Moodle Users
Weekly outline
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In July 2023, GCC upgraded to Moodle 4.2 The Moodle Users 4.2 classroom contains tutorials and how-tos on using the new version.
Find the Fall 2023 Workshops calendar and the link to Gary's Office Hours calendar on this page on the Moodle 4.2 Users classroom. -
Open this page to see a collection of YouTube videos demonstrating the new features added to Moodle in August 2022. -
This page contains a video playlist that reviews the new features, tools, and procedures for using Moodle.
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Open this page to see a Google Calendar with links to workshops, office hours, and other events supporting online teaching and learning
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In summer 2023, classrooms older than 7 years will be purged from Moodle. This page includes a video on how instructors can make their own backup copies of courses.
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We have configured Moodle to embed both files created using Google Workspaces applications and files stored in Google Workspaces when the URL's are pasted into items created using the ATTO text editor.
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According to Google, there are two different GCC's, one with only students and another with only faculty and staff. For this reason, all GCC users who want anyone in the other group to access files must change the permissions to "anyone with the link."
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This is an updated version of the page we used in summer 2020 when GCC faculty began using Google Workspaces (which was called G Suite at the time).
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The video on this page describes the process of setting up and assignment and handing in a Google Document (the same steps work for other files in Google Workspaces too). It takes viewer through setting up the assignment, handing it in, commenting on it, then seeing the comments.
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Microsoft Word files, Powerpmpooint presentations, and Excel spreadsheets can be embedded in Moodle through links. There are no options for opening or saving the files and advanced features (including animations) are not supported
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Files created using Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel) can also be embedded from Google Workspace without conversion to Google files formats. In addition PDF files obtained form any source that are uploaded to Google Workspace can also be embedded. While the content of these files are displayed, the animations and other features of the files do not function.
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When GCC users paste URL's to files in Google Drive (including Documents, Slides, or Sheets files) into Moodle items created with the ATTO text editor, the file is automatically embedded in Moodle.
If you prefer to have links to the files, your can either paste the links as URL item or use a URL shortener before pasting the links.
Both other actions are described in this section.
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All GCC users (both student accounts and faculty and staff accounts) can log on to YouTube using their GCC email credentials. Users can upload videos to YouTube and manage them at studio.youtube.com.
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When files stored in Google Workspace are linked in Moodle using the ATTO text editor, the content along with all of the available controls are there. The specific controls depends on the Google account the user has used to log in. Changing the account in the browser being used and refreshing the Moodle page will change the controls.
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One option for pointing students and others to a Google Document; this options is available only to teachers and contributors.
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Using an extension to shorten URL's in Chrome, all users can add a link to a Google Document.
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This is the same [page as the one above, but the "install the Url shortener" steps have been removed.
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Using these steps, faculty can create a Google Document word processor file (or Slides presentation or Sheets spreadsheet) that students can copy and complete. This is an excellent way to integrate reading guides, worksheets, and similar documents created in Google Workspaces into Moodle classrooms.
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This section contains recommended practices for students and faculty to submit files created or stored in Google Workspaces.
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When instructors want students to submit drafts of files, follow these recommendations for word processing files (Google Docs), slide shows (Google Slides), or spreadsheets (Google Sheets).
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We recommend faculty use Journals if they are going to have students submit drafts of word processing files, slide shows, or spreadsheets for comments before they are submitted for grading. If your instructor is using the steps we recommend here, then follow these steps described on this page to submit drafts.
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The options for configuring "Assignments" depend on faculty understanding the "Submission types" and "Feedback types" for each assignment.
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GCC's TLIC does not recommend this, but will answer questions and troubleshoot existing "Assignments."
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This section contains tips and tutorials for using Google Workspaces tools. Some of these make reference to G Suite which was the name for the service until spring 2021.
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User can upload any file (e.g. PDF, DOC, XLSX, PNG, MP4...) to G Suite. Some of these (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, presentation) can be opened in G Suite applications. Other can simply be shared through G Suite.
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Follow the steps in this tutorial to have events in the Moodle calendar (including due dates instructors add to assignments and tasks) sent to Google Calendars.
