Getting Started - Course Editors FAQ

The Getting Started - Course Editors FAQ is a place for collecting information helpful for anyone interested in learning how to create/edit a MIIS elearning course space. Relevant topics include: how to request a new course space, how to turn editing on, how to edit section text, how to add links and upload resources, and other basic steps in adding resources and forums to a course space.

New to using Moodle?

• DOWNLOAD the Moodle Basics PDF for getting started (includes most of the FAQs listed below, in one easy to access file).
• View list of Moodle Intro Workshop Dates.
• Experience Moodle as a participant (log-in required)
• Can't find what you're looking for? Visit the Moodle Help Forum (log-in required)

Back to the Moodle e-Learning Community Wiki home page

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I log into Moodle?

Go to http://elearning.miis.edu and log in using your First Class username and password. If you are experiencing difficulties with logging in please contact the Information Technology Services Help Desk at 831-647-6656 for assistance. More about logging in to Moodle

How do I request a Moodle site for a new course or group?

Read the Requesting A Site Instructions page. Then follow this course request link and complete the online form.

How do I change or update my basic course settings?

Go to the ADMINISTRATION panel (left-hand side of your course page), and click on SETTINGS. Use the Settings page to edit your course name, course number, the layout format (weekly or topics), the course start date, the number of weeks or topics on your main course page, and view / change / delete the course enrollment key. More about changing basic course settings

How do I use the text editor in Moodle?

Moodle uses a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor, with many icons that are very similar to text formatting icons in Microsoft Word such as bold, italics, underline, font and type size, etc. More about the WYSIWYG editor

How do I add titles to the main sections of my course?

Click the edit icon (a pencil) located at the top of each section of the course. More about adding titles to main sections

How do I add a link to another website?

Select "Link to a file or web site" under the "Add a resource" drop box located in each week/topic of the course and enter the link to the website. More about adding a link to another website

How do I add a discussion forum?

The default News Forum is unique -- only faculty may create or reply to posts (students can only view posts). If you want your students to be able to post (and reply to) comments, questions and attach Word or PPT files in a discussion forum, you need to add an additional forum for this purpose. Select "Forum" under the "Add an activity" drop box located in each section of the course. More about adding a discussion forum

How do I add resources (Microsoft Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, audio files, etc.)?

To add files (PDF, Word, PPT, mp3, etc) to any given week/topic of your course, select "Link to a file or a web site" under the "Add a resource" drop-down menu located in the week/topic in which it belongs. More about adding resources

How do I use the blocks feature to supplement my course Moodle?

Blocks are small, optional items located in the narrower columns to the right and left of the main course topics/weeks. A variety of blocks can be added, such as a calendar, and list of recent news items, or embedded items from other sites (youtube, etc). Blocks can be moved vertically and horizontally in the right- and left-hand side columns. To add a block, turn editing on and select a block from the "Add" drop box located in the Blocks section on the right-hand side of the course. More about using blocks in Moodle

How do I give students access to my course Moodle?

In order to access your Moodle course, participants will need to browse for the course by program and course title from the home page of the MIIS elearning site. They will also need the enrollment key (if the faculty member chose to use one for the course). Some faculty choose to email the enrollment key to course participants before the course starts; others wait and provide it on the first day of class. More about giving students access to your course Moodle

How do I change the enrolment key for my course Moodle?

You can view, edit or delete the course enrollment key at any time by going to Administration --> Settings --> Availability --> Enrollment key. More about changing the enrolment key

Where can I find more online resources for learning about Moodle?

For a variety of additional print and online resources visit the Non-MIIS_Moodle_Resources page.