Create Modules and Add Content

A “module” is a folder or a unit in the Course Content area that holds instructional content (such as PowerPoints, PDF documents, links to external videos) and links to assessments (such as discussions, assignments, quizzes, and exams).

Online learning scholarship recommends that an online course includes the following modules:

An Introductory Module that provides basic information about the course: instructor information, syllabus, course schedule, navigation instructions, textbook information, academic honesty policy, etc.
Weekly or Unit Modules – instructional content such as PowerPoints, PDF documents, links to videos and other content that is grouped in a weekly or unit format.
Student Resources – links to student resources, such as a technology help desk, the Library, the Student Success Center, the Writing Center, and more.
Other Course-Specific Information – many courses that have a clinical or lab session provide information and resources in a separate module.

Section 1: Create a New Module

To create a new module, click on the empty box that says “Add a Module” in the column on the left, type the title of the new module (such as "Week 1"), and click the Enter key on your keyboard or click on another area of the screen with your mouse.

Section 2: Add NEW Content to a Module

Drag-and-Drop New Content into a Module

Click New, then Select Content Type to Upload

Upload a File to a Module

After clicking "New," click “Upload Files” from the list. Use this process to upload PDF, PPT, Word, and other common file types.

Click “My Computer,” then drag-and-drop the file from your computer or flash drive, or click “Upload” to search for the file and attach it. Click “Add” when done.

Upload a Video to Module

After clicking "New," click “Video or Audio” to upload or link a video.

Use the “Web Video or Audio” tab to enter the web address or an embed code from an online video, or use the “Upload” tab to drag-and-drop or attach a video file from your computer or flash drive. Then "Save."

Create a File (or Content Page)

After clicking "New," click “Create a File” to create a new content page.

Content pages appear as web pages, and they can be useful for unit objectives, lecture notes, and embedded links and videos.

In the Content Page, enter a title for the page, type instructional content in the text box.

The text box contains a Rich Text Editor, which can be used to change the style, font, size, and color of the text.

Click “Save and Close” when done.

Embed a Video in a Content Page

In the Content Page, use the "Insert Stuff" icon on the left to embed a video.

Select “Enter Embed Code,” then enter the embed code into the box. The embed code has to be copied from an online video - it is not the same as the video's web address.

Click “Next” to preview the video, then click “Insert.”

Repeat the process for more videos, or add additional content. Click "Save and Close" when done.

Embed an Image in a Content Page

In the Content Page, use the "image" (or camera) icon on the left to embed an image.

Select “My Computer” to upload an image, or select “URL” to enter the web address of an online image. You could also simply copy-and-paste the image within the text editor.

Repeat the process for more images, or add additional content. Click "Save and Close" when done.

Insert a Link in a Content Page

In the Content Page, use the "link" icon on the left to embed a link. Links can be used for both external websites (outside D2L) or for items within the D2L course (such as links to other content pages, course files, discussions, assignments, or exams).

To link an external website, select "URL" at the bottom.

For other D2L content, select Assignment, Content, Course File, Discussion, or Quizzes.

Repeat the process for more links, or add additional content. Click "Save and Close" when done.

Link a Website to a Module

After clicking "New" within a module, click “Create a Link” to link to an external website, such as a YouTube video or another website.

In the pop-up window (shown on the left), enter a title for the link (such as the name of the website), insert the URL or web address, select whether the link should open in a new web page or display within D2L, and click “Create.”

Add Content from the Manage Files area to a Module

After clicking "New" within a module, click “Add from Manage Files” to link files you have previously uploaded to the “Manage Files” area.

In the pop-up window (shown on the left), select one or more file, and click “Add.”

Section 3: Add EXISTING Content to a Module

The “New” button can be used to create new Discussions, Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams, but it is easier to create these assessments separately in each area.

First, create Discussions, Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams in each of these areas.

Then, when you are ready to link these assessments to a module, click on the module, and click “Add Existing Activities.”

Click "Assignments," "Discussions," or "Quizzes," and follow the instructions below to select a specific activity.

Link an Existing Assignment

After clicking “Add Existing Activities,” click “Assignment,” and select the appropriate Assignment.

Link an Existing Discussion

After clicking “Add Existing Activities,” click “Discussion,” select the Discussion Forum, then select the appropriate Discussion Topic.

Link an Existing Quiz

After clicking “Add Existing Activities,” click “Quizzes,” and select the appropriate Quiz or Exam.

Linking instructional content and assessment activities within a module allows students to find materials more easily. When all items are linked within the module, students won’t have to search for them in the Discussions, Assignments, or Quizzes area. They can simply begin at the top of the module and work their way down.

For more information and support, contact Online Learning.

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