Adding, Deleting, and Using Moodle Blocks

How do I use Moodle Blocks?

The right block drawer of Moodle’s layout can be customized with different blocks. Once an instructor adds a Moodle block to their course, all participants in the course can view/access it, including students.

Adding Blocks

1. Select the “Edit Mode” toggle in the upper right to begin editing the course site.
2. In the upper right, an arrow icon will appear. Click the arrow icon to open the right block drawer.
3. Select the [+Add a block] button.
4. Select which block you want, and it will be added to the course.  You can use the “cross” or “plus” icon to drag the new block up and down among other blocks in the right column.

Deleting  Blocks

1. Select the “Edit Mode” toggle in the upper right to begin editing the course site.
2. Click the gear icon that appears in the header of the block you would like to delete.
3. Within the drop-down box that appears, click the Delete Activities block option.

Moving Blocks

1. Select the “Edit Mode” toggle in the upper right to begin editing the course site.
2. You can use the “cross” or “plus” icon to drag any block where you would like within the right column of the course page.

Configuring commonly used blocks

Quickmail

Quickmail allows you to email an entire class or select students.

To send an email message:

1. Click the Compose New Email option under the Quickmail block
2. Select the students or groups you would like to send a message to and click [Add]; use [Add All] to send to the entire class.
3. Add your subject and message (and attachments if you want).
4. Click [Send Email].

Copies of your messages will be saved in the History section of Quickmail. A copy of the message will also be sent to you.

Library Resources

The block labeled “Lafayette Library” is a basic block that includes quick search options for the library catalog and other information about the library.

Remote RSS Feeds

The “Remote RSS Feeds block” enables RSS feeds from external websites to be displayed within Moodle. As the information on the other site is changed, the block will update to show the latest feeds.

To add and configure an RSS feed block:

1. Select the “Edit Mode” toggle in the upper right to begin editing the course site.
2. Select Remote RSS Feeds from the “ADD A BLOCK” menu.
3. Select an existing RSS feed or select “add new RSS feed”.
4. Copy and paste into the “RSS link” field the RSS feed you wish to display.
5. Provide a Custom title if you wish, and change any other display settings.
6. Click the [Save changes] button.
7. You will now see the RSS feed appear in the RSS block.