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PulseLMS Instructor Guide

Complete Reference for Course Instructors and Teachers

Document Version: 2.0 Last Updated: January 2025 Target Audience: Instructors, Teachers, Course Creators


Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Getting Started as an Instructor
  3. Course Setup
  4. Content Creation
  5. Student Management
  6. Assessment
  7. Communication
  8. Monitoring and Analytics
  9. Virtual Teaching
  10. Best Practices
  11. Troubleshooting

Introduction

Welcome to PulseLMS

Welcome to PulseLMS, your comprehensive learning management platform designed to empower instructors with powerful tools for creating engaging online learning experiences. This guide provides complete coverage of all instructor features and capabilities.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is intended for:

  • New Instructors setting up their first course
  • Experienced Teachers looking to leverage advanced features
  • Course Creators designing curriculum and content
  • Department Heads managing multiple courses
  • Training Coordinators in corporate environments

What You'll Learn

By the end of this guide, you will be able to:

  • Set up and configure courses effectively
  • Create engaging content and activities
  • Manage students and track their progress
  • Design and grade assessments
  • Communicate effectively with students
  • Utilize virtual classroom features
  • Monitor and improve course effectiveness

Instructor Dashboard Overview

Upon logging in as an instructor, you'll see your personalized dashboard featuring:

  1. My Courses - Quick access to all courses you teach
  2. Timeline - Upcoming deadlines and events
  3. Recently Accessed - Quick navigation to recent activities
  4. Calendar - Course events and deadlines
  5. Private Files - Your personal file storage
  6. Notifications - Recent messages and alerts

Getting Started as an Instructor

Accessing Your Courses

From the Dashboard

  1. Log in to PulseLMS with your credentials
  2. Locate the "My Courses" block on your dashboard
  3. Click on any course name to enter that course
  4. Alternatively, use the navigation menu to access "My courses"

From the Navigation Menu

  1. Click on "My courses" in the main navigation
  2. View all courses where you have an instructor role
  3. Use filters to show active, past, or future courses
  4. Sort by name, date, or custom criteria

Understanding the Course Interface

Course Homepage Elements

When you enter a course, you'll see:

Element Description
Course Header Course name, navigation breadcrumb
Edit Toggle Turn editing on/off
Navigation Drawer Course sections and settings
Content Area Main course content display
Activity Chooser Add new activities and resources
Blocks Additional tools and information

The Navigation Drawer

The navigation drawer provides quick access to:

  • Course Home - Return to main course page
  • Participants - View and manage enrolled users
  • Grades - Access the gradebook
  • Reports - Course analytics and reports
  • Settings - Course configuration
  • Content Bank - Reusable content library
  • Question Bank - Quiz question repository

Your First Steps

When setting up a new course, follow this sequence:

  1. Configure course settings - Set dates, format, and basic options
  2. Choose course format - Select how content is organized
  3. Add sections - Create the course structure
  4. Upload content - Add files, videos, and resources
  5. Create activities - Add assignments, quizzes, forums
  6. Set up gradebook - Configure grading categories
  7. Enroll students - Add participants or enable self-enrollment
  8. Test everything - Preview as a student would see it

Course Setup

Course Settings Overview

Accessing Course Settings

  1. Enter your course
  2. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner
  3. Select "Edit settings" or "Settings"
  4. Alternatively, use the navigation drawer

General Settings

Course Full Name - The complete name displayed everywhere - Should be descriptive and unique - Example: "Introduction to Data Science - Fall 2024"

Course Short Name - Abbreviated identifier - Used in navigation and URLs - Keep it concise but recognizable - Example: "DS101-F24"

Course Category - Organizational grouping - Helps students find courses - May be set by administrators

Course Visibility - Show - Course appears in listings - Hide - Only accessible via direct link

Course Start Date - When the course officially begins - Affects relative date calculations - Used for course filtering

Course End Date - When the course officially ends - Can enable/disable course archiving - Affects course availability

Course ID Number - Optional external identifier - Used for integration with other systems - Often matches institutional course codes

Description Settings

Course Summary - Brief description visible in course listings - Important for student course selection - Use engaging, informative language - Can include basic formatting

Course Summary Files - Images displayed with course summary - Recommended: 200x200 pixels minimum - Supports JPG, PNG, GIF formats

Course Format Settings

Format Choose how content is organized:

Format Description Best For
Topics Numbered sections Structured courses
Weekly Date-based sections Time-bound courses
Single Activity One activity focus Assessments, forums
Social Discussion-centered Community learning
Tiles Visual tile layout Visual learners
Grid Image-based grid Media-rich courses

Number of Sections - How many content sections to create - Can be changed later - More sections = more scrolling

Hidden Sections - Collapsed - Hidden sections show as unavailable - Invisible - Hidden sections completely hidden

Course Layout - All sections on one page - Continuous scrolling - One section per page - Paginated navigation

Appearance Settings

Force Language - Override user's language preference - Useful for language courses - Leave empty for user choice

News Items to Show - Number of announcements displayed - Set to 0 to hide announcements block

Show Gradebook to Students - Allow students to see their grades - Disable for anonymous assessments

Show Activity Reports - Let students see their own activity logs - Useful for self-reflection

Files and Uploads

Maximum Upload Size - Limit for file uploads in course - Cannot exceed server maximum - Consider bandwidth limitations

Completion Tracking

Enable Completion Tracking - Allow activity completion marking - Enables progress tracking - Required for course completion

Show Activity Completion Conditions - Display requirements to students - Improves transparency - Helps student planning

Groups

Group Mode - No groups - All students together - Separate groups - Groups see only their own - Visible groups - Groups see others but work separately

Force Group Mode - Apply to all activities - Override individual activity settings

Course Formats and Layout

Topics Format

The Topics format organizes content into numbered sections:

Section 0: General (always visible at top)
Section 1: Introduction to the Course
Section 2: Core Concepts
Section 3: Practical Applications
Section 4: Assessment

Best Practices: - Use clear, descriptive section names - Limit sections to 10-15 for manageable navigation - Keep related content together - Use consistent naming conventions

Configuration Options: - Course layout (all sections or one per page) - Section highlighting - Section restrictions

