D2L Content Page Templates

D2L provides a package of Content Page Templates that can be imported into the online environment. The templates can be used to design attractive and engaging content pages within the course content area.

The templates include pre-formatted pages for:

- Course Introduction
- Instructor Information
- Module or Unit Introduction
- Text, Video, and Image Pages
- Accordion, Tabs, Tables, and other organizational styles

If you are interested in using the D2L Content Page Templates, download them from the D2L Brightspace Community using this link. Then, follow the instructions below (or contact Online Learning) to enable templates in your course.

Watch my Video Overview

Step #1: Upload and Unzip Template File in the Manage Files area

Begin by downloading the Template file from the D2L Brightspace Community page (see link above), then go into the Manage Files area of your course, and upload the Template file.

After uploading the Template file into the Manage Files area, locate the file (it will say "Brightspace_HTML_Template"), click the down-arrow, then select "Unzip." (It may take a couple minutes for the file to unzip.)

Step #2: Enable Templates in Your D2L Course

After unzipping the file, go into the Course Content area (it doesn't matter which module), and select "Settings" (on the upper right).

On the Settings page, scroll down to the "Content Authoring" section, add a checkmark to "Enable HTML Templates," then select "Change Path."

On the page for Select a Path, select "Brightspace_HTML_Template," and click "Select Path" at the bottom.

Click "Save" in the Settings page.

Step #3: Create a Content Page, Select a Template, and Add Content

Go into any module, click "New," and select "Create a File."

Enter a title for this page, and select any template from the drop-down window. The template will add pre-formatted content and organizational styles to this page. Edit content from the template, and add new content as desired.

Note that selecting a template on a content page that already has existing content will replace the content on that page. Consider creating a new (blank) content page, selecting the template, then copying-and-pasting content from the existing content page. Then, delete the original content page, or make it inactive (hide it from students).

Examples of Templates

Instructor Information

The Instructor Information Template provides sections for the instructor's bio and contact information. There is also a space for an image.

In the bio section, instructors often add information about their academic degrees, teaching experience, academic and scholarship interests, and any personal or other interesting information they would like to share.

This template page can help build "instructor presence" in the online course, and it can be used in the Course Information module at the start of the semester.

Overview for Weekly Module

The Module Introduction Template provides a background image (which can be replaced) and a section of indented text.

In the text section, you can provide an overview of the weekly module, a list of learning objectives, and a list of assignments and activities.

This template page is designed for use at the beginning of each weekly module.

Expandable (Accordion) Text Boxes

An "accordion" is a set of collapsible text boxes. The Accordion Template provides several pre-formatted accordions with a different number of text boxes (from one to six).

Select the accordion with the number of text boxes you would like to use - the image shows four text boxes - and delete the others.

The accordion is useful for organizing text that has several sections or multiple steps. Examples include course concepts, theories, vocabulary terms, laboratory equipment, historical figures, instructions, and more. You could also use the accordion to organize different course items, such as PowerPoints, videos, readings, and links to D2L assessments (discussions, quizzes, assignments).

Add a title for each heading, then add content into each box. You can also add images, videos, and links within the text boxes.

The Accordion Template is useful for organizing sections of text, and it encourages students to interact with the content.

Various Text Boxes

A template called "Elements Page" contains several pre-formatted text boxes. Examples in the image include:

Jumbotron - a text box with a colored background
Standard Callout - a text box with a border
Icon Callout - a text box with an image, text, and a border

Other pre-formatted text styles on the Elements Page Template include a numbered list and headings of different size.

If you select the Elements Page Template, edit the "elements" you would like to use and delete the rest.

Tables

The Elements Page Template also includes a pre-formatted table, with two table headings and two columns.

The table can be used to organize data sets, create a timeline, create a glossary of terms and definitions, create a list of instruments and uses, compare and contrast two concepts, evaluate pros and cons, and more.

Two-Column Panels

The Elements Page Template also includes a two-panel section, where you can describe, compare, or contrast two concepts, theories, historical figures or events, instruments, or other ideas side-by-side.

Horizontal Text Boxes (Tabs)

The Tabs Template provides several pre-formatted text boxes that contain folder-like "tabs" at the top. The image shows four tabs - the template includes options for two, three, or four tabs. (Select the one you want and delete the rest.)

Tabs are useful for organizing sections of text. Each section goes into a different tab, and the specific information is presented in the box.

Tabs are useful for organizing concepts, theories, historical figures, instruments, and other ideas. Tab boxes can contain text, videos, images, and links. Tabs also encourage students to interact with course content by making them click on a heading to reveal the text.

The Dept. of Online Learning provides support, collaboration, and faculty development in instructional design and online pedagogy.

We also provide technical support and troubleshooting for faculty and students.

Page updated

Report abuse