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PulseLMS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Overview

This document provides answers to frequently asked questions about PulseLMS. Questions are organized by category for easy navigation.

Table of Contents

  1. General Questions
  2. Account and Login
  3. Courses
  4. Enrollment
  5. Assignments and Submissions
  6. Quizzes and Assessments
  7. Grading
  8. Communication and Collaboration
  9. Technical Issues
  10. Mobile Access
  11. Privacy and Security
  12. Administrator Questions

General Questions

Q1: What is PulseLMS?

A: PulseLMS is a comprehensive learning management system (LMS) designed to facilitate online education, training, and course management. It provides tools for creating courses, managing enrollments, delivering content, assessing learners, and tracking progress. PulseLMS is used by educational institutions, corporations, and organizations worldwide.

Q2: What browsers are supported by PulseLMS?

A: PulseLMS supports the following modern web browsers:

Browser Minimum Version Recommended
Google Chrome 90+ Latest version
Mozilla Firefox 88+ Latest version
Microsoft Edge 90+ Latest version
Safari 14+ Latest version
Opera 76+ Latest version

Internet Explorer is not supported. For the best experience, always use the latest version of your preferred browser with JavaScript enabled.

Q3: Can I use PulseLMS on my mobile device?

A: Yes, PulseLMS is accessible on mobile devices in two ways:

  1. Mobile Browser: Access PulseLMS through your device's web browser. The interface is responsive and adapts to smaller screens.

  2. mobile-responsive web version: Download the official PulseLMS mobile-responsive web version from:

  3. Apple App Store (iOS)
  4. Google Play Store (Android)

The mobile-responsive web version provides offline access to downloaded content, push notifications, and an optimized mobile experience.

Q4: What languages does PulseLMS support?

A: PulseLMS supports over 100 languages through language packs. The system interface, notifications, and help documentation can be displayed in multiple languages. Common supported languages include:

  • English (US and UK variants)
  • Spanish
  • French
  • German
  • Portuguese
  • Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
  • Japanese
  • Arabic
  • Russian
  • Italian

Users can select their preferred language in their profile settings.

Q5: How do I navigate PulseLMS?

A: PulseLMS navigation includes:

  1. Dashboard: Your personalized home page showing enrolled courses, upcoming activities, and recent announcements.

  2. Navigation Drawer: Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) to access site navigation, your courses, and profile options.

  3. Breadcrumbs: Located at the top of the page, showing your current location and allowing quick navigation back through the hierarchy.

  4. Course Navigation: Within courses, use the side navigation or tabs to move between sections.

  5. Search: Use the search function to find courses, content, or users.

Q6: What is the Dashboard?

A: The Dashboard is your personalized landing page in PulseLMS. It typically displays:

  • Course Overview: All your enrolled courses
  • Timeline: Upcoming activities and deadlines
  • Recently Accessed Courses: Quick access to recent courses
  • Blocks: Calendar, upcoming events, announcements
  • Progress Tracking: Your completion status across courses

You can customize your dashboard layout by clicking "Customize this page" when available.

Q7: How do I get help in PulseLMS?

A: Help is available through multiple channels:

  1. Context Help: Click the question mark (?) icons next to fields for specific explanations.

  2. Documentation: Access built-in documentation through the Help link in the footer.

  3. Support Contact: Contact your institution's help desk (see Site Administration for contact information).

  4. Tour Guides: Some pages offer interactive tours explaining features.

Account and Login

Q8: How do I log in to PulseLMS?

A: To log in:

  1. Navigate to your PulseLMS site URL
  2. Click "Log in" in the top right corner
  3. Enter your username and password
  4. Click "Log in"

Some institutions use single sign-on (SSO), which may redirect you to your institution's login page. If you see options like "Log in with Google" or "Log in with [Institution Name]," use the appropriate method.

Q9: I forgot my password. How do I reset it?

