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Organizing Course Materials in Sakai

Overview

Image of a file folder.

In Sakai, there are four main approaches to organizing and presenting course materials. Each method has both pros and cons. The four methods are:

These methods will be explained in more detail below.

Using Resources Only

A course can be quickly and easily setup using the Resources tool. Files are first uploaded and then can be moved around and put into folders which allows for a well-established course with concrete organization. 

Pros:

  • Easiest option: requires no linking, web pages or module creation
  • Similar to how many courses were organized in Blackboard
  • Files and Folders can have scheduled open and close dates. (Folder settings will override individual settings of files contained within.)

Cons:

  • Workflow not as clearly defined as other methods.
  • Cannot blend instructions and content as seamlessly as other methods.
  • Does not take advantage of all the features Sakai has to offer

 Examples

Here are some examples of how a course will appear if created using Resources.

Structure

Instructor View

Screenshot of files and folders in Resources.

Note: if a folder is greyed out, an instructor can access it but students will be unable to see it.

Student View

Screenshot of student view of resources.

Note: Only Module 3 is displayed since the other two modules are unavailable to students. 

Individual Module

 

Screenshot of a single module displayed to students.

Note: Student view is the same as instructor view unless there are hidden files.

Return to Menu

 

Using Create HTML Page w/ Resources

A course can be organized and presented using HTML pages created in Sakai. These pages can link to each other and to course materials uploaded to Resources. It is also possible to link to other tools within Sakai (e.g. Forums, Blog, etc.) and external content on the internet by using URLs.

  • Tip: Web design pro? Toggle on the Source option in the HTML editor and paste in your own code.
  • Tip: Already have a course hosted elsewhere on the web? Use the Web Content tool to place a link on your Sakai course site.

Pros:

  • Turn page into Web Content on MenuBar
  • Combine instructions and resources
  • Unlimited potential with HTML knowledge

Cons:

  • Editor provides limited functionality
  • More complex and visually appealing pages require html knowledge
  • When linking to Sakai Tools and external content, must keep track of URLs
  • Links to content located inside unreleased folders will result in errors 

Examples

Here are some examples of how a course will appear if created using HTML pages.

Structure

Instructor View

Screenshot of html pages in Resources.

Student View

Screenshot of student view of html page.

Individual Module

Instructor View

Screenshot of instructor view of html page.

Student View

Screenshot of student view of html page.

Return to Menu

Using Wiki Tool w/ Resources

A course can be organized and presented using the Wiki tool. Wiki pages can link to each other and to course materials uploaded to Resources. It is also possible to link to other tools within Sakai (e.g. Forums, Blog, etc.) and external content by using URLs.

Pros:

  • Wiki syntax is simple and easier to learn than html
  • Quick to create new pages and edit old ones
  • Potential for wiki-based course

Cons:

  • Must learn a new syntax
  • Search function on Wiki page is not restricted to Wiki but searches all course content
  • Must be very cautious about permissions to ensure that students can’t edit critical content
  • Can use wiki for collaborative purposes but must set permissions on individual wiki pages
  • Visually simple compared to html pages
  • Can link to Resources easily but external content must be managed using URLs
  • Cannot schedule release dates for wiki pages

Examples

Here are some examples of how a course will appear if created using a Wiki.

Structure

Instructor View

Screenshot of Wiki tool.

Student View

Screenshot of student view of Wiki tool.

Individual Module

Instructor View

Screenshot of instructor view of a single module in Wiki.

Student View

Screenshot of student view of a single module in Wiki.

Return to Menu

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