Weekly Format

The Weekly format creates date-based sections:

Section 0: General
January 15 - January 21: Week 1 - Introduction
January 22 - January 28: Week 2 - Fundamentals
January 29 - February 4: Week 3 - Advanced Topics

Best Practices: - Set accurate course start date - Plan content for each week - Consider time zones - Account for holidays

Configuration Options: - Automatic week calculations - Current week highlighting - Week-based restrictions

Single Activity Format

Focuses on one main activity:

Use Cases: - A comprehensive quiz or exam - A main discussion forum - An interactive lesson - A SCORM package

Setup: 1. Select "Single activity format" 2. Choose the activity type 3. Configure the activity 4. Students go directly to activity

Tiles Format

Visual tile-based navigation:

Features: - Image tiles for each section - Hover effects and animations - Mobile-responsive design - Expandable content areas

Best Practices: - Use consistent tile images - Keep tile titles short - Consider color coding - Test on mobile devices

Grid Format

Image-based section grid:

Features: - Custom images per section - Compact visual overview - Click to expand sections - Configurable grid size

Adding Sections and Content

Creating New Sections

Method 1: Using Add Section Link 1. Turn editing on 2. Scroll to bottom of course 3. Click "Add sections" 4. Specify number of sections to add 5. Click "Add sections"

Method 2: From Section Menu 1. Click the edit menu on any section 2. Select "Insert section" (above or below) 3. New section appears immediately

Configuring Sections

Section Name - Click the pencil icon next to section name - Enter custom name - Press Enter to save - Leave blank for automatic numbering

Section Summary - Click "Edit section" from section menu - Add description, images, instructions - Use formatting tools - Include section objectives

Section Visibility - Show - Visible to all enrolled users - Hide - Visible only to teachers - Use for preparing future content

Restrict Access - Date-based access - Completion requirements - Group membership - Custom conditions

Organizing Section Content

Adding Items to Sections 1. Turn editing on 2. Click "Add an activity or resource" in desired section 3. Select activity/resource type 4. Configure settings 5. Save and return to course

Moving Items Between Sections 1. Click and drag the move icon 2. Drop in new location 3. Or use "Move" from item menu 4. Select destination section

Deleting Sections 1. Click edit menu on section header 2. Select "Delete section" 3. Confirm deletion 4. Warning: This deletes all content within

Section Restrictions

Date Restrictions

Access: From January 15, 2024 at 9:00 AM
        Until February 15, 2024 at 11:59 PM

Completion Restrictions

Access: When "Quiz 1" is complete
        AND grade is at least 70%

Group Restrictions

Access: Student must belong to "Group A"

Combined Restrictions

Access: Date is after January 15
        AND Quiz 1 grade >= 70%
        OR Student is in "Advanced" group

Edit Mode Features

Turning on Edit Mode

Method 1: Edit Button - Click "Turn editing on" button in top-right - Button changes to "Turn editing off"

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut - Press 'E' on keyboard (when enabled) - Toggles edit mode on/off

What Changes in Edit Mode

When editing is on, you can:

Feature Description
Move items Drag and drop activities/resources
Add content "Add activity or resource" appears
Edit settings Gear icons visible on all items
Hide/show Visibility toggles available
Delete Delete options visible
Duplicate Copy existing items
Indent Organize with indentation

Activity Actions in Edit Mode

Each activity/resource shows action icons:

  • Move (arrows) - Drag to reposition
  • Edit (gear) - Access settings
  • Duplicate - Create a copy
  • Delete (trash) - Remove item
  • Hide/Show (eye) - Toggle visibility
  • Indent (arrows) - Visual organization

Quick Edit Features

Inline Editing - Click activity name to edit - Change title without entering settings - Press Enter to save

Quick Settings - Click gear icon for dropdown menu - Access common settings quickly - Full settings available via "Edit settings"

Drag and Drop

Moving Activities 1. Hover over the move icon (cross arrows) 2. Click and hold 3. Drag to new position 4. Drop to place 5. Page scrolls automatically

Uploading Files 1. Drag files from your computer 2. Drop into a course section 3. Files upload automatically 4. Configure settings if prompted

Bulk Editing

Accessing Bulk Edit Mode

  1. Turn editing on
  2. Look for "Bulk edit" or "Manage activities" option
  3. Or access via Course administration > Course content

Bulk Actions Available

Bulk Move 1. Select multiple items (checkboxes) 2. Choose "Move selected" 3. Select destination section 4. Confirm move

Bulk Delete 1. Select items to delete 2. Choose "Delete selected" 3. Review items listed 4. Confirm deletion

Bulk Hide/Show 1. Select items 2. Choose "Make available" or "Make unavailable" 3. All selected items updated

Bulk Restrict Access 1. Select items 2. Choose "Add restriction" 3. Configure restriction 4. Applied to all selected

Using Activity Chooser Efficiently

Quick Add Mode 1. Click "Add an activity or resource" 2. Start typing activity name 3. Filtered list appears 4. Click to add

Favorites 1. Star frequently used activities 2. Favorites appear at top 3. Customize your list

Recommended 1. System suggests relevant activities 2. Based on course context 3. Helps discover new options


Content Creation

Adding Activities and Resources

Understanding the Difference

Activities Resources
Interactive elements Static content
Student participation Information display
Usually graded Usually not graded
Examples: Quiz, Forum Examples: File, Page

Available Activity Types

Assignment - Students submit work for grading - Supports file uploads, online text, offline tasks - Rubric and marking guide support - Blind grading available

Quiz - Automated testing and assessment - Multiple question types - Randomization options - Automatic grading

Forum - Discussion boards - Various forum types - Subscription options - Grading integration

Glossary - Collaborative dictionary - Auto-linking capability - Student contributions - Import/export support

Wiki - Collaborative document creation - Version history - Individual or group wikis - Comment support

Database - Student-created content collections - Custom field types - Template-based display - Search and browse

Workshop - Peer assessment activity - Structured submission phases - Peer review criteria - Complex grading

Lesson - Branching content paths - Question-based navigation - Conditional content - Progress tracking