A: To reset your password:

  1. Go to the login page
  2. Click "Forgotten your username or password?"
  3. Enter your username OR email address
  4. Click "Search"
  5. Check your email for a password reset link
  6. Click the link and create a new password

If you don't receive the email: - Check your spam/junk folder - Verify you entered the correct email - Contact your system administrator

Q10: How do I change my password?

A: To change your password:

  1. Log in to PulseLMS
  2. Click your profile picture/name in the top right
  3. Select "Preferences"
  4. Click "Change password"
  5. Enter your current password
  6. Enter and confirm your new password
  7. Click "Save changes"

Password requirements typically include: - Minimum 8 characters - At least one uppercase letter - At least one lowercase letter - At least one number - At least one special character

Q11: How do I update my profile information?

A: To update your profile:

  1. Click your profile picture/name
  2. Select "Profile"
  3. Click "Edit profile"
  4. Update desired fields:
  5. Name and email
  6. Profile picture
  7. Description/bio
  8. Location and timezone
  9. Interests
  10. Click "Update profile"

Some fields may be locked by your administrator and cannot be changed.

Q12: How do I change my profile picture?

A: To change your profile picture:

  1. Go to your profile (click name > Profile)
  2. Click "Edit profile"
  3. Scroll to "User picture"
  4. Either:
  5. Drag and drop an image into the box
  6. Click to browse and select a file
  7. Crop if needed
  8. Click "Update profile"

Supported formats: JPG, PNG, GIF. Recommended size: 100x100 pixels minimum.

Q13: Can I use multiple email addresses with my account?

A: No, each PulseLMS account has one primary email address. However:

  • You can change your email address in profile settings (if allowed)
  • Notifications can sometimes be forwarded to multiple addresses via email filters
  • Some institutions may allow email aliases

Contact your administrator if you need notifications sent to multiple addresses.

Q14: Why can't I log in?

A: Common login issues include:

Issue Solution
Wrong password Use "Forgot password" to reset
Account locked Wait 30 minutes or contact admin
Account suspended Contact administrator
Caps Lock on Check keyboard settings
Wrong username Verify username spelling
Browser issue Clear cache, try different browser
SSO problem Log in through institution portal

Courses

Q15: How do I find courses?

A: To find courses:

  1. Course Catalog: Navigate to "All courses" or "Course categories" from the navigation menu.

  2. Search: Use the search box to find courses by name or keyword.

  3. Categories: Browse course categories to find courses by subject or department.

  4. My Courses: Your enrolled courses appear on your Dashboard and in the navigation drawer.

Q16: How do I enroll in a course?

A: Enrollment methods vary:

  1. Self-enrollment:
  2. Find the course
  3. Click "Enrol me"

  4. Enter enrollment key if required

  5. Automatic enrollment:

  6. Some courses enroll you automatically based on your role or group

  7. Manual enrollment:

  8. An instructor or admin enrolls you

  9. You receive an enrollment notification

  10. Payment:

  11. Some courses require payment before enrollment

Q17: Why can't I see a course I'm enrolled in?

A: Possible reasons:

  1. Course is hidden: The instructor hasn't made it visible yet
  2. Enrollment not active: Your enrollment may have a start date
  3. Enrollment expired: Your access period may have ended
  4. Cache issue: Clear your browser cache and refresh
  5. Wrong account: Verify you're logged into the correct account

Check with your instructor or administrator if the issue persists.

Q18: What is a course format?

A: Course formats determine how content is organized:

Format Description
Topics Content organized by topics/sections
Weekly Content organized by weeks
Social Single discussion-based format
Single Activity Course contains one main activity
Grid Visual tiles for each section

Instructors choose the format when creating courses.

Q19: How do I navigate within a course?

A: Course navigation options:

  1. Course Index: Use the side panel to see all sections and jump between them

  2. Section Navigation: Arrow buttons move between sections

  3. Activity Navigation: Some themes show previous/next activity links

  4. Breadcrumbs: Navigate back using the breadcrumb trail

  5. Course Home: Click the course name to return to the main page

Q20: What are course sections?

