You can add files to your course in multiple ways, including when you create course content. When you add files to your course, they are stored in the course's file repository: Course Files or the Content Collection.
Three common ways to add files to your course
You can add all types of files to your content. In our examples, we add a document in three ways.
- To control where a file link appears in your text, use the editor to attach files as you create content.
- When you create content, attach a file in the Attachments section.
- Add your files to Course Files or the Content Collection BEFORE you create content.
To control where a file link appears, use the editor to attach files as you create content
When you use the Add Content function in the editor, at the far right end of the Content control panel, you can choose where the file's link appears within your content.
Depending on the type of content, you can link to files already in Course Files or the Content Collection or browse for one on your computer. Any files you upload from your computer are saved in the repository in the top-level folder. You can't select the folder your files are uploaded to.
Advantage: You have creative control over how your content appears. If you add three files to your content item, you can split them up among the text as you want.
Example: You provide your students with three case studies to read. They must select one to further investigate. In the same content item, you can provide an introduction and a file link for each case study. You can use the file name or provide a link title for each.
Files appear: The links to the files appear exactly where you want. As you refine your content or need to update material, you can continue to add files, images, and multimedia. You have the flexibility to change the order and appearance when you want.
More on the functions in the editor
When you create content, attach a file in the Attachments section
As you create content, you can add a file from your computer or from the course's file repository: Course Files or the Content Collection.
Advantage: You can upload files while you build your course. You don't have to upload your materials first.
Example: Your students are struggling with a group project. You can deliver more instructions and ask them to download a file with specific examples. As you create the new content item, you can attach a file. If the file is on your computer, you can select the folder in Course Files or the Content Collection that you want to upload it to.
Select Browse Course or Browse Content Collection to locate the file on your computer and upload it. Alternatively, locate the file in one of the folders in your repository.
File appears: In the content area, the file you uploaded appears immediately after the title of the content item. You can't change where the link appears. You can use the file name or provide another name for the file. In our example, the file name appears.
Add your files to Course Files or the Content Collection BEFORE you create content
Upload files and folders into Course Files or the Content Collection, either one at a time or in batches, with the drag-and-drop function or the browse function.
Advantage: In Course Files or the Content Collection, you can create folders to organize your content.
Example: You decide to deliver content to your students for each week. On the course menu, you add links for Week 1, Week 2, and Week 3. In Course Files or the Content Collection, you create folders with the same names and upload your files. When you create content, you can navigate to the appropriate folder to locate the file you need.
Frequently asked questions
Before I create content, do I have to upload all my files into Course Files or the Content Collection?
No. You can add files as you create content. You can use the browse function to upload one or more files. If you upload them into a course area, you don't need to upload the same files directly to the repository. After you create your content, you can move your new files to different folders in Course Files or the Content Collection as needed. Links to the files in your course won't break.
What happens if I want to move a file from one content item to another?
You can reuse files in Course Files or the Content Collection. Therefore, you can delete links to files in your course, yet the files themselves remain in the repository. Then, you can link to them again. Also, if you modify or move a file to another folder after you link it in your course, the link remains intact.
A new semester has started and I need to update my syllabus file. What is the best way to do this?
You can edit and overwrite individual files in Course Files or the Content Collection while maintaining the course links to those files.
Example:
You create a link to your syllabus file in your repository. Later, you need to make changes to the file. First, edit a copy of the file on your computer. Then, return to the repository and access the item's menu. Upload the new version of the syllabus with the Overwrite File function. The link to the file in your course remains intact. When students access the syllabus in your course, they see the revised content.
More on about overwriting files
What happens when I attach a file when I create content in journals, blogs, and discussions?
In the Original Course View, when you create content in the interactive tools, you can use the Add Content function in the editor to include a file in your instructions. The system automatically uploads the files to Course Files or the Content Collection in the top-level folder. Later, you can organize your files. You can move the files to different folders in the repository and the links will remain intact.
More on files automatically added to the repository
Can I link to a file more than once?
You can link to a file as many times as you want. If you need to edit a file, your changes will appear in all the linked instances.
If I do link to a file more than once, can I keep track of where the links are in my course?
Yes. In Course Files or the Content Collection, access the item's menu and select 360° View. You can view information about the item and where it's linked in your course.
For folders, you can view where the files and sub-folders in the folder are linked in your course.
