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Resource lists can become very large especially with modules that span several weeks or in some cases, the whole academic year. As a result, it is worth knowing about how to use the embedded resource list activity in Moodle which allows you to make weekly or topic based resource lists based off the larger module one.<\/p>\n
Why have \u201cweekly\u201d\/\u201cbitesize\u201d reading lists?<\/h2>\n
We all know that students aren\u2019t going to read all of the recommended resources and of course, we don\u2019t expect them too. Resources may be added to the list to expand students\u2019 horizons if they take an interest in a particular sub-topic but aren\u2019t essential to completing the module with a positive outcome. However, when resource lists get very large they become unwieldy for both staff and students. It can be difficult for students to determine what is \u201cessential\u201d reading and what is most relevant to them at that point in their studies even if the material is organised into sections.<\/p>\n
Adding a weekly reading list or an equivalent for a series of lectures or activities is helpful and encourages students to get stuck into their reading. It more easily highlights the essential resources for that week or topic. If there is a particular set text for a module, you can also select specific chapters to accompany the content delivered to students that week.<\/p>\n
We know, from the survey I so frequently mention, the Moodle Student User Experience Survey from November 2023, that students like weekly reading lists and want to see more of them! 14 of the students who responded to the survey specifically mentioned in that they wanted to see better organised reading lists to help them navigate to the relevant material. One student said:<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is helpful to see content in chronological order grouped by week and including slides, worksheets, recordings and resources together. Apart from that it I don’t find long lists of information helpful, especially when it seems to be unorganised. Suggested readings should also be clear and systematic.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n As a result, we should, where possible, try to utilise smaller resource lists to support students in their learning.<\/p>\n Firstly, you must have a resource list associated with the module, usually found at the top of the module space in Moodle. If resources are added to this list, you can then pull them through into a weekly\/bitesize reading list. Therefore, it is important to make sure you have set up a complete module resource list in Leganto first.<\/p>\n Once this has been done, turn on edit mode in Moodle.<\/p>\n Click \u201cadd an activity or resource\u201d to add the weekly reading list where you need it to be. You can always move them after creating them if required.<\/p>\n The activity to choose is the \u201cResource List (Embedded item)\u201d.<\/p>\n Once selected, many of the activity settings are the same as other activities in Moodle. However, this activity has a section called \u201cSelect citations from [name of module resource list]\u201d. This list reflects your Resource list and you can tick the boxes for the resources you wish to add to the smaller list for your topic or week.<\/p>\n You also get the option to change how this type of resource list will be shown in Moodle to students under the \u201cappearance\u201d section of the settings menu. You get three options:<\/p>\n My recommended setting for the appearance of the resource list is \u201con a separate page\u201d. That way, it does not clog up the main page and you can more easily track engagement with the list in Moodle through the activity logs if this setting is selected.<\/p>\n Once finished, click \u201csave and return to course\u201d or \u201csave and display\u201d.<\/p>\n For more information on resource lists you can visit the LibGuide for staff<\/a>. You can also contact your Faculty librarians for support in managing resources for your module.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Every module space in Moodle has an associated resource list (sometimes called a reading list). Lancaster University uses the Leganto system which is a platform that holds all of the University Library\u2019s resources in its database including books, e-books, journal articles, websites databases and more! It is important that teaching staff use the Leganto resource … Continue reading The rise of the “Weekly” Resource List<\/span> How do I set up weekly reading lists?<\/h2>\n
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