A: Course sections are containers for organizing content. Depending on the format:

  • Topics format: Sections are numbered topics (Topic 1, Topic 2, etc.)
  • Weekly format: Sections represent weeks with specific dates

Each section can contain: - Activities (assignments, quizzes, forums) - Resources (files, pages, URLs) - Labels (text and media)

Q21: How do I track my progress in a course?

A: Progress tracking options:

  1. Completion Checkmarks: Items show checkmarks when completed
  2. Progress Bar: Some courses display overall progress
  3. Activity Completion Report: View in course menu
  4. Gradebook: Check grades for graded activities
  5. Course Completion: View completion status for courses with completion criteria

Enrollment

Q22: What is self-enrollment?

A: Self-enrollment allows you to enroll yourself in courses:

  1. Find the course you want to join
  2. Click the course name
  3. If self-enrollment is enabled, you'll see "Enrol me"
  4. Enter the enrollment key if required
  5. Click "Enrol me" to complete enrollment

Not all courses allow self-enrollment. If unavailable, contact the instructor.

Q23: What is an enrollment key?

A: An enrollment key is a password that protects course enrollment:

  • Instructors set the key to control who can self-enroll
  • You must enter the correct key to join
  • Keys are case-sensitive
  • Get the key from your instructor or course materials
  • Keys can be changed by instructors at any time

Q24: How do I unenroll from a course?

A: To unenroll yourself (if allowed):

  1. Go to the course
  2. Click the gear icon > "Unenrol me from [course name]"
  3. Confirm unenrollment

Note: Not all courses allow self-unenrollment. You may need to contact the instructor or administrator to be unenrolled.

Q25: What happens when my enrollment expires?

A: When enrollment expires:

  • You lose access to course content
  • Your grades and submissions are preserved (but may not be visible to you)
  • You cannot participate in activities
  • You may be able to re-enroll if the course allows it
  • Contact the instructor if you need extended access

Q26: Can I be enrolled in multiple courses simultaneously?

A: Yes, you can be enrolled in as many courses as needed. There is no limit to simultaneous enrollments (unless your administrator has set restrictions). All enrolled courses appear:

  • On your Dashboard
  • In the navigation drawer under "My courses"
  • In the course overview block

Q27: What enrollment methods are available?

A: Common enrollment methods:

Method Description
Self-enrollment Users enroll themselves
Manual enrollment Instructor/admin enrolls users
Guest access View-only without enrollment
Cohort sync Automatic based on groups
Meta link Enrollment follows another course
PayPal/Payment Enrollment after payment
External database Sync with external systems

Assignments and Submissions

Q28: How do I submit an assignment?

A: To submit an assignment:

  1. Navigate to the assignment in your course
  2. Click "Add submission" or "Edit submission"
  3. Complete the required submission:
  4. File upload: Upload your file(s)
  5. Online text: Type directly in the editor
  6. Both: Some assignments require both
  7. Click "Save changes"
  8. If required, click "Submit assignment" to finalize

Check submission status to confirm successful submission.

Q29: What file types can I submit?

A: Accepted file types depend on assignment settings. Common types include:

  • Documents: PDF, DOC, DOCX, ODT
  • Spreadsheets: XLS, XLSX, ODS
  • Presentations: PPT, PPTX, ODP
  • Images: JPG, PNG, GIF
  • Audio: MP3, WAV, OGG
  • Video: MP4, AVI, MOV
  • Archives: ZIP, RAR

Check the assignment description for specific requirements.

Q30: How do I know my assignment was submitted successfully?

A: Submission confirmation:

  1. Submission Status: Shows "Submitted for grading" (or similar)
  2. Time Stamp: Displays submission date and time
  3. File List: Shows uploaded files
  4. Confirmation Email: Some assignments send email confirmation

Always verify your submission status before leaving the page.

Q31: Can I edit my submission after submitting?

A: It depends on the assignment settings:

  • Draft mode: You can edit until you click final submit
  • Reopen attempts: Instructor may allow resubmission
  • Always allow: Some assignments permit editing until the due date
  • Never after submission: Some lock after first submission

Check the assignment details or contact your instructor.