Chat - Real-time text chat - Scheduled sessions - Chat logs saved - Review capabilities

Choice - Quick polls and voting - Single or multiple choice - Results display options - Deadline support

Feedback - Surveys and questionnaires - Anonymous responses - Various question types - Analysis reports

External Tool (LTI) - Third-party integrations - External content - Grade passback - SSO support

BigBlueButton - Virtual classroom sessions - Live video conferencing - Recording capability - Interactive features

H5P - Interactive content - Multiple content types - SCORM-like tracking - Reusable elements

SCORM/AICC - Learning object packages - Industry standard format - Completion tracking - Score reporting

Available Resource Types

File - Upload any file type - Direct download or display - Version control - Force download option

Folder - Collection of files - Organized display - Download all option - Subfolders supported

URL - External web links - Embed options - Open in new window - Display options

Page - HTML content page - Rich text formatting - Embedded media - Direct editing

Book - Multi-page content - Chapter structure - Navigation links - Print option

Label - Inline content - Section decoration - Headings and images - No separate page

IMS Content Package - Imported learning objects - Industry standard - Navigation maintained - Completion tracking

Adding Activities Step-by-Step

Example: Adding an Assignment

  1. Turn editing on
  2. Click "Add an activity or resource"
  3. Select "Assignment"
  4. Configure settings:

General Settings:

Assignment name: Week 3 Research Paper
Description: Submit your analysis of the case study
Display description: Yes

Availability Settings:

Allow submissions from: January 22, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Due date: January 29, 2024 at 11:59 PM
Cut-off date: February 5, 2024 at 11:59 PM
Remind me to grade by: February 12, 2024

Submission Settings:

Submission types: File submissions
Maximum number of files: 3
Maximum submission size: 50MB
Accepted file types: .pdf, .docx

  1. Save and return to course

Content Organization

Using Labels Effectively

Labels add visual content directly to the course page:

As Section Headers

<h4 style="color: #2c5282;">Week 3: Advanced Topics</h4>
<p>This week we explore complex concepts...</p>

As Visual Dividers

<hr style="border: 2px solid #e2e8f0;">

As Information Boxes

<div style="background: #f0fff4; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px;">
  <strong>Important:</strong> Remember to complete the pre-reading before class.
</div>

Creating Logical Content Flow

The 3-Part Pattern For each topic, use this structure:

  1. Introduction (Page or Label)
  2. Learning objectives
  3. Required materials
  4. Estimated time

  5. Content (Files, Books, Videos)

  6. Core learning materials
  7. Supplementary resources
  8. External links

  9. Activity (Assignment, Quiz, Forum)

  10. Practice application
  11. Knowledge check
  12. Discussion opportunity

Using Indentation

Indent related items for visual hierarchy:

Topic 3: Data Analysis
    ├── 3.1 Introduction to Data Analysis (Page)
    ├── 3.2 Statistical Methods (File)
    ├── 3.3 Practice Dataset (File)
    └── 3.4 Data Analysis Assignment (Assignment)

To Indent: 1. Turn editing on 2. Click the edit menu on an item 3. Select "Move right" (indent) 4. Select "Move left" (outdent)

Activity Completion Badges

Visual indicators show: - Circle - Not complete - Checkmark - Manually marked complete - Auto-checkmark - Automatically completed - X - Completed but not passed

Multimedia Content

Uploading Video Files

Supported Formats: - MP4 (recommended) - WebM - OGG

Best Practices: 1. Compress videos before upload 2. Use MP4 with H.264 codec 3. Optimize for streaming 4. Provide captions when possible

Adding a Video: 1. Add a "File" resource 2. Upload your video file 3. Set display to "Embed" 4. Configure dimensions if needed

Embedding External Videos

YouTube/Vimeo: 1. Create a Page resource 2. Use the editor's media button 3. Paste the video URL 4. Adjust size and options

Example Embed Code:

<iframe width="560" height="315"
  src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VIDEO_ID"
  frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>
</iframe>

Adding Images

Inline Images: 1. Use the editor's image button 2. Upload or link to image 3. Set alt text for accessibility 4. Adjust size and alignment

Image Best Practices: - Use appropriate file sizes - Provide descriptive alt text - Consider mobile viewing - Use consistent dimensions

Audio Content

Uploading Audio: 1. Add a "File" resource 2. Upload MP3 or OGG file 3. Set display to "Embed" 4. Audio player appears in course

Recording Audio: 1. Use the editor's record button 2. Grant microphone permission 3. Record your audio 4. Save and embed

Interactive Content with H5P

Available H5P Types: - Interactive Video - Course Presentation - Drag and Drop - Memory Game - Fill in the Blanks - Multiple Choice - Timeline - Virtual Tour

Creating H5P Content: 1. Add H5P activity 2. Select content type 3. Build interactive content 4. Save and publish

External Content Integration

Using LTI External Tools

What is LTI? - Learning Tools Interoperability - Industry standard integration - Secure authentication - Grade passback support

Adding External Tools: 1. Add "External tool" activity 2. Select preconfigured tool or add custom 3. Configure settings 4. Save and test

Common Integrations: - Publisher content - Lab simulations - Third-party assessments - Interactive textbooks

Embedding Web Content

Using URL Resource: 1. Add URL resource 2. Enter external URL 3. Choose display option: - Automatic - Embed - Open (new window) - Pop-up

Using Page with iframes:

<iframe src="https://external-site.com/content"
  width="100%" height="600"
  style="border: none;">
</iframe>

Importing SCORM Packages

What is SCORM? - Sharable Content Object Reference Model - Standardized e-learning format - Tracking and completion - Cross-platform compatible

Adding SCORM Content: 1. Add "SCORM package" activity 2. Upload ZIP file 3. Configure: - Attempts allowed - Grading method - Display settings 4. Test before publishing

Content Bank

Accessing the Content Bank: 1. Course navigation > Content bank 2. Upload reusable content 3. H5P files stored here 4. Organize with folders

Using Content Bank Items: 1. Add H5P activity 2. Choose from content bank 3. Link or copy content 4. Maintain central updates


