Uploading Web Packages
What are Web Packages?
There are many programs that produce content suitable for use in Course Resources, such as Wimba Create and Adobe Presenter. However, the result often includes quite a lot of files that would be tedious to add individually. Instead most will allow you to group all of the files together into a single zipped file - which we refer to as a Web Package.
If you the software that you are using produces a single file, for example a PDF or a Word document, then you do not need to use Web Packages. You can simply upload the file through Course Resources (see the guide Adding an Item).
What Do I Need to Know?
Not all programs can produce Web Packages, and those that can, may not do it automatically. Common software that does produce web packages are Wimba Create and Adobe Presenter. You should consult their respective guides, or contact the Learning Technology team (LearningTechs@derby.ac.uk), for instructions.
If the software that you are using does not create Web Packages, but does create a folder with several files in it, then you can create your own package. This option becomes more efficient as the number of files increases. Instructions for creating your own are included at the end of this guide.
What Do I Have to Do?
The Web Package will appear as a single file, listed as zipped or compressed on your computer. You will upload this file to Course Resources using a Web Browser, where its contents will be extracted.
This guide shows you the process of creating a link to the content at the same time that you upload it.
» Web guide
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Go to the area of your module where you want to upload the package to (e.g. Study Materials).
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Click on the Build Content menu, and choose the File option. If you do not see the Build Content button, then you cannot upload the package to that location.
fig1. Select build content
fig2. Create a file
A new window will appear. This will list everything in the Files area of your module - such as presentations and documents that you have uploaded. Content copied from a previous year's module may not be listed.
fig3. Name the folder
Folders work the same way in Course Resources that they do on your own computer. By creating a folder we will make sure that all of the files inside the package are kept together.
fig4. Select the upload package button
The window will change to show the Upload Package area.
fig5. Find your package
A File Upload window will appear.
Depending on how big the file is, it may take several minutes to upload the file and extract its contents. Eventually you will be returned to the Files area, and the uploaded files will be displayed.
fig6. select your choose package
Eventually you should see a list of files. In most cases there will be a file named index that serves as the starting point for the package.
fig7. Your package should appear in the list
The Files area window will close, and you will be returned to the Course Resources window. You will also see that the Selected File area shows the name of the file that you chose.
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In the Manage Access section, choose the option to Give users access to all the files and folders in the folder.
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Change the Name to be something more meaningful.
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It is also a good idea to set the option to Open in New Window to Yes.
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Finally click on the Submit button.
fig8. Select your options
fig9. A link will appear to your package
Creating your own Web Packages
If the application that you are using produces a folder with several files in it, then it is quite easy to convert this to a zipped file. The process will be slightly different depending on the operating system that you are using, but in most cases you will be to right-click on the folder, and choose to convert it to a zipped or
compressed file.
fig10. Create your own zip file
You should then see that a file has been created; which will have the same name as the original folder. It is normal for these files to be quite large in size.
fig11. Packaged file