Q32: What happens if I submit late?

A: Late submission handling depends on assignment settings:

Setting Behavior
Cut-off date enabled No submissions accepted after cut-off
No cut-off date Late submissions accepted but marked late
Grace period Brief extension after due date
Late penalty Automatic point deduction

Late submissions are flagged for instructors. Check with your instructor about late policies.

Q33: How do I submit a group assignment?

A: For group assignments:

  1. Ensure you're assigned to a group
  2. Open the assignment
  3. Any group member can submit
  4. Submission applies to all group members
  5. All group members share the same grade (usually)

Note: Only one group member needs to submit. Verify group membership in course settings.

Q34: How do I check my assignment feedback?

A: To view feedback:

  1. Navigate to the assignment
  2. View your submission
  3. Look for:
  4. Grade
  5. Written feedback
  6. Annotated PDF (if used)
  7. Rubric scores
  8. Audio/video feedback
  9. Or check the Gradebook for grades with feedback links

Quizzes and Assessments

Q35: How do I start a quiz?

A: To begin a quiz:

  1. Navigate to the quiz in your course
  2. Click the quiz link
  3. Review any instructions or time limits
  4. Click "Attempt quiz now"
  5. Answer questions as you go
  6. Navigate using "Next page" or question numbers
  7. Review your answers
  8. Click "Finish attempt" then "Submit all and finish"

Q36: What if I lose connection during a quiz?

A: If you lose connection:

  1. Don't panic: Your answers are typically auto-saved
  2. Reconnect quickly: Return to the quiz as soon as possible
  3. Resume attempt: Your attempt should still be in progress
  4. Time continues: The quiz timer keeps running while you're disconnected
  5. Contact instructor: If you cannot complete due to technical issues

The quiz auto-saves your answers every few minutes (configurable by instructor).

Q37: Can I pause a quiz and come back later?

A: It depends on quiz settings:

  • Timed quiz: Timer continues even if you leave (no true pause)
  • Untimed quiz: You may be able to return later
  • One sitting: Some quizzes require completion in one session

Check quiz settings before starting. When in doubt, complete the quiz in one session.

Q38: How are quiz attempts handled?

A: Quiz attempt settings vary:

Setting Description
Single attempt One chance only
Multiple attempts Specified number of tries
Unlimited attempts No limit on attempts
Grading method Highest, average, first, or last attempt counts

Check the quiz description for attempt limits before starting.

Q39: Why can't I see my quiz results?

A: Quiz review settings control what you see:

  • Immediately after attempt: Some feedback shown
  • Later, while open: More details after quiz closes
  • After quiz closed: Full review available
  • Never: Instructor may hide answers

Review availability is set by instructors based on assessment security needs.

Q40: What question types might I encounter?

A: Common question types:

Type Description
Multiple Choice Select one or more correct answers
True/False Binary choice questions
Matching Match items in two columns
Short Answer Type a brief response
Essay Long-form written response
Numerical Provide a number answer
Calculated Math problems with formulas
Drag and Drop Drag items to correct positions
Cloze Fill in blanks within text

Grading

Q41: Where can I see my grades?

A: Access your grades through:

  1. Course Gradebook:
  2. Go to course

  3. Navigate to "Grades" in course menu

  4. Dashboard Grades:

  5. Click your profile
  6. Select "Grades"

  7. View all courses

  8. Individual Activities:

  9. Open the graded activity
  10. View your submission and grade

Q42: How is my grade calculated?

A: Grade calculation depends on:

  1. Grading Method: Points, percentages, or letter grades
  2. Category Weights: Different categories may have different weights
  3. Aggregation Method:
  4. Weighted mean
  5. Simple weighted mean
  6. Mean of grades
  7. Median
  8. Highest or lowest grade
  9. Extra Credit: May be included
  10. Dropped Grades: Lowest grades may be excluded

View the course gradebook setup for calculation details.

Q43: What do the grade symbols mean?

