In this tutorial we are going to explore the key features available to structure the module side menu. 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
the Module Menu
Getting Started with Minerva
Kirsten Thompson | OD&PL, University of Leeds

2. In this tutorial we are
going to explore the
key features available
to structure the module
side menu.

3. By default, new
Minerva modules are
set up with an easy to
navigate side menu,
which makes use of the
Divider to separate
different sections of the
menu.

4. Below the editable side menu
and above the Control Panel,
there’s a Help section with a
link to the Minerva Support
Website. The Help section is
available to students, currently
only in modules, not
organisations.

5. Let’s explore the
menu in more
detail. Make sure
Edit Mode is ON.

6. The module side
menu provides inline
editing features. Edit
features can be
accessed by hovering
the mouse over the
relevant area or by
using your keyboard
Tab key.

7. From the + icon
above the module
side menu, you can
add more Content
Areas, tools and
features.
Let’s add a new
Content Area by
selecting the
Content Area link.

8. Give the Content Area a
name e.g. Using this
module area. In order for
students to be able to
access the Content Area,
you need to do 2 things:
1. Check the box
Available to Users
before selecting Submit
(you can edit later).
2. Populate the Content
Area.

9. You can
Rename, Delete
and Show/Hide
Link by
hovering your
mouse (or use
the Tab key)
over the item.
Select the arrow
to the right of
the link and
select the
relevant option.
This link is
hidden from
students.

10. By default, new
menu items are
added to the
bottom of the
menu (I just
added Tutorials).

11. Use the double-
headed arrows to
re-order items on
the menu by
dragging and
dropping.

12. Remember, keyboard accessible re-ordering of
the menu is also available. If the web browser
you are using isn’t compatible with drag and
drop, accessible re-ordering provides an
alternative solution.

13. Let’s add a
new Tool to the
menu by
selecting Tool
Link.

14. Give the Tool
Link a name
e.g.
Discussion
Board. Select
Available to
Users
Notice the
Type
dropdown box.

15. Select the
correct tool
type from the
dropdown box.
In this case
select,
Discussion
Board. Select
Submit.

16. When adding a tool link
to the menu, take care to
ensure you add the
correct tool. If you
accidentally add the
wrong tool, delete the
item from the menu and
start again.

17. Let’s add a Divider to the
menu.
The Divider can be used
to enhance the visual
appearance of the menu,
separating/grouping links,
to make the menu easier
to read.

18. The Divider is added to the
bottom of the menu. Use
accessible keyboard reordering
to reposition, if drag and drop
doesn’t work for you. Use the
arrows to reorder and then
select Submit.

19. Let’s add a Subheader. The
Subheader is similar to the
Divider e.g. it can be used
to visually enhance the
organisation of the side
menu. Some users may
expect the Subheader to be
a link; it isn’t.

20. Add a Subheader e.g.
COLLABORATION
AREA. I’m using
uppercase as another
visual way of
differentiating
Subheaders from links in
the menu.

21. Next reorganise
the menu so
Collaborate is
listed underneath
the new
COLLABORATION
AREA (we’ll add
more to this
section in another
tutorial).

22. Keep the side menu
organised and provide
meaningful names for all
menu items so that your
students quickly
understand what to find
where, and can
concentrate their time on
engaging with their
learning.

23. End