Student Management

Enrolling Students

Understanding Enrollment Methods

Method Description Best For
Manual Teacher adds students Small classes
Self-enrollment Students add themselves Open enrollment
Cohort sync Automatic group sync Department courses
Guest access No enrollment needed Preview access
Meta link Cross-course enrollment Course sequences

Manual Enrollment

Adding Individual Students: 1. Go to Participants 2. Click "Enrol users" 3. Search for user by name or email 4. Select the user 5. Choose role (usually "Student") 6. Set enrollment options: - Start date - End date (optional) 7. Click "Enrol users"

Bulk Manual Enrollment: 1. Prepare list of usernames or emails 2. Go to Participants > Enrolled users 3. Use "Enrol users" with multiple selections 4. Or request admin bulk upload

Self-Enrollment Setup

Enabling Self-Enrollment: 1. Go to Course > Participants > Enrollment methods 2. Click the eye icon next to "Self enrolment" 3. Configure settings:

Enrollment key: CoursePassword123
Group enrollment key: (optional)
Default assigned role: Student
Enrollment duration: 0 (unlimited)
Maximum enrolled users: 0 (unlimited)
Send welcome message: Yes
  1. Save changes
  2. Share enrollment key with students

Using Group Enrollment Keys: - Set different keys for different groups - Students auto-join group on enrollment - Useful for sections or teams

Guest Access

Enabling Guest Access: 1. Go to Enrollment methods 2. Enable "Guest access" 3. Configure: - Password required: Yes/No - Password: (if required) 4. Guests can view but not participate

Guest Limitations: - Cannot submit assignments - Cannot post in forums - Cannot access quizzes (usually) - No grade tracking

Managing Participants

Participant List Features

Accessing Participants: 1. Course navigation > Participants 2. Or use gear menu > More > Participants

Viewing Options: - Filter by role - Filter by group - Filter by enrollment status - Search by name - Sort by various columns

Available Columns: | Column | Information | |--------|-------------| | Full name | Student name and picture | | Email | Contact address | | Roles | Current role(s) | | Groups | Group membership | | Last access | Most recent login | | Status | Active/Suspended |

Managing Individual Users

From Participant Row: - Click user name for profile - Click enrollment for edit options - Access grades quickly - View activity reports

Changing User Role: 1. Click the role badge 2. Select new role 3. Or add additional role 4. Changes apply immediately

Suspending/Removing Users: 1. Click enrollment details 2. Choose "Unenrol" to remove 3. Or set end date to suspend 4. Consider data retention needs

Bulk User Actions

Select Multiple Users: 1. Use checkboxes to select 2. Or use "Select all" 3. Apply filters first if needed

Available Bulk Actions: - Send message - Add/remove groups - Download data - Extend enrollment

Groups and Groupings

Understanding Groups vs Groupings

Groups: - Collections of students - Used for activities and filtering - Students can be in multiple groups - Visible in participant list

Groupings: - Collections of groups - Used to restrict activities - Control which groups see content - Organizational layer

Example Structure:

Grouping: "Lab Sections"
├── Group: Lab A (Monday)
├── Group: Lab B (Wednesday)
└── Group: Lab C (Friday)

Grouping: "Project Teams"
├── Group: Team Alpha
├── Group: Team Beta
└── Group: Team Gamma

Creating Groups

Method 1: Manual Creation 1. Go to Course > Participants > Groups 2. Click "Create group" 3. Enter group name and description 4. Optional: Add picture 5. Save changes

Method 2: Auto-Create Groups 1. Go to Groups tab 2. Click "Auto-create groups" 3. Configure: - Naming scheme: "Group @" or "Team #" - Number of groups or members per group - Select from role (usually Student) 4. Preview and create

Method 3: Import Groups 1. Prepare CSV file 2. Go to Groups > Import 3. Upload and map columns 4. Preview and import

Adding Users to Groups

Individual Addition: 1. Go to Groups tab 2. Select a group 3. Click "Add/remove users" 4. Select users from available list 5. Add to group

Bulk Addition: 1. Use CSV import with group column 2. Or auto-create with enrollment

Student Self-Selection: 1. Add "Group choice" activity 2. Configure available groups 3. Set selection limits 4. Students choose their group

Creating Groupings

  1. Go to Groups > Groupings tab
  2. Click "Create grouping"
  3. Enter name and description
  4. Click "Create grouping"
  5. Click "Show groups" icon
  6. Add groups to grouping

Applying Group Mode to Activities

Activity-Level Settings: 1. Edit activity settings 2. Locate "Common module settings" 3. Set Group mode: - No groups - Separate groups - Visible groups 4. Set Grouping (if applicable) 5. Save changes

Restricting by Group: 1. Edit activity settings 2. Go to "Restrict access" 3. Add restriction > Group 4. Select required group 5. Save changes

Tracking Attendance

Setting Up Attendance Module

Adding Attendance Activity: 1. Add "Attendance" activity 2. Configure: - Name: "Class Attendance" - Grade settings - Default view 3. Save

Creating Attendance Sessions: 1. Open Attendance activity 2. Click "Add session" 3. Configure: - Date and time - Duration - Description - Group (if applicable) 4. Add session

Session Types: | Type | Points | Description | |------|--------|-------------| | Present | 2 | Full attendance | | Tardy | 1 | Late arrival | | Absent | 0 | Not present | | Excused | 1 | Approved absence |

Taking Attendance

Manual Recording: 1. Open Attendance 2. Click session date 3. Mark each student 4. Add remarks if needed 5. Save attendance

Student Self-Recording: 1. Enable student recording in settings 2. Optionally require password 3. Students mark themselves 4. Set time window for self-marking

QR Code Attendance: 1. Open session 2. Click "QR code" button 3. Display code in class 4. Students scan to mark attendance 5. Optional: Rotate password

Attendance Reports

Student View: - Personal attendance record - Percentage calculation - Session history

Instructor Reports: 1. Attendance > Report tab 2. View by: - Student - Session - Summary 3. Export options available

Grade Integration: 1. Configure grade settings 2. Attendance contributes to gradebook 3. Automatic calculation 4. Visible in reports