A: Common grade indicators:

Symbol Meaning
- Not yet graded
NS Not submitted
EX Excused/Exempted
0 Zero grade awarded
Percentage Numeric grade
Letter A-F grade
Pass/Fail Binary result

Q44: Can I see grade statistics or averages?

A: Visibility depends on course settings:

  • Class Average: May be shown in gradebook
  • Grade Distribution: Some courses show histograms
  • Ranking: Relative position may be displayed
  • Hidden by default: Many courses hide comparative data

Privacy settings control what grade information is shared.

Q45: How do I dispute a grade?

A: To question a grade:

  1. Review the assignment/quiz and feedback
  2. Check the grading criteria or rubric
  3. Contact your instructor through:
  4. Course messages
  5. Email
  6. Office hours
  7. Provide specific concerns about the grade
  8. Allow time for review and response

Follow your institution's official grade appeal process for formal disputes.

Q46: Why is my grade different than expected?

A: Common reasons for grade discrepancies:

  1. Weighted categories: Not all items count equally
  2. Penalties: Late penalties or other deductions
  3. Extra credit: May or may not be included
  4. Rounding: Grades may round up or down
  5. Incomplete items: Missing submissions affect average
  6. Grade adjustments: Manual instructor changes
  7. Calculation errors: Report to instructor

Communication and Collaboration

Q47: How do I send a message to my instructor?

A: To message an instructor:

  1. Click the messaging icon in the top navigation
  2. Click the compose/new message icon
  3. Search for your instructor's name
  4. Type your message
  5. Click "Send"

Alternatively: - Go to course participants - Find the instructor - Click their name > "Message"

Q48: How do I participate in forums?

A: Forum participation:

  1. Navigate to the forum
  2. To read: Click on discussion topics
  3. To reply: Click "Reply" on a post
  4. To start new topic: Click "Add a new discussion topic"
  5. Write your post
  6. Attach files if needed
  7. Click "Post to forum"

Some forums may have restrictions on who can start topics.

Q49: What are groups in PulseLMS?

A: Groups organize users within courses:

  • Separate groups: Only see own group's work
  • Visible groups: See all but interact with own group
  • No groups: Everyone interacts together

Groups are used for: - Discussion forums - Assignment submissions - Activity access - Grading organization

Q50: How do I access collaborative activities?

A: Collaborative tools include:

Activity Access Purpose
Wiki Course activity Collaborative writing
Glossary Course activity Shared definitions
Database Course activity Shared collections
Workshop Course activity Peer assessment
Forum Course activity Discussions
Chat Course activity Real-time messaging
BigBlueButton Course activity Video conferencing

Navigate to the activity in your course to participate.

Technical Issues

Q51: Why is PulseLMS running slowly?

A: Performance issues may be caused by:

  1. Browser issues:
  2. Clear cache and cookies
  3. Try incognito/private mode
  4. Update browser

  5. Disable extensions

  6. Connection issues:

  7. Check internet connection
  8. Try wired instead of WiFi

  9. Restart router

  10. Device issues:

  11. Close other applications
  12. Restart device

  13. Check available memory

  14. Server issues:

  15. Check site status announcements
  16. Try again later
  17. Report to administrator

Q52: Why can't I upload files?

A: File upload issues:

Problem Solution
File too large Compress or split file
Wrong file type Check accepted formats
Network timeout Try smaller file, better connection
Browser issue Try different browser
Quota exceeded Delete old files, contact admin
Permission denied Check you have upload rights

Maximum file sizes are set by administrators and instructors.

Q53: Why don't videos play?

A: Video playback troubleshooting:

  1. Browser support: Update browser, try different one
  2. Plugin/codec: Install required codecs
  3. Network: Check connection speed
  4. Ad blockers: Disable ad blockers for the site
  5. Flash (legacy): Some old content may need updating
  6. Mobile: Some formats may not work on mobile

Try downloading the video if direct playback fails.

Q54: How do I clear my browser cache?

