This article explains how to use HTML templates in the content.
Tip! Click here for tips tricks and important information regarding the use of HTML templates in Brightspace.
You can add different types of material to your course. See the article What is the editor? For more information.
If an HTML document is added, you have the option to use templates for well-structured text and any images.
Note: Applying a template to an existing page will overwrite the content and cause you to lose all your work. Click Cancel to undo the changes.
Add a template
- Go to the module where you want to add material.
- Click on Create New in the top right corner.
- Click on HTML Document.
1. Enter your title.
2. If you don't want to use an example template, start typing in the text box. If you do want to use an example template, see step 4.
3. Now you have multiple options like inserting images, choosing a format, adding tables, etc.
4. To use an existing template, click on Templates at the top right and choose the correct format. The templates provide an example structure for the content item. You can insert elements yourself such as text, images, videos, etc. Choose a template that fits your material well.
5. Set the item to Visible if you want it to be immediately visible to the other users in the course, or choose to keep the item Hidden until the item is ready to be used and seen by others.
Tips & Tricks for using HTML Templates
Below you will find a number of Tips & Tricks regarding the use of HTML templates in Brightspace.
Design module / submodule pages
You can only select the HTML templates if you add HTML files to the content. They cannot be used in a module or submodule page.
What you can do is copy the template in HTML code and paste it in the HTML code of the module or submodule page.
Start your module and/or submodules with an HTML template page to provide information in a neat and structured way.
Work in a larger HTML source editor scree
It can be very difficult to use the small HTML source editor screen that appears in the HTML file editor when you decide to add content. Via Manage files you can access a much larger screen for the HTML source code. Below you will find the steps to follow.
Steps
- Go to Course Tools > Course Admin > Manage files.
- Click the arrow next to the HTML file you want to edit.
- Click Edit File.
- Use the resize button in the top right corner to enlarge the screen.
- Now you have a big screen to edit your HTML code.
Copy/paste elements from HTML templates
Below you will find the recommended way to copy HTML elements to the final version of your HTML page in Brightspace.
Preparation to copy elements:
Go to the course.
- Click Content > Create New > HTML document.
- Load your chosen HTML template; for example 01_Course_Introduction.html
- Open a new Internet browser tab or window and go back to your course and open another HTML document. This second window will function as your notepad where you can load another template etc.
Copy HTML elements:
- Load the HTML template with the elements you want to copy into your second window. If you want to use the whole template, it is better to load that template in your first window.
- Copy elements from the second screen to the first screen.
- You can edit the templates in the second screen and copy different elements from multiple templates.
Copy/paste text from other sources
We do not recommend copying formatted text from a word document or other source files to Brightspace. It is recommended to paste plain text without formatting (ctrl, shift + v / cmd, shift + v).
A faulty HTML code can be a source of a lot of unwanted behavior. Not only can the text look very different in edit mode and live mode, but it can also disrupt the look and feel of the Saxion Course Template.
If you copy text from Word and paste it into the editor, you will get a pop-up asking if you want to copy the formatting. Choose Remove formatting to remove the Word formatting or Keep formatting to keep it. If you are experiencing problems with the formatting you could try Remove formatting.