Assessment

Creating Assignments

Assignment Types

File Submissions - Students upload documents - Multiple files supported - Size and type restrictions - Download for grading

Online Text - Students type in browser - Rich text editor - Word count available - Plagiarism integration

Offline Activity - No PulseLMS submission - Grade entered manually - For presentations, performances - Attendance tracked separately

Configuring Assignments

Basic Settings:

Assignment name: Research Paper Draft
Description: Submit your first draft for peer review
Due date: March 15, 2024 at 11:59 PM
Cut-off date: March 20, 2024 at 11:59 PM

Submission Settings:

Submission types: File submissions
Maximum number of files: 1
Maximum submission size: 50MB
Accepted file types: .pdf
Word limit: (for online text)

Feedback Settings:

Feedback types:
☑ Feedback comments
☑ Annotate PDF
☑ Feedback files
☑ Offline grading worksheet

Submission Options:

Require students to click submit: Yes
Require acceptance of statement: Yes
Attempts reopened: Manually
Maximum attempts: 3

Group Submission:

Students submit in groups: Yes
Require all group members submit: No
Grouping for student groups: Project Teams

Submission Workflow

Draft Submissions: - Students work on submission - Can edit until submitted - View submission status

Final Submission: - Student clicks "Submit" - Submission locked - Timestamp recorded - Confirmation displayed

Grading Workflow: 1. Open Submissions 2. View all submissions 3. Grade individually or download batch 4. Return grades and feedback

Building Quizzes

Quiz Structure

Components: 1. Quiz settings (timing, display, grades) 2. Questions (from question bank or new) 3. Question organization (pages, ordering)

Quiz Settings

Timing:

Open the quiz: January 20, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Close the quiz: January 27, 2024 at 11:59 PM
Time limit: 60 minutes
When time expires: Open attempts are submitted automatically

Grade Settings:

Grade category: Quizzes
Grade to pass: 70%
Attempts allowed: 2
Grading method: Highest grade

Layout:

New page: Every question
Navigation method: Free

Question Behavior:

Shuffle within questions: Yes
How questions behave: Deferred feedback
Each attempt builds on last: No

Review Options: Configure what students see: - During attempt - Immediately after attempt - Later, while still open - After quiz is closed

Question Types

Multiple Choice - Single or multiple correct answers - Weighted partial credit - Feedback per choice

True/False - Binary choice - Simple setup - Quick grading

Matching - Pair items together - Distractors available - Automatic grading

Short Answer - Text response - Pattern matching - Case sensitivity option

Numerical - Number with tolerance - Units optional - Formula grading

Essay - Long-form response - Manual grading required - Rubric integration

Calculated - Formula-based - Random values - Mathematical problems

Drag and Drop - Visual interaction - Multiple types available - Engaging format

Creating Questions

From Question Bank: 1. Course navigation > Question bank 2. Create categories to organize 3. Click "Create a new question" 4. Select question type 5. Complete settings:

Multiple Choice Example:

Question name: Photosynthesis Definition
Question text: What is the primary purpose of photosynthesis?
Default mark: 1
Answer options:
  A: To convert light energy to chemical energy (100%)
  B: To release oxygen into the atmosphere (0%)
  C: To absorb carbon dioxide (0%)
  D: To produce heat (0%)
General feedback: Photosynthesis converts light energy...

Adding Questions to Quiz: 1. Edit quiz 2. Click "Add" > "from question bank" 3. Select category 4. Check desired questions 5. Click "Add selected questions"

Random Questions: 1. Click "Add" > "a random question" 2. Select category 3. Set number of random questions 4. Questions pulled randomly each attempt

Quiz Preview and Testing

Preview Mode: 1. Click "Preview quiz" 2. Attempt as student would 3. Test all functionality 4. Verify question display

Testing Checklist: - [ ] All questions display correctly - [ ] Images and media load - [ ] Timer functions properly - [ ] Submission works - [ ] Grades calculate correctly - [ ] Feedback displays appropriately

Grading Workflow

Gradebook Overview

Accessing Gradebook: 1. Course navigation > Grades 2. Or gear menu > Grades

Gradebook Views: | View | Purpose | |------|---------| | Grader report | Grade entry and overview | | User report | Individual student grades | | Overview report | All courses summary | | Single view | Quick single item grading |

Grading Assignments

Quick Grading: 1. Open Assignment > View submissions 2. Enable "Quick grading" 3. Enter grades in table 4. Add brief feedback 5. Save all changes

Individual Grading: 1. Click "Grade" for student 2. View submission 3. Enter grade 4. Add detailed feedback 5. Use annotation tools (PDF) 6. Save and navigate

Batch Download: 1. Click "Download all submissions" 2. Grade offline 3. Upload grades via worksheet 4. Or re-upload annotated files

Grading Quizzes

Automatic Grading: - Multiple choice, matching, T/F graded automatically - Grades visible immediately (if configured) - Review for manual grading items

Manual Grading: 1. Quiz > Results > Manual grading 2. Select question to grade 3. View all responses 4. Enter grades and feedback 5. Save each response

Regrading: 1. Quiz > Results > Regrade 2. Select questions to regrade 3. Choose regrade options 4. Process regrade

Using Single View

Grade One Item for All: 1. Grades > Single view 2. Select grade item 3. All students listed 4. Enter grades quickly 5. Override if needed

Grade One Student All Items: 1. Single view 2. Select user 3. All items listed 4. Enter grades 5. Track completion

Grade Categories

Creating Categories: 1. Grades > Setup > Categories and items 2. Add category 3. Configure: - Name - Aggregation (mean, weighted, etc.) - Weight 4. Move items into category

Aggregation Methods: | Method | Calculation | |--------|-------------| | Mean | Average of all grades | | Weighted mean | Weighted average | | Median | Middle value | | Lowest/Highest | Single value | | Sum | Total of all grades | | Natural | Weighted by max grades |

Providing Feedback

Types of Feedback

Immediate Feedback: - Quiz question feedback - Automatic responses - Per-answer feedback

Assignment Feedback: - Comments (text) - Annotated files (PDF markup) - Audio/video feedback - Feedback files

Gradebook Feedback: - Quick feedback field - Visible in reports - Associated with grade

Effective Feedback Strategies

Be Specific:

Instead of: "Good work"
Write: "Your analysis of the data in section 2 effectively
supports your thesis. Consider adding a counterargument
in your conclusion."

