Category: Activities

Downloading Course Files

Using the Folder Resource to Store Course Files

 While Moodle doesn’t have a course-wide “Files” area or “Download All Files” button, the Folder resource gives you the next best thing: a single place per week (or for the whole semester) with a Download folder link that zips everything inside.

Recommended workflow

1) Plan your structure

Decide how students should find files:

  • One master folder for the whole course (e.g., “All Course Files”)

  • Smaller folders by week/module/topic (e.g., “Week 03 • Readings & Slides”)

2) Add a Folder resource (per unit or one master)

  1. Turn editing on in your course.

  2. Add an activity or resource → Folder.

  3. Give it a clear name (e.g., “Week 03 • Readings & Slides” or “All Course Files”).

  4. Add a one-line description (“All readings and slides for Week 03”).

  5. Optional display choice:

    • On a separate page (best for many files; keeps the course page tidy)

    • On the course page (nice for a short list)

3) Upload files

You have two easy options:

  • Batch upload: Drag and drop multiple files into the Folder’s Content area when creating/editing it.

  • Add as you go: Edit the Folder anytime to drop in new files.

Time-saver: Have a folder on your computer already? Zip it, upload the .zip into the Folder’s file manager, then Unzip (right-click menu in the file picker). Sub-folders are preserved.

Avoid confusion: Don’t duplicate files both inside the Folder and separately on the course page. Keep the Folder as the single source of truth.

4) Place it where students will see it

  • Per-week folders: Put the Folder at the top of each section so it’s the first item students see.

  • One master folder: Place it in the General section at the top and label it clearly (e.g., “Download All Course Materials”).

5) Show students how to download everything

When students open the Folder, they’ll see Download folder (creates a .zip of that Folder’s contents). Tell them on day one (or in your syllabus) that each Folder has a one-click download.

6) Keep it current

Add/remove files in the Folder any time. The Download folder link always grabs the latest contents automatically.

Helpful tips

  • Descriptive filenames: “W03_Article-Smith2020.pdf” beats “reading3.pdf.”

  • Visibility & timing: You can Hide a Folder while prepping or use Restrict access to release on a date.

  • Accessibility: Keep names short, consistent, and meaningful; avoid special characters in filenames.

  • Display choice: If a Folder lists many items, switch to On a separate page to reduce scrolling.

Using the Marking Workflow to Control the Release of Grades

The Marking Workflow is an easy way to control the release of grades for an assignment. You can assign grades and give feedback over a period of time but only allow students to see those grades when you are finished with the whole class. Normally students will see the grades and feedback as soon as it is entered. Continue reading “Using the Marking Workflow to Control the Release of Grades”

Using Restrictions on an Assignment

Restrictions are an extremely useful tool embedded within assignments that allow the instructor to control whether or not a student is able to attempt an assignment based on the date, the student’s grade, prior assignment completion, and much more. Restrictions can also be used for any activity or resource in Moodle, such as a quiz or file viewing. Continue reading “Using Restrictions on an Assignment”

Create an Assignment

First, make sure editing has been turned on in the course, as described in the “Editing a Course” post.

Go to the course section (week or topic) where you want to create an assignment.  From the “+Add an activity or resource” link, choose   Assignment under Activities.  Then click on the assignment icon and you will then be working within the Adding a new Assignment window.  Continue reading “Create an Assignment”

Assignment Submission

The Moodle Assignments tool is a great way to have students submit their work to you. It will free up space in your email inbox, store all student submissions in a consistent location, and allow you to give students feedback online. It can also help mitigate issues where large files get “stuck” in student’s email outboxes and arrive in your inbox late (Moodle records detailed submission time information, and usually uploads files faster than they can be emailed). You can give the students ‘template’ files, and also accept short text submissions (rather than full files) or audio/video recordings. There’s also a variety of feedback types you can provide, including annotated PDFs and audio responses. Continue reading “Assignment Submission”

Using Rubrics and Grading Guides

There are many advantages to using a scoring guide to grade assignments (Cornell University Center for Teaching Innovation):

  • Assess assignments consistently
  • Save time in grading
  • Give timely, effective feedback and promote student learning
  • Clarify expectations and components of an assignment
  • Refine teaching methods by evaluating rubric results
  • Students understand expectations and components of an assignment
  • Students become more aware of their learning process
  • Students improve work through timely and detailed feedback

Moodle offers two different scoring guides: Rubrics and Grading Guides.

Continue reading “Using Rubrics and Grading Guides”