In this article I am going to focus on a QMplus Resource called Page.  I first started using Pages when working on a project to redesign an existing site. Staff had raised concerns that despite a lot of effort being put into the Moodle site many students were simply using it as a document repository, they were visiting briefly just to download files or submit work. Pages were extremely useful for two reasons, firstly they offered an alternative to Word docs, PDFs and PowerPoint slides which can be download or printed. Secondly including pages in the design encouraged participants to interact with the site and to engage with content for longer.

 

What is a Page Resource?

Adding a Page to a QMplus site creates a link to a single screen. Staff can update this space with a range of content including text, images and video. Students access the screen by clicking on a link / icon and to explore the material within it they simply scroll up and down.

What are the potential advantages of using a Page Resource?

There are several benefits of using a Page within QMplus.

• A Page opens directly within a QMplus site there is no need for students to download files or have specific software installed.
• Pages work well on a range of devices including smartphones.
• It can be quicker and easier for staff to update content within a Page than an external file. You do not need to download and reupload files to make changes.
• The text editor allows staff to add text, images, video, and links within the resource.
• You can benefit from the range of tools available within QMplus such as Mymedia / Kaltura for videos and H5P for interactive content.
•  It is good for Accessibility. Anthology Ally will generate a score and provide tips for you to make content more accessible.
• As a in-built feature it encourages students to interact as well as spend longer on a QMplus site.

Limitations of Pages

There are certain limitations to take into account when considering using Page.

• You cannot print a QMplus Page, if you wish for students to have the option to print content this is not suitable.
• There is not a specific search feature within a Page (although users can try using ctrl and f).
• Students scroll to explore the material. Too much content could result in it becoming too large and difficult to comprehend.
• If files are already created, it would be faster to drag and drop them than to recreate in a Page.
• Also, if you copy and paste content from a Word doc or similar file type it can add extra code to a Page causing it not to function properly.
• You cannot build an assignment, Quiz or other activity within a page.
• It is not possible to link multiple pages together for that you would need a Book resource.

How to add a Page Resource and key settings to consider

To add a Page to your QMplus site:

• Turn editing on and click “add an activity or resource.”
• Select Page from the “Resources” tab.
• You will be prompted to add a name for the Page and a description (you can click to show it on the course page).
• You add the materials for the page to a section called “Content” by using the text editor including options for H5P, MyMedia (Kaltura) and images. This is the same editor which is available when editing other areas on QMplus such as sections.
• In the appearance section you can decide to show the Page name, Page description and the last modified date.
• You also have the standard options to restrict access and show or hide the content on your site.

Example of a Scenario of where a Page may be useful

Tiana is a teaching fellow, it is the end of a successful term and she has decided to reward her students with a movie night. To build interest she plans to share information about the film in advance. She wants to make it available within her QMplus site so it is easy for students to access. Tiana wants to include an advert from YouTube, add an example film poster, links to film reviews as well as some key facts.  In this situation a Page is a great option to consider as it provides the opportunity to use Mymedia/ Kaltura for the video of an advert, the image picker to upload an image of a film poster as well as adding links to external film reviews.  This  can be created and made available all  within  QMplus. Click here or on the image below to see a short video of what the Page could look like! 

Last Thoughts

Page is a great resource to consider including in your QMplus sites. As a core feature it allows you to utilize a range of tools within QMplus such as H5P, it works well on a range of devices and can be quicker to update than a uploaded file. It is more suited to smaller amounts of information; it cannot be printed and you cannot add an activity such as a Quiz or Assignment within it. However for a smaller amount of key information it can be really practical. You can learn more from Moodle.

If you would like to read other similar articles please go to QMplus- good to know | Technology Enhanced Learning Team (qmul.ac.uk)