Be Timely: - Return grades within stated timeframe - Use quick grading for efficiency - Set "remind me to grade" dates

Be Constructive: - Focus on improvement - Provide actionable suggestions - Balance positive and critical

Audio/Video Feedback

Recording Audio Feedback: 1. Open grading interface 2. Click microphone icon in feedback area 3. Record your message 4. Review and save

Recording Video Feedback: 1. Use video recording tool 2. Screen recording options 3. Upload to feedback files

Feedback Files

Annotated Documents: 1. Download submission 2. Add comments/markup 3. Upload as feedback file 4. Student downloads annotated version

Reference Materials: - Sample solutions - Additional resources - Correction guides

Using Rubrics

Creating Rubrics

Access Rubric Editor: 1. Edit Assignment settings 2. Go to Grade section 3. Grading method: Rubric 4. Click "Define new rubric from scratch"

Rubric Structure:

Criterion: Thesis Statement
| Level 4 (25 pts) | Clear, arguable thesis |
| Level 3 (20 pts) | Adequate thesis |
| Level 2 (15 pts) | Weak thesis |
| Level 1 (10 pts) | No clear thesis |

Criterion: Evidence
| Level 4 (25 pts) | Strong, relevant evidence |
| Level 3 (20 pts) | Adequate evidence |
| Level 2 (15 pts) | Limited evidence |
| Level 1 (10 pts) | No evidence |

Rubric Options:

☑ Show rubric to students
☑ Allow descriptions for each level
☑ Calculate grade based on rubric

Using Rubrics for Grading

Grading with Rubric: 1. Open submission for grading 2. Rubric displays alongside 3. Click appropriate level for each criterion 4. Add comments (optional) 5. Grade calculates automatically 6. Save

Efficiency Tips: - Use keyboard navigation - Add quick comments - Copy feedback for similar issues - Review rubric criteria consistency

Marking Guides

Alternative to Rubrics: - More flexible scoring - Criterion-based - Custom point values - Frequently used comments

Creating Marking Guide: 1. Grading method: Marking guide 2. Define criteria 3. Set maximum marks per criterion 4. Add frequently used comments 5. Save


Communication

Announcements

Using the Announcements Forum

Default Announcements: - Every course has "Announcements" forum - All students subscribed (forced) - Only teachers can post - Appears in News block

Creating Announcements: 1. Click on Announcements forum 2. Click "Add a new topic" 3. Enter subject and message 4. Add attachments if needed 5. Click "Post to forum"

Best Practices: - Use clear subject lines - Keep messages concise - Include action items clearly - Set expectations for response

Announcement Timing

Delayed Posting: 1. Check "Display period" 2. Set start date 3. Post appears at scheduled time

Email Delivery: - Emails sent after cron runs - Typically 15-30 minutes delay - Consider student time zones

Forums and Discussions

Forum Types

Type Description Use Case
Standard General discussion Course discussions
Single discussion One topic only Focused discussion
Q&A Must post to see others Prevents copying
Each person posts one Limited to one topic each Introduction forums
Standard blog-like Blog-style display Reflective writing

Creating Discussion Forums

Forum Settings:

Forum name: Week 3 Discussion
Description: Discuss the assigned readings
Forum type: Standard forum
Subscription mode: Optional
Read tracking: Optional
Maximum attachments: 3
Maximum attachment size: 10MB

Grading Settings:

Grade type: Point
Maximum grade: 10
Grade category: Participation

Managing Discussions

Monitoring Posts: - Subscribe to forum for email notifications - Check recent activity in course - Use forum search - Sort by date

Moderating: - Edit posts if necessary - Delete inappropriate content - Move discussions between forums - Pin important topics

Encouraging Participation: - Pose engaging questions - Respond to students promptly - Acknowledge good contributions - Redirect off-topic discussions

Messaging

Direct Messaging

Sending Messages: 1. Go to Participants 2. Select recipient(s) 3. Click "With selected users" > "Send a message" 4. Compose message 5. Send

Message Settings: - Notification preferences - Email copy options - Read receipts (if enabled)

Bulk Messaging

From Participants: 1. Select multiple users 2. Choose "Send a message" 3. Compose single message 4. Sent to all selected

From Course Contacts: 1. Access course overview 2. Use "Message" option 3. Quick communication

Notifications

Notification Types

Course Notifications: - Forum posts - Assignment submissions - Quiz attempts - Calendar events

System Notifications: - Enrollment updates - Grade changes - Course announcements - System messages

Managing Notification Settings

For Students: - Guide students to preferences - Explain importance of notifications - Recommend mobile-responsive web version

For Instructors: - Configure own preferences - Choose email vs. web notifications - Set quiet periods


Monitoring and Analytics

Progress Tracking

Activity Completion

Enabling Completion: 1. Course settings > Completion tracking: Yes 2. Edit each activity 3. Configure completion conditions: - View required - Grade required - Specific conditions met

Completion Conditions: | Condition | Description | |-----------|-------------| | Students can manually mark | Self-tracking | | Show as complete when viewed | View-based | | Show as complete when grade received | Grade-based | | Custom conditions | Activity-specific |

Viewing Completion Status

Activity Completion Report: 1. Course navigation > Reports > Activity completion 2. View grid of all students and activities 3. Check marks indicate completion 4. Identify incomplete items

Course Completion: 1. Enable course completion 2. Set completion criteria 3. Track overall progress 4. Award badges/certificates

Course Reports

Available Reports

Logs Report: - Detailed activity logs - Filter by user, date, activity - Export for analysis

Live Logs: - Real-time activity - Current user actions - Useful during live sessions

Activity Report: - View counts per activity - Identify popular content - Spot unused resources

Course Participation: - User engagement levels - Activity by type - Comparison data

Statistics: - Aggregated data - Trend analysis - Visual charts

Generating Reports

Custom Log Report: 1. Reports > Logs 2. Set filters: - User (all or specific) - Date range - Activity type - Action (view, submit, etc.) 3. Generate report 4. Export if needed

