Creating Documents in Ultra Course View
This article is intended for instructors who are looking to utilize the Document course tool to add content in Ultra Course View.
Overview
The “Document” tool allows instructors to create customizable content pages.
Documents can contain various blocks of content blocks including: text, images, links, files, formative knowledge check questions, embedded videos as well as HTML or CSS blocks.
File types such as PDFs, Powerpoints (ppt, pptx, pps), and Word (doc, docx, odt) can be attached OR automatically converted into document format and written into content blocks.
Example of a document with different blocks in Ultra Course View
Creating Documents
A Document can be created from the Course Content page in Ultra.
From Course Content, click on the plus sign.
Click Create.
Under Course Content Items click Document.
Rename the document by clicking on New Document [applicable date] and inputing a new title.
Select the type of content you would like to add to the document.
Once finished, click Save.
You can also change visibility status of the Document.
The Document will be added to the Course Content page.
Further edits can be done by entering the document and clicking Edit in the top right.
Types of Content in Documents
Content blocks allow instructors to create textboxes on their document. You are able to change the font size, color, and style. In addition, links, files, videos, and images can be attached or embedded within the content block.
Instructors are able to insert their own HTML or CSS code to style their own documents when applicable allowing for customized design.
Instructors can use multiple-choice questions to create knowledge checks and help students assess their understanding of the material. For more information about creating a multiple-choice question, see: Test Questions in Ultra Course View
Instructors can upload any file attachment for students to be able to view/download or both.
Instructors are able to connect to a cloud service such as Google Drive or OneDrive to upload documents or files for students to be able to view/download or both.
From here, you can either upload an image from your computer, utilize stock images from Unsplash, or generate images.
Instructors can use dividers to organize content within a document. The Divider option inserts a horizontal bar that visually separates sections of content, making the document easier to read and navigate.
Instructors are able to use the Convert a File tool to transfer text/images from file types such as PDFs, Powerpoints (ppt, pptx, pps), and Word (doc, docx, odt) and transfer it into a content block.
Managing Content in Documents
Content in documents can be added, deleted, moved, resized, edited, undone, and redone.
Content can be added by clicking the plus sign in the top left.
You are able to create content from the previous content types.
Deleting or editing content can be accessed by hovering over a content item in a document.
Editing an item can be done by clicking the pencil icon. You are then able to edit the text box as necessary.
Deleting an item can be done by clicking the trash can icons.
Block Styling a portion of the document will alert student’s to questions, tips, key points, and next steps.
When a styling option is chosen, a colored icon will appear in the upper left corner of the block.
Moving content can be accessed by hovering over a content item.
By clicking on the six dots of the row, you are able to move a row of items up, to the top, down, or to the bottom.
By clicking on the six dots of an item, you are able to move each individual item by shrinking the content, expanding the content, or shifting it left, right, up, or down.
Lastly, items can be also moved around by holding down left click on the six dots of an individual item and dragging your mouse cursor to where you want to move the item.
Content items can be resized on documents by hovering over the item you wish to resize.
Using the arrows on the side of the content item, click and drag the item left to shrink and right to expand.
Documents are divided into four columns that can will resize/snap items into place. An item will fill one or more columns.
Content items will snap in place to fill two columns if an item fills more one and a half columns.
Any edits made in documents can be undone/redone. In the top left:
The left arrow is to undo any edits made to content.
The right arrow will redo any undos made to content.
Instructors can use Auto-generate when creating documents.
Auto-generate will provide instructions with layout options such as relevant images and knowledge checks. Layout options can be adjusted by selecting any of the options.
To use the Auto-generated layout, click Apply Layout.