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GCC recommends video content be posted to YouTube and embedded in Moodle using the ATTO text editor.
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Before uploading videos longer than 15 minutes and to Go Live, users must verify their YouTube accounts.
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Follow the steps on this page to find the video recordings of Zoom meetings saved to your computer.
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All videos made available to the GCC community should be appropriately closed captioned.
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The ATTO text editor is used throughout Moodle. Students and instructors use it when composing forum posts or replies, creating pages, and creating other content in Moodle. We have configured Moodle so that YouTube videos are automatically embedded in the text, so video appears without the need to click into YouTube. Further, the advertisements, comments, and recommended video that can distract us are not included when following the recommended steps.
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In this section, you will find video resources and step-by-step directions for some of the core applications in Google Workspace. This is the section you want if you are unfamiliar with Google Workspace.
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Google maintains the Applied Digital Learning site. We have created a class that includes lessons to introduce the features and operations of Google Workspace tools to those who are unfamiliar with them.
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We recommend the 7-course Getting Started with Google Workspaces specialization on Coursera as a good starting place for those who have never used Gmail or any previous version of Google Workspaces.
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We have also created an Applied Digital Skills course that takes participants through the use of Google Workspace tools. These are different from the lessons in the basic course as they approach the tools from the perspective of how the use them for productivity purposes. The lessons in this course take longer to complete than the lessons in the basic course.
To access "Workspace Productivity for GCC Faculty and Staff:"
- Log on to https://applieddigitalskills.withgoogle.com/ with your GCC credentials.
- Click the blue "+ Join class" button.
- Enter our course code: xpw5j5
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Google Meet and YouTube Live are alternatives to Zoom Meetings that are supported by GCC IT.
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This page give the method for sharing your screen while also seeing the participants in your meeting. This does require two devices.
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We cannot initiate calls to landlines from Google Meet or Zoom, but others can call in to meetings we have created. Open this page to see how landlines can call in to your Zoom meeting.
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A video conferencing tool available through G Suite. Students can access this tool as part of their GCC email account. Faculty and staff need to activate their Google accounts. (If you have forgotten you G Suite credentials or never received them, submit a help ticket and you will get an "activate your account" link in your GCC email soon. This link must be activated within 48 hours).
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One of the complaints about Google Meet is that one cannot see all of the participants one one screen. This page takes you through the steps of adding a Chrome extension call "Google Meet Grid View" which add this capability.
Many thanks to the student who suggested this extension to their instructor and to that instructor who passed it along!
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Install this Chrome extension to save closed captions of your meetings to G Suite.
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This page reviews how to install and use Tactiq. Which saves the closed captions generated during a Google Meet conference.
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This section contains advice for students on course visibility and assignments.
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If your course(s) "disappear" from Moodle or if they don't show up, start with theses suggestions. If you submit a help ticket, we will start here, so you can too.
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The Lightbox Gallery is a tool some faculty use to facilitate discussion about images students upload. This page gives directions for uploading and editing images as well as commenting on others' images,
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These pages have advice for students.
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Follow the steps on this page to see how to submit assignments.
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Follow these steps for submitting PDF files if you are using a Chromebook to access Moodle classrooms.
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Follow these steps for submitting PDF files if you are using a G Suite as your word processor.
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Once assignments have been submitted, student can check the status. Some faculty "hide" grades until they have graded all submissions.
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Once grades have been posted, students can check their grades and see feedback from their instructors by following steps outlined here.
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The Quiz tool is used to create a variety of assessments in Moodle classrooms. This video takes students through the steps of submitting quizzes.
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If you want to include a document (such as a PDF, Word file, image, Excel workbook, PowerPoint presentation, or other file) to your forum post or reply, follow the direction here.
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This section contains directions for changing course visibility, copying course content, adding and managing users, and improving the usability of your classroom.
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It is very important to check this so your course does not disappear!
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If the courses students expect to see are not on their dashboard, suggest try these steps! If they submit a help ticket, this is what we will suggest, so you can get that back into your class sooner by pointing them here.
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Faculty have control over the visibility of courses. If it is set to "Hide," then it will be unavailable to students.
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Once inside their classroom, faculty use several controls for building the classroom.