Activity Report: 1. Reports > Activity report 2. View total views/submissions 3. Last access dates 4. Identify issues

Completion Tracking

Setting Up Course Completion

Course Completion Settings: 1. Course administration > Course completion 2. Configure:

General:

Enable: Yes
Completion criteria aggregation: All/Any

Activity Completion:

Select required activities:
☑ Assignment 1
☑ Quiz 1
☑ Forum Discussion
☑ Final Project

Course Prerequisites:

Required courses: (if applicable)

Manual Completion:

Enable self-completion: Yes/No
Enable teacher marking: Yes/No

Completion on Date:

Enable: After specific date
Date: End of course

Tracking Student Completion

Completion Report: 1. Reports > Course completion 2. View all students 3. Check completion by criterion 4. Download for records

Individual Progress: 1. Click student name 2. View complete profile 3. Activity completion list 4. Overall progress

Identifying At-Risk Students

Warning Signs

Low Engagement: - No recent logins - Missed activities - No forum participation - Late submissions

Poor Performance: - Low quiz scores - Missing assignments - Failing grades - Incomplete activities

Using Reports to Identify Issues

Activity Completion: 1. Run completion report 2. Sort by incomplete 3. Identify patterns 4. Target interventions

Grade Analysis: 1. Review gradebook 2. Sort by total grade 3. Identify struggling students 4. Check for missing items

Last Access: 1. Participants list 2. Sort by "Last access" 3. Filter by role 4. Identify inactive students

Intervention Strategies

Early Outreach: 1. Send personalized message 2. Express concern 3. Offer support resources 4. Schedule meeting if needed

Progress Check: 1. Review specific struggles 2. Identify patterns 3. Provide targeted help 4. Adjust accommodations

Support Resources: - Tutoring services - Office hours - Study groups - Additional materials


Virtual Teaching

BigBlueButton Setup

Overview

BigBlueButton is the integrated virtual classroom in PulseLMS, providing: - Live video conferencing - Screen sharing - Whiteboard tools - Breakout rooms - Recording capability - Interactive features

Creating a Virtual Session

Add BigBlueButton Activity: 1. Turn editing on 2. Add activity > BigBlueButton 3. Configure settings:

General:

Activity name: Live Class - Week 3
Virtual classroom type: Room/activity with recordings
Description: Our weekly live session

Activity/Room Settings:

Wait for moderator: Yes (recommended)
All users join as moderators: No

Participant Settings:

Viewers can start webcam: Yes
Viewers can start mic: Yes
Lock settings: (configure as needed)

Recording Settings:

Recording: Yes
Record from start: No (manual control)
Allow recording to be published: Yes

Schedule:

Open: January 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Close: January 20, 2024 at 12:00 PM

Room Configuration

Lock Settings: | Setting | Description | |---------|-------------| | Disable webcam | Viewers can't share video | | Disable microphone | Viewers can't unmute | | Disable private chat | No 1:1 messaging | | Disable public chat | No group chat | | Disable notes | Shared notes disabled | | Hide viewers | Participants list hidden |

When to Use Locks: - Large sessions (reduce bandwidth) - Focused presentations - Managing disruptions - Assessment situations

Running Live Sessions

Joining as Moderator

Starting a Session: 1. Click on BigBlueButton activity 2. Click "Join session" 3. Allow browser permissions (camera/mic) 4. Configure audio options 5. Enter the room

Moderator Controls: - Mute/unmute all participants - Enable/disable webcams - Manage participant list - Control recordings - Share screen - Use whiteboard - Create breakout rooms

Presentation Mode

Uploading Presentations: 1. Click "+" in bottom left 2. Select "Upload a presentation" 3. Upload PDF or Office file 4. Set as current presentation

Presentation Controls: - Navigate slides (arrows) - Pointer tool - Drawing tools - Text annotations - Clear annotations

Screen Sharing: 1. Click screen share button 2. Choose: - Entire screen - Application window - Browser tab 3. Click "Share" 4. Stop when finished

Engaging Students

Polls: 1. Click "+" button 2. Select "Start a poll" 3. Choose poll type: - Yes/No - True/False - A/B/C/D - Custom 4. View results live 5. Publish to share

Whiteboard: 1. Multiple drawing tools 2. Text insertion 3. Shapes and lines 4. Multi-user whiteboard option

Chat: - Public chat (all participants) - Private chat (1:1) - Chat moderation options - Save chat transcript

Raise Hand: - Students click raise hand - Moderator sees notification - Address in order - Lower hand when resolved

Recording Sessions

Recording Best Practices

Before Recording: - Inform students - Check audio levels - Review presentation - Test equipment

During Recording: - Announce when starting - Pause if needed - Clear background noise - Summarize key points

After Recording: - Stop recording properly - Allow processing time - Check recording quality - Add to course if needed

Managing Recordings

Viewing Recordings: 1. Open BigBlueButton activity 2. Recordings section appears 3. Click to view recording 4. Multiple views available

Recording Options: - Publish/Unpublish - Delete - Download (if enabled) - Protect with password

Recording Views: | View | Description | |------|-------------| | Presentation | Full recording playback | | Notes | Shared notes only | | Statistics | Usage data |

Breakout Rooms

Creating Breakout Rooms

Setting Up Rooms: 1. Click breakout room icon (moderator) 2. Configure: - Number of rooms - Duration - Assignment method

Assignment Methods: | Method | Description | |--------|-------------| | Random | Automatic distribution | | Manual | Moderator assigns | | User choice | Students select |

Room Settings:

Number of rooms: 4
Duration: 15 minutes
Allow users to choose room: Yes/No
Invite moderators: Yes

Managing Breakout Sessions

During Breakout: - Monitor room activity - Send broadcast messages - Join any room - Extend time if needed - End rooms early if needed

Communication: - Send message to all rooms - Join specific room - Summon users back - Audio message (if enabled)

Ending Breakout: 1. Click "End all breakout rooms" 2. Or let timer expire 3. Users return to main room 4. Debrief and discuss


