded to the Managed Files or was sourced from another location in the course will remain in alternate locations. For example, a discussion created and attached/linked to a specific module within the Table of Contents would remain a discussion in the course, but it would no longer be linked to that module if deleted.
- Delete permanently removes content or objects from all nested modules, topics, and associated files including Managed Files.