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The tools on the right of Moodle pages are called blocks. Teachers can add them and manage them themselves.
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When courses that use a weekly topic are copied from other semesters, the course dates can be calculated from a new start date. Directions are here.
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There is a "Course Announcements" forum added to each Moodle classroom at GCC by default. Any announcements added to that forum are both posted there and sent to students automatically.
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With the new version of Moodle (3.11 in summer 2021), GCC faculty can now add simple html tags to item titles to add formatting.
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Using "Dates," faculty can see all of the due dates in their course on one page. This is especially useful for those who teach from course that have been copied from previous terms.
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If you discover you have imported from the wrong classroom, use the steps described here to reset it.
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Using "Dates," faculty can see all of the due dates in their course on one page. This is especially useful for those who teach from course that have been copied from previous terms.
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This block (which was added to our installation in June 2020) allows teachers to copy content from one course to another without the need to import.
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See how to add users to your courses, use the "Students tracker" block, use the "Scheduler" to set meetings, create groups, and otherwise manage users.
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This block displays the students who have not logged on to the course in the times you configure.
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Scheduler is a tool that allows faculty to add time slots to a classroom; students can self-schedule appointments (or faculty can schedule for them). It will even send email reminders of appointments on the morning it is scheduled.
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Metacourses are Moodle classrooms in which students from multiple sections are enrolled. This allows faculty to use a single classroom for those classes they teach multiples sections. This page details how to create groups of students based on their section enrollments.
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There are a few options for faculty to see summaries or reports of students' participation in their Moodle courses.
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Collapsed topics or weeks, due dates, and moving contents are among the topics in this section.
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This course format will minimize the amount of scrolling users must do to navigate your classroom.
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This course format will minimize the amount of scrolling users must do to navigate your classroom.
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A brief rationale for taking the time to set up due dates for your assignments, forums, and other items.
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This is often used to keep the current week or topic at the top of the page.
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By adding a course image, faculty can add a visual to students' (and their own) course overview block.
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This section describes how to use various tools in Moodle. These are instructive for both faculty and students.
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By updating their preferred name in MyGCC, users can change the names displayed to all users of Moodle.
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Moodle sends notifications of several different types of events to users. These can be managed in your preferences.
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Follow the steps in this tutorial to have events in the Moodle calendar (including due dates instructors add to assignments and tasks) sent to Google Calendars.
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When users log on to Moodle, they land at dashboard which can be customized to make it easy to find the courses you need.
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When you logon to Moodle, you land at the dashboard. Open this page to see a video that gives you a brief tour of how it works.
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The Moodle classrooms to which you have access are listed in the "Course overview" block on your dashboard. This page gives suggestions on how to customize the courses that are displayed there.
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This video includes seps for adding Images, Pre-formatted Text, and Equations in the ATTO Text Editor
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The ATTO text editor is used throughout Moodle. Students and instructors use it when composing forum posts or replies, creating pages, and creating other content in Moodle. We have configured Moodle so that YouTube videos are automatically embedded in the text, so video appears without the need to click into YouTube. Further, the advertisements, comments, and recommended video that can distract us are not included when following the recommended steps.
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User create pages, forum posts and replies, and many other types of content with the ATTO text editor. This video shows how to add an image to the content you create with it.
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Many students choose to use a Chromebook as they are an inexpensive way to get online. This module includes some tips for Chromebook users.
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Chromebooks are excellent devices for those who need an easy-to-use and inexpensive devices to access Moodle and G Suite, but they do have some limitations. This page details the capacity of Chromebooks.
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Follow these steps for submitting PDF files if you are using a Chromebook to access Moodle classrooms.
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Some Chromebook users must add an extension to ensure they can open rich text format (rtf) files. Steps for installing RTF Viewer are on this page.
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Tools for adding content, adding and using interactive tools, and managing student participation in your course are here. For details on video conferencing see either Google Meet and YouTube Live or Using Zoom.
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This section contain recommended procedures for adding content to your Moodle classrooms.
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Follow these steps to include a document with your announcement.
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This page displays a playlist of videos that summarize steps for making your course materials more accessible.