Best Practices

Course Design Principles

Alignment

Ensure consistency between: - Learning objectives - Content and activities - Assessment methods - Feedback provided

Example Alignment:

Objective: Students will analyze primary sources
Content: Primary source documents, analysis guides
Activity: Source analysis worksheet
Assessment: Essay using sources

Clarity

Make expectations clear: - Detailed assignment descriptions - Grading criteria (rubrics) - Due date visibility - Communication guidelines

Engagement

Keep students motivated: - Variety in activities - Interactive content - Regular feedback - Relevant examples

Accessibility Considerations

Content Accessibility

Text Content: - Use heading hierarchy - Provide alt text for images - Use descriptive links - Maintain color contrast

Video Content: - Add captions - Provide transcripts - Describe visual elements - Consider audio descriptions

Document Formatting: - Use built-in styles - Avoid text in images - Ensure readable fonts - Test with screen readers

Activity Design

Assessments: - Provide adequate time - Offer format options - Consider accommodations - Test accessibility

Participation: - Multiple ways to participate - Asynchronous options - Alternative formats - Flexible deadlines

Time-Saving Tips

Templates and Reuse

Content Reuse: 1. Use content bank for H5P 2. Copy activities between courses 3. Create section templates 4. Backup and restore sections

Course Duplication: 1. Backup course (content only) 2. Restore to new course 3. Update dates and content 4. Reset completion data

Automation

Automatic Features: - Quiz auto-grading - Completion auto-tracking - Calendar auto-sync - Enrollment auto-expiry

Workflow Settings: - Blind marking queues - Group submissions - Rubric efficiency - Quick grading tables

Continuous Improvement

Gathering Feedback

During Course: - Quick polls - Forum discussions - Office hours input - Assignment comments

End of Course: - Feedback activity - Official evaluations - Student suggestions - Personal reflection

Analytics Review

After Course Ends: 1. Review completion rates 2. Analyze grade distributions 3. Check engagement metrics 4. Identify problem areas 5. Plan improvements


Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Students Can't Access Content

Possible Causes: - Content hidden - Restrictions in place - Enrollment issues - Date restrictions

Solutions: 1. Check visibility settings 2. Review access restrictions 3. Verify enrollment status 4. Check date settings 5. Test as student (role switch)

Grades Not Appearing

Possible Causes: - Grade item hidden - Category collapsed - Grade not saved - Override in place

Solutions: 1. Check grade item visibility 2. Expand all categories 3. Verify grade saved 4. Check for overrides 5. Review calculation

Submissions Not Received

Possible Causes: - Submission not completed - File too large - Wrong file type - Browser issues

Solutions: 1. Check submission status 2. Review upload limits 3. Verify accepted types 4. Test with different browser 5. Check student email for errors

Quiz Problems

Common Issues: - Timer issues - Question display - Grading errors - Access problems

Solutions: 1. Check quiz settings 2. Preview quiz 3. Review question settings 4. Check grade calculation 5. Reset attempt if needed

Getting Help

Support Resources

Within PulseLMS: - Help documentation - Context-sensitive help - FAQ section

External Support: - Help desk - Training sessions - User community - Knowledge base

Reporting Issues

When Reporting: 1. Describe the problem clearly 2. Include course and activity name 3. Note affected users 4. Provide screenshots 5. List steps to reproduce


Quick Reference

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut Action
E Toggle edit mode (if enabled)
/ Quick navigation search
? Show keyboard help

Essential URLs

Function Navigation Path
Course Settings Gear > Edit settings
Gradebook Navigation > Grades
Participants Navigation > Participants
Reports Navigation > Reports
Question Bank Navigation > Question bank
Content Bank Navigation > Content bank

Common Tasks Checklist

Weekly Maintenance: - [ ] Check new submissions - [ ] Grade pending work - [ ] Respond to forum posts - [ ] Review completion status - [ ] Send announcements - [ ] Prepare next week

Before Course Starts: - [ ] Configure all settings - [ ] Add all content - [ ] Set up gradebook - [ ] Test all activities - [ ] Enable enrollment - [ ] Send welcome message

After Course Ends: - [ ] Submit final grades - [ ] Archive course content - [ ] Review analytics - [ ] Gather feedback - [ ] Document improvements - [ ] Backup course


Appendix A: Activity Settings Reference

Assignment Settings Summary

Setting Options Recommendation
Submission types File, Online text, Both Based on needs
File limit 1-20 1-3 typical
Size limit Up to server max 50MB reasonable
Due date Date/time Clear deadline
Cut-off date Date/time Grace period
Feedback types Comments, Files, PDF Enable all

Quiz Settings Summary

Setting Options Recommendation
Time limit 0-unlimited Appropriate for content
Attempts 1-unlimited Based on purpose
Grading method Highest, Average, First, Last Highest typical
Question behavior Deferred, Immediate Deferred for exams
Navigation Free, Sequential Free typical

Forum Settings Summary

Setting Options Recommendation
Forum type Standard, Q&A, Each person Based on purpose
Subscription Optional, Forced, Auto Forced for announcements
Read tracking Optional, Forced, Off Optional good
Attachments 0-9 3 typical
Grade type None, Point, Scale Based on needs

Appendix B: Grading Scales

Standard Scales

Letter Grade Scale:

A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = Below 60%

Competency Scale:

Exemplary
Proficient
Developing
Beginning
Not Attempted

Custom Scales

Creating custom scales: 1. Course administration > Scales 2. Add a new scale 3. Enter comma-separated values 4. Order: lowest to highest 5. Save and use in activities


Appendix C: Glossary

Term Definition
Activity Interactive element requiring student participation
Completion Tracking system for finished activities
Enrollment Process of adding students to courses
Gradebook System for managing and calculating grades
Grouping Collection of groups for activity restriction
Group Subset of course participants
Resource Static content item (file, page, URL)
Restriction Condition limiting access to content
Rubric Structured grading criteria matrix
Scale Text-based grading options
Section Organizational unit within course
Topic Content section in Topics format

This guide is maintained by the PulseLMS Team. For the latest updates, please check the online documentation.

Document Version: 2.0 Effective Date: January 2025 Review Date: July 2025