A: Cache clearing by browser:

Chrome: 1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac) 2. Select time range: "All time" 3. Check "Cached images and files" 4. Click "Clear data"

Firefox: 1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete 2. Select "Everything" 3. Check "Cache" 4. Click "OK"

Safari: 1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Advanced 2. Enable "Show Develop menu" 3. Develop > Empty Caches

Edge: 1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete 2. Select "All time" 3. Check "Cached images and files" 4. Click "Clear now"

Q55: Why am I getting logged out unexpectedly?

A: Automatic logout reasons:

  1. Session timeout: Inactive for too long
  2. Multiple sessions: Login elsewhere logs you out
  3. Cookie issues: Browser clearing cookies
  4. Maintenance: System updates in progress
  5. Security policy: Forced logout for security

To avoid: Keep active, don't use "private browsing" for extended sessions.

Q56: What if I encounter an error message?

A: When you see an error:

  1. Note the error: Record the exact message
  2. Refresh: Try reloading the page
  3. Navigate away: Go to another page and return
  4. Clear cache: Clear browser cache and retry
  5. Different browser: Try another browser
  6. Report: Contact support with:
  7. Error message
  8. What you were doing
  9. Time it occurred
  10. Your browser and device

Mobile Access

Q57: How do I download the PulseLMS mobile-responsive web version?

A: Download the mobile-responsive web version:

iOS: 1. Open App Store 2. Search for "PulseLMS" or your institution's app name 3. Tap "Get" to download 4. Open app and enter your site URL 5. Log in with your credentials

Android: 1. Open Google Play Store 2. Search for "PulseLMS" or your institution's app name 3. Tap "Install" 4. Open app and enter your site URL 5. Log in with your credentials

Q58: How do I download content for offline access?

A: Offline content (mobile-responsive web version):

  1. Open the PulseLMS app
  2. Navigate to the course
  3. Look for the download icon next to content
  4. Tap to download
  5. Access offline from "Downloaded content"

Note: Not all content types support offline access. Quizzes and some interactive content require connectivity.

Q59: Can I submit assignments from my phone?

A: Yes, mobile assignment submission:

  1. Open the PulseLMS app or mobile site
  2. Navigate to the assignment
  3. Tap "Add submission"
  4. Choose submission method:
  5. Take photo (for documents)
  6. Select file from device
  7. Record audio/video (if enabled)
  8. Type online text
  9. Submit your work

File size limits may apply. Ensure good connectivity for uploads.

Q60: Do push notifications work on mobile?

A: Push notifications (mobile-responsive web version):

  1. Enable notifications in app settings
  2. Select which notifications to receive:
  3. Messages
  4. Calendar reminders
  5. Assignment deadlines
  6. Forum replies
  7. Grade notifications
  8. Adjust frequency preferences
  9. Ensure device allows notifications for the app

Privacy and Security

Q61: Is my data secure in PulseLMS?

A: PulseLMS security measures:

  • Encryption: Data encrypted in transit (HTTPS)
  • Authentication: Secure login systems
  • Access control: Role-based permissions
  • Session security: Automatic timeout
  • Password policies: Strong password requirements
  • Audit logs: Activity tracking
  • Regular updates: Security patches applied

Your institution may have additional security policies.

Q62: Who can see my grades?

A: Grade visibility:

Role Can See
You Your own grades
Instructors All student grades in their courses
Administrators All grades site-wide
Other students Usually cannot see your grades
Parents/Mentors Only if specifically configured

Grade sharing with other students depends on privacy settings.

Q63: How do I control my privacy settings?

A: Privacy controls:

  1. Go to your profile
  2. Click "Preferences"
  3. Under "Privacy":
  4. Control who sees your online status
  5. Manage profile visibility
  6. Configure email display
  7. Under "Messaging":
  8. Control who can message you

Some settings may be locked by your administrator.

Q64: Can instructors see when I'm online?

A: Online presence tracking:

  • Instructors may see when you last accessed the course
  • Activity completion times are logged
  • Some activities track time spent
  • Online status