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This page describes the primary types of content that faculty add to Moodle classrooms and links to other pages within the Moodle Users classroom that provide step-by-step instructions. These recommendations were updated in spring 2020 to take advantage of the affordances of Google Drive.
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Regardless of the type of file on content being embedded, it is recommended the files be linked from Moodle pages. The rationale for that recommendation is described on this page.
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Screencastify allows users to capture what is displayed in Google Chrome (along with either audio or video). Recordings up to 5 minutes can be created and are stored in users' Google Drive. This page takes users through the steps of using Screencastify and adding closed captions to the videos.
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The ATTO text editor is used throughout Moodle. Students and instructors use it when composing forum posts or replies, creating pages, and creating other content in Moodle. We have configured Moodle so that YouTube videos are automatically embedded in the text, so video appears without the need to click into YouTube. Further, the advertisements, comments, and recommended video that can distract us are not included when following the recommended steps.
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First half is the technical aspect of using library streaming services; second half discusses how licenses work with both library materials and Netflix/Hulu/Amazon.
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In summer 2020, we upgraded to Moodle 3.9 which includes "Whole forum grading." This allows instructors to see students' participation on a single page and enter grades easily.
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There is a "Course Announcements" forum added to each Moodle classroom at GCC by default. Any announcements added to that forum are both posted there and sent to students automatically.
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This page contains a video gives a quick demonstration of how forums work in Moodle.
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When subscribed to forums, updates are sent to users' email. This page summarizes how to configure it.
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This page take you through the steps of creating a forum that students complete in "group mode" which means they post and reply only to those who have been assigned to the same group.
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This is the "old" method of grading forums. Some faculty configure this to allow another method of interacting on forums.
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Follow these steps to include a document with your announcement.
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Wikis are just like Wikipedia-a collection of pages that can be edited by anyone enrolled your course (or a group).
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This is a group annotation tool that has been recommended at GCC since early 2020. This page demonstrates creating an account, installing the Chrome extension, and adding annotations to a web page.
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This is a group annotation tool that has been recommended at GCC since early 2020. This page demonstrates creating and using a private group.
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Add a folder where students can upload files. This can also be a better option for adding files to your course than the Folder activity.
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Add a collection of student-created galleries where you and students can upload files to be viewed by everyone in the course.
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Use this tool to provide a place where students can contribute files to your classroom
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When faculty want to restrict access to a resource based on (for example) handing in an assignment, they can follow the steps described here.
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When using this option, an activity or resource is unavailable to a student unless the specified grade for an assignment or quiz has been met.
This feature is usually used along with multiple attempts for the assignment or quiz, otherwise a student who does not earn the grade to "unlock" the activity will be unable to access it without intervention.
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This section has been updated with recommended assignment workflows since the adoption of Google Workspaces.
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The options for configuring "Assignments" depend on faculty understanding the "Submission types" and "Feedback types" for each assignment.
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GCC's TLIC does not recommend this, but will answer questions and troubleshoot existing "Assignments."
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The block displays recently submitted work that needs your attention. This does not display forums that need grading.
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Setting up the Moodle gradebook can be complicated. It is recommended that faculty follow the steps outlined on this page.
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There are several reasons students cannot see their grades in the Gradebook. This page describes to most common reason.
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"I want blank grades to convert to zeroes automatically when students don't take a quiz on Moodle."
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While it seems unnecessary, it is best to create categories (one for each quiz you will administer) and add questions to that category.
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Moodle makes it possible to specify many aspects of how the quiz in administered. This page details the choices.
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Once students have completed the quiz, there are several options for grading them. This page describes the method that weems to work for mot instructors.
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There are multiple options for adding questions to Moodle. These options are described on this page.
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This page shows faculty how to open quizzes at different times for different students, allow extended time, or multiple attempts.
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Once any student has attempted a quiz, it cannot be edited. Before any attempt, a teacher may add, remove, or edit questions questions.
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On occasion, students will log out of Moodle without finishing the "submit" process at the end of a quiz. Their work is usually saved, but will not appear in the grade book. This page shows you how to find students' work.
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If you find it necessary to have a hardcopy or a PDF version of a Quiz item that is in Moodle, you can follow these steps.
