The Create a Learning Module feature allows you to create and place a Learning Module in any Content Area. Learning Modules are organized collections of content that students move through on a structured path. They can contain documents, assignments, media files, website links, quizzes and surveys. They can also be set to be viewed in sequential order or to let students move through the items in any order. Learning Modules can be set to open in a new window, which reinforces the idea that they are distinct learning modules.
Learning Module Feature Enhancement
Learning Modules offer a simple and intuitive means for instructors to organize and structure course content with a hierarchical organization so students can navigate through content in a logical, sequential way. Overall, it is a great tool for both designers and students because it offers new ways to structure and navigate content.
Table of Contents View
The Instructor can choose whether to present the content contained in the Learning Module in a hierarchical, outline-style format. Using this view, a student will be able to navigate through the Learning Module in the manner prescribed by the Instructor. If the Table of Contents is selected, the Instructor can also select the numbering or lettering format to be used in the Table of Contents.
The Table of Contents can be manipulated by Instructors and students to accommodate individual viewing preferences. It can be minimized and oriented on the left side or along the bottom of the screen.
Content Folder Structure
Instructors may create folders and sub-folders within Learning Modules and populate them with content. As the Learning Module is populated, the Table of Contents will be created accordingly and numbered or lettered automatically in the format selected by the Instructor.
Sequential Navigation of Content
When an Instructor chooses sequential navigation, items in the Learning Module will become viewable as users progress through the content. Without sequential navigation, all content items in the Learning Module are viewable and users may navigate the content at will.
Creating a Learning Module in a Content Area
1. Click on desired Content Areas (i.e Course Documents, Assignments, etc…).
2. Hover over the Build Content button and click on Learning Module under Create header.
3. Under Learning Module Information area, type the title of the learning unit you want and add a description in the text field.
4. Further settings can be set for Learning Module Options
a) Do you want to enforce sequential viewing of the Learning Module? – This means that students must go through the “pages” in the order you have created them. Choosing ‘No” for this option allows students to use the table of contents to jump between pages in any order.
b) Open in a new window? – This option opens the Learning Module in a separate window from the course site.
Standard Options
a) Permit users to view the content item? – This allows students to view the Learning Module. You can change this at any time.
b) Track number of views? – This option lets you track how often individual users view the document.
c) Select date and time restrictions – This option lets you set the dates that the document will be visible and invisible. This automates the “make contents visible” function.
Table of Contents
5. Choose whether or not to show a table of contents in your Learning Module and how this table of contents will be displayed
6. Click Submit when you have set your options
A link to the Learning Module will be added to your Content Area
You may now click on the name of the module (i.e above example shows a ‘Psychology’ learning module created) that you just created to enter the learning module screen where you can add and create items, tests, surveys, or anything else that is related to this module.
Content can be added into the learning module as you would add content in Blackboard.