In this tutorial we are going to explore how to add content to your module areas. This tutorial is part of the Getting Started with Minerva training for staff and postgraduate researchers who teach, at the University of Leeds.

1. Introduction to
Adding Content
Getting Started with Minerva
Kirsten Thompson | OD&PL, University of Leeds

2. In this tutorial we are
going to explore how to
add content to your
module areas,
including:
• Adding text
• Uploading images
• Uploading other files.

3. Make sure
Edit Mode is
ON.

4. Enter a
Content Area
e.g. Learning
Resources.

5. All content can
be added from
the Content Area
Action Bar.

6. Hover your
mouse over
Add
Content and
select Item.

7. Name the Item e.g.
Introduction. In this
example, I’m creating
a message to
introduce the folders
on the Learning
Resources page. Use
the Textbox to add a
message.

8. Remember, to access all
textbox editor features,
select the chevron-shaped
icon to expand it.

9. Expand the textbox editor by dragging the
bottom right-hand corner.

10. Next, scroll to
STANDARD
OPTIONS.
(We’ll explore
ATTACHMENTS
later.)
By default, the
item will be
available and
visible to your
students
immediately.

11. Remember to
select Yes to
Track Number of
Views if you
wish to make
use of Reports.

12. Date and time restrictions can also
be set for folders, content and tools.
More advanced Adaptive Release
rules can also be set once the folder
has been created.

13. Once all options
have been
chosen, select
Submit to add your
content.

14. The new Item will be added to the bottom of the
Content Area. Use the drag and drop handles
to move the content to the top, above the
folders.

15. This is how
the content
will display for
your students

16. In the
Customising
your module
area tutorial, we
explored how to
change the
Content View
Options in the
Control Panel.
It’s also possible
to do this at the
Content Area or
Folder level.

17. If you choose the
Text Only display
option this is how
the content will
appear.

18. Next we’ll explore
uploading content.
Enter a Folder you
have created and
ensure Edit Mode
is ON.

19. Content can be
uploaded using
the Item tool or
alternatively by
using the File and
Image tools.
Select Item.

20. Add a Name for
your Item e.g.
Potions.

21. Select the
insert/Edit Image
icon in the
Textbox editor
toolbar.

22. Select Browse My
Computer and
upload an image
file.

23. Add an Image
Description. This
is required for
blind learners
using screen
reading software
to describe the
image.

24. On the
Appearance tab,
you might want to
set the Alignment
of the image and
reduce the
Dimensions. It’s
also good practice
to reduce large
image files before
uploading.

25. On the Advanced
tab, you can add a
Long Description
Link. For detailed
images and
graphics, a short
description may be
insufficient alone.
This will depend
upon the purpose of
the image and what
you want learners to
be able to do with it.

26. Check the
settings and
select Insert.

27. Once your
image is
embedded in
the Textbox
editor, you can
add text too.

28. Once all options
have been
chosen, select
Submit to add your
content.

29. The
example
image was
downloaded
from
Pixabay
under a
CC0 1.0
Universal
Public
Domain
Dedication
license.

30. If you don’t need to
add other content,
the Image tool can be
used to quickly
upload an image file,
with ALT (alternative)
text and a long
description (the
description is visible
though).

31. The finished
result.

32. Next let’s upload 2
files together,
using the Item
tool.

33. Add a Name and
introductory text,
then scroll to
ATTACHMENTS.
You can also
attach files in the
Textbox but this
approach is
quicker.

34. Select Browse
My Computer
and find and
upload 2 files,
using the Shift
key to
highlight the
files to upload
together.

35. We can change the Link Title, if needed, so
it’s easier to read. I use CamelCase e.g.
PotionsHandbook. Always make clear the
file format, if you change the Title. Check
the Standard Options and Submit.

36. It’s quick and easy to provide files
in more than one format (esp. MS
Office files with PDF copies) and
increases the accessibility and
flexibility of the materials for all
students.

37. Here’s the uploaded PDF.
PDFs are set to open in a new
window or tab and Word files
automatically download.

38. Add File is for quick
uploading where a
description is not
needed to support the
file.

39. End