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Rubrics are a widely used tool for grading students? work. When they are provided to student before they complete work, it is reasoned, students will have a better idea of what the expectations are.
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Assignments are digital drop boxes where students can upload PDF and other files.
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Find students' submissions and open them for grading following the steps on this page.
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This tools allows faculty to view PDF submissions in the web browser without the need to download. Several tools are available for marking up the file, as well as providing typed feedback, entering a grade to be displayed in the grade book, and uploading a feedback file. This page includes a video demonstration (apologies, I forgot to capture at high resolution!) that demonstrates using the "Annotate PDF" interface.
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When faculty want to restrict access to a resource based on (for example) handing in an assignment, they can follow the steps described here.
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In spring 2021, Jen Williams hosted several sessions a using the Moodle grade book. See recordings on this page.
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By default, we have enabled "Annotate PDF" grading. It can be turned off using these steps.
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The "Accessibility" block can be added to classroom by any user. This provides a collection of tools to improve the accessibility of courses. The changes one user makes with this block are specific to the user.
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Some users find the colors, menus, and other aspects of GCC's installation of Moodle can interfere with their navigation or perception of courses. Using these directions, any user can change to a theme which will minimize these difficulties. Changing the theme does not affect the course materials and it doe not affect how any others see the classrooms. Themes can also be changed back to the default whenever a user decides.
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Chrome allows users to turn on live captioning which presents the text of audio presented in the Chrome browser.
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A playlist that summarizes options for creating digital video files.
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Zoom is one video conferencing platform support by GCC's IT team. This section contains tips and tutorials for both faculty, staff, and students.
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Follow the steps on this page to add backgrounds to your image when using Zoom. This is a good way to improve your privacy.
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Make these changes in your settings to improve the quality of the audio and video in your Zoom meeting for those who are connecting over "weak connections."
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Some Zoom user find it distracting to see themselves on the screen, so they use the "Hide Self View" to remove themselves from the gallery view.
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This page contains a video demonstration showing how to:
- Add Zoom to your Moodle classroom
- It also includes demonstrations of multiple tools in the Zoom
- Find a recording of a Zoom meeting on your computer
- Upload the recording to YouTube
- Embed the YouTube in Moodle
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By default, "External tools" (including Zoom meetings) added to Moodle classrooms are graded by default. This page describes how to make Zoom meetings "ungraded."
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Follow the steps on this page to find the video recordings of Zoom meetings saved to your computer.
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Use the participants button to control audio, make others co-host, and otherwise manage their permissions.
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Follow these steps for handing hosting duties over to another participant.
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This page give the method for sharing your screen while also seeing the participants in your meeting. This does require two devices.
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Steps for adding recurring meetings to Zoom using the external tool. If you see and error in Moodle, read this page!
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Open this page to see suggestions on which options to select when scheduling meetings.
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"Zoombombing" has become a "thing." Basically, individuals are finding Zoom meetings that are open, and connecting with the intent of disrupting the meeting. This page suggests strategies for securing your Zoom meetings.
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By default GCC allows only the host to share their screen during a meeting. Hosts or co-hosts can change this during a meeting; directions are on this page.
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Anne Wiley shared this PDF article from the Chronicle of Higher Education: Turns Out You Can Build Community in a Zoom Classroom
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For those who have Zoom licenses, the polls options is available. This video on this page is from Zoom's technical support and it reviews how polls work and how to create them using the Zoom web site.
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Follow these recommended procedures for creating a single Zoom meeting for office hours available to students in different sections or courses.
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This presentation summarizes how to add alternative and co-hosts to your meetings.
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Unless you edit the hyperlink of the URL, the passcode is embedded in the URL, so your meeting isn't really secure. This presentation reviews how to require participants to enter the passcode.
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We have turned on the option to add the "Join from your browser" link to the Zoom meeting launch age.
In some situations, participants cannot install the Zoom client or they may prefer to use Chrome so they can enable live captioning.
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We recommend faculty add content to Moodle courses as PDF files as they can be displayed as intended on any device. We also recommend students submit work as PDF files for several reasons. This section reviews several options for creating PDF files on different devices, operating systems, and applications.
