Desire2Learn

Publishing Course Content

Content is organized by modules which contain topics that link to course files and Internet pages. There are a number of options faculty can use to publish course content. Instructors can publish PowerPoint presentations, Excel documents, Word documents, etc.

Create topics in HTML if they will be updated frequently. HTML course files can be edited and saved directly in D2L. Word documents, on the other hand, must be edited locally and uploaded.

• Creating a Module
• Creating a Topic

Creating a Module

Modules are the first level of organization within the course (e.g., units, weeks). Each module can have a variety of sub-modules and topics that help organize the course content. Topics are links to course files (e.g., syllabus), web pages on the Internet, or tools in D2L (e.g., discussions) that students access as they complete the course.

1. From the Course Home page, click CONTENT.

2. Click NEW MODULE.
   The New Module dialog box appears.

3. OPTIONAL: From the Parent Module pull-down list, select the desired parent module.
   NOTE: If you do not want the module sub-categorized, select None.

4. In the Title text box, type the module's title.

5. OPTIONAL: In the Short Title text box, type an abbreviated title.
   NOTE: Short titles appear in the side frame when viewing Content.

6. To hide the numbering of topics, select Hide Enumeration for this module.

7. Click on the Restrictions tab.

8. To conceal your module until a later date, under Availability, select Hidden.
   

9.     To set the module's availability date, click on the Restrictions tab.
   1. Check Module is available starting.
   2. Use the pull-down lists to select a date and time.
      HINT: To select the date from the calendar, click SELECT DATE. .
   3. Select Module is available until.
   4. Use the pull-down lists to select a date and time.

10. To save this module, click SAVE.
    To save this module and create another one, click SAVE & NEW.

Creating a Topic

Topics are components of modules and sub-modules. Topics are links to course files (e.g., syllabus), web pages on the Internet, or tools in D2L (e.g., discussions) that students access as they complete the course. To create a topic, you have four options: create a new file using Desire2Learn's editor, use an existing course file, upload a new file from your share drive or link to an Internet site or a course tool (e.g., quiz, dropbox folder, etc.).

Creating a Topic: Create a New File

Use Desire2Learn's editor to create an .htm file.

WARNING: This option creates a file that is native to Desire2Learn. It is always a good idea to have a backup copy.

1. From the Course Home page, click CONTENT.

2. On the Manage Content page, click NEW TOPIC.
   The New Topic dialog box appears.

3. Click CREATE NEW FILE.
   The New Topic - Create New File dialog box appears.

4. From the Parent Module pull-down list, select the module this topic will appear under.

5. In the Title text box, type the desired title.

6. OPTIONAL: In the Short Title text box, type an abbreviated title.

7. In the HTML Editor, type the topic's content.
   HINT: You can use tools within the Editor to alter the appearance and functionality of your text.

8. To save this topic, click SAVE.
   To save this topic and create another one, click SAVE & NEW.
   The Save dialog box appears.

9. Navigate to the desired save location.
   NOTE: You can create a new folder to save the file in.

10. Click SAVE.

11. Verify your link by clicking it within the Content area.

Creating a Topic: Use an Existing Course File

Use this option to create a topic by using a file you have already uploaded to your current course.

1. From the Course Home page, click CONTENT.

2. On the Manage Content page, click NEW TOPIC.
   The New Topic dialog box appears.

3. Click COURSE FILE.
   The New Topic - Course File dialog box appears.

4. From the Parent Module pull-down list, select the module this topic will appear under.

5. In the Title text box, type the desired title.

6. OPTIONAL: In the Short Title text box, type an abbreviated title.

7. To select the file, click BROWSE.
   OR
   In the Course File text box, type the path and file name.

8. To save this topic, click SAVE.
   To save this topic and create another one, click SAVE & NEW.

9. Verify your link by clicking it within the Content area.

Creating a Topic: Upload a New File

Use this option to upload a new file to create a topic.

1. From the Course Home page, click CONTENT.

2. On the Manage Content page, click NEW TOPIC.
   The New Topic dialog box appears.

3. Click UPLOAD NEW FILE.
   The New Topic - Upload New File dialog box appears.

4. From the Parent Module pull-down list, select the module this topic will appear under.

5. In the Title text box, type the desired title.

6. OPTIONAL: In the Short Title text box, type an abbreviated title.

7. To select the file, click BROWSE...

8. To save this topic, click SAVE.
   To save this topic and create another one, click SAVE & NEW.
   The Save As dialog box appears.

9. Navigate to the desired save location.

10. Click SAVE.

11. Verify your link by clicking it within the Content area.