Technology Tips & Tutorials

WebCT GOLD: Making Content Links
November 27, 2007

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Creating links to content files involves three steps:

1. making the content file,

2. uploading it into the file storage area of the WebCT class, then

3. creating a visible link to the stored file from somewhere in the course.

This description assumes that you have finished step 1 and have a file ready for uploading into WebCT. Often files are posted in either PDF or HTML format though other formats can be used.

2. Upload one or more files into WebCT:

1. Login into WebCT and go to your course.
   

2. Click the BUILD tab (upper left corner).
   

3. Click FILE MANAGER (left left side menu).
   

4. Click the storage folder into which you want to upload files.

   • If you don't have one made yet, click CREATE FOLDER and make one. It is a good idea to create separate folders for each notes, study guides, references, etc.
     

5. Once in the desired storage folder, click GET FILES.
   

6. Click MY COMPUTER, go to the place where files are located on your computer and select up to 10 files to upload from that one location (highlight them), then click OPEN. You'll see an "uploading" window, though it may display very briefly, then the files should be listed in the WebCT storage area.

3. Build the links students will follow to the stored files:

1. Click the HOUSE icon in the upper LEFT sidebar to go back to the WebCT class homepage.
   

2. Click the folder icon where the links should appear to students.

   • If you don't have one made yet, click CREATE FOLDER and make one.

3. Click ADD FILES and specify BROWSE FOR FILES
   

4. Click CLASS FILES (should be there by default but this ensures it) and the name of the folder where files are stored.
   

5. Click the boxes in front of (left of) the files that should be linked (this should create checkmarks in the boxes) then click OK. Links will appear on the course page now. The links are labeled with the file name or the HTML Title tag (if the file has one).
   

6. To edit the name of a link, pull down the V-shaped arrow to the right of the link, select CUSTOMIZE LINK, enter new title text, then click SAVE.

   • For some types of links, there won't be a Customize Link option - just an Edit Properties option. Use "Edit Properties" if it is the only choice - otherwise use "Customize Link".

   • If you move the files around on the page, they will revert back to their original names, so move first THEN rename.