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Almost every word processing or presentation software includes the option of saving files in PDF.
View a PDF version of the presentation used in the video (the PDF has the spelling mistake fixed!)
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Using Adobe Scan, an app available for iPhone (and iPad) and Android devices, you can take a picture of a document and convert it to a PDF file which can be uploaded to Moodle.
When I first used Adobe Scan to upload to Moodle, I had to take a few extra steps to get my iPad to show me the PDF's I had created with Adobe Scan. I explain what I did in this video:
You can learn more about Adobe Scan on the Adobe web site.
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This tools allows faculty to view PDF submissions in the web browser without the need to download. Several tools are available for marking up the file, as well as providing typed feedback, entering a grade to be displayed in the grade book, and uploading a feedback file.
This is a copy of the item in the section in grading for faculty.
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Several classrooms and conference rooms at GCC have Owl Pro cameras installed. In addition, the Teaching and Learning Innovation Center has two Owl Pro cameras that can be installed in classrooms or conference rooms for specific events or short-term projects.
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Faculty can use this option to copy amounts of contents from one course to another. This can be used rather than submitting a help ticket to request IT copy content for you.
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Linking to a Google Doc files from Moodle is useful for distributing files you want students to be able to edit or download.
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There are multiple options for adding Google files to Moodle. Page explains three.
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Google Slides is the G Suite version of PowerPoint; PPT files can be uploaded to Google Drive and many of the animations and timings (but not voice overs!) are compatible and are preserved when presentations are uploaded and converted to Slides.
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Unless using Powerpoint is part of your curriculum, PPT files should be managed in one of these ways:
a) exported as PDF before being uploaded and linked in Moodle,
b) exported as an .mp4 file and uploaded to YouTube before being embedded in Moodle,
c) uploaded to G Suite and published before being embedded in Moodle pages (details for this are in the G Suite section).
The images on this page are available on this PDF file.
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With the upgrade to Moodle 3.9, we were forced to find an alternative to the no-longer supported QuickMail block. This page contains a slide show describing alternatives.
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One of the great advantages of using Google Drive is that files can be shared. This page summarizes what those new to Google should know about sharing.
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Follow these steps for submitting PDF files if you are using a G Suite as your word processor.
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This page demonstrates how to embed Google files in Moodle using iframes and the html option in Moodle pages.
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Linking to a Google Doc files from Moodle is useful for distributing files you want students to be able to edit or download.
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Google Slides is the G Suite version of PowerPoint; PPT files can be uploaded to Google Drive and many of the animations and timings (but not voice overs!) are compatible and are preserved when presentations are uploaded and converted to Slides.
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The groups responsible for Quickmail stopped development in 2018. As a result, it no longer functions as expected. While it still sends mail, when instructors check the history, an error is returned. We recommend faculty use the work arounds described on this page.
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There are three choices for decreasing the amount scrolling needed to navigate your courses.
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This is used to compose content in a wide variety of places in Moodle including forums, wikis, pages, and essay questions in quizzes. The tools described here are available wherever the ATTO text editor is installed.
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Faculty and staff have this option of adding Google Slides, Docs, and Sheets files, along with Forms, in Moodle Pages, descriptions, and most other items created with the ATTO text editor (except for forum posts and wikis).
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When Google files are embedding in Moodle pages, the content are displayed in the Moodle classroom, but no other controls are available. Those familiar with how YouTube videos are displayed in Moodle pages are familiar with embedded content.
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PowerPoint presentations converted to Slides files and also presentations created in Slides can be embedded so the contents can be displayed with no other controls.
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This page illustrates what your students see when a Slide file is embedded in a Moodle page.
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If a video is saved in Google Drive, it can be embedded in the ATTO html editor wherever other Google files can be embedded. This is not recommended as there are not automated closed captioning options.
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Forms created in Google Workspaces can be embedded in Moodle pages just like other documents, but the you find the <iframe> tag in a different place.
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In the same way Slides can be embedded, Google Docs and Google Sheets files an be embedded, but there are a few additions that must be made to the <iframe> tag for best results.
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Excel spreadsheets can be uploaded and converted, then published. Not all graph styles are supported, but some are.
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