Moodle resources - uploaded files.

The way that Moodle 2.4 handles uploaded files has changed: files can now be easily embedded into a Moodle page for viewing. When uploading new files you can select how the link will behave, however some of you may wish to change the behaviour of an existing file. In the example below I change a .pdf file from being displayed embedded in the page to opening in a new window. Locate your resource on the course page and click the cog icon to edit ("update") the resource:

On the menu that follows you will see the resource name and a white box for a description- if this is empty you must enter something here- in Moodle 2.4 this is a required field as the resources will appear as a list for the course (if the name is self-explanatory I have just copy and pasted it here again on occasion).

Below the file selection area is the Options block, here you need to change the drop-down menu to your preference- in this example Open.

Click 'Save and return to course' and check that clicking the link does what you expected.

Crossword maker

Crosswords are always a favourite but can be a bore to create. ArmoredPenguin.com allows for really easy creation of crosswords that actually look good when printed (no adverts or branding). See my example:

You can type your clues and answers in on the web-based creation page or import a .txt file, so long as you separate your words from the clues with a colon :

Unlike many other crossword makers, this one supports multiple word answers, either leaving spaces or combining the words for the grid and automatically adding the number of words to the clue.

The site is explained well and is easy to use, click below and check it out:

ThingLink

Quick post today.

Label diagrams or photos with interactive labels. This can be a really useful homework task with huge potential. I've created my own ICT related example below to demonstrate the idea.

When setting a 'thinglink' task as homework I suggest you include success criteria such as - "X youtube links and Y wikipedia links maximum, all links must have a description." to make sure students get the most out of this. Links to thinglinks could be uploaded to Moodle or emailed to you and can easily then be embedded or linked for future use by your students.