Students and instructors can create hypertext links anywhere they see an HTML Editor in Moodle. Instructors can also add a URL resource to a Moodle course page. This page explains how to create both kinds of links.
A note about tracking use of resources: Instructors can track whether URL resources have been clicked by students (see Use Reports to Track Student Activity in Moodle). However, hypertext links added with the HTML Editor cannot be tracked, and will not show as Resources in the Activities block.
Create a Hyperlink in Text (Students and Instructors)
Students and instructors can create a link within text (hyperlink) anywhere the HTML Editor appears in Moodle. For example, students can create links in forum posts, and instructors can add links to Labels, Pages, Activity descriptions, etc...
Many instructors use this method to link to resources or activities already in a course. For example, an instructor asking students to submit a written response to a reading, could post the reading as a File resource on the course page, then, in the description for the Assignment activity, provide a hyperlink to that file.
- Open the page where you will make an entry using the HTML editor.
- For students, this may be in a forum post, an assignment submission or other activity.
- For instructors it may be when adding a resource, activity, block, or a feedback comment on a submission.
- In the text entry box, drag the cursor to select the text (or image) you would like to make into a link.
- In the HTML editor toolbar, click the Link icon (). The Create link pop-up window will open.
- In the Enter a URL field, enter the Web address for the link.
- (ptional) To create a link to a resource or activity in this Moodle course, on the course page, right-click the link to the item and choose Copy the link address. (Options in the right-click context menu vary depending on the browser in use.)
- (optional) To have the link open in a new browser window or tab, check Open in new window.
Note: We recommend using this option with caution. Spawning new browser tabs or windows impairs accessibility and is not handled equally well by mobile devices. - Click Create link. The Create link pop-up window will close.
- Save your entry.
Add a URL Resource to a Course Page (Instructors)
Instructors can add a URL resource to a Topic or Weekly Section.
- In the menu bar at the top of your course page, select Turn editing on (green pencil icon ). Editing icons and links will appear.
- Locate the section where you want the resource to appear. If the section is collapsed, click the arrow icon above the Section name to expand the section.
- At the bottom of the section, click + Add an activity or resource. The Add an activity or resource pop-up will open showing a tile for each available activity or resource.
Note: By default, the panel opens to All and shows all resources and activities. If you have starred favorite activities or resources, the panel will open to Starred. To only view resources, at the top of the pop-up, click Resources. - (Optional) On the URL tile, for information, click the Information icon (). If you frequently add Choice, click the Star icon () to add this resource type to the Starred tab.
-
Select the URL icon or URL link. The Adding a new URL page will open.
-
In the Adding a new URL page, fill in the required fields:
-
The Name field controls how the text of the link will appear on your course page.
-
The External URL field is where you enter the URL of the website you wish to link to.
-
-
(Optional) If you add text to the Description field, there are two options for display:
-
To show the description on the course page, check Display description on course page (below text entry box).
-
To have the description and a link show on a new page in Moodle, leave Display description on course page unchecked and under Appearance (Step 8, below), for Display, select Open.
-
-
Click the Appearance heading to configure display settings. Choose between:
-
New window (default) - The web page will open in a new tab or window with browser menu and address bar.
-
Open (recommended) - The web page opens in the same window.
-
If a description is included and Display description on course page is checked, the web page opens in the same browser window.
-
If a description is included and Display description on course page is unchecked, a new Moodle page will open showing the description and a link. Clicking the link open the web page in the same browser window.
-
-
Pop-up - The web page opens in a new widow that has no browser menu or location bar.
Note: The options to open in a New window or Use pop-up should be used with caution. Spawning new browser tabs or windows impairs accessibility and is not handled equally well by mobile devices.
-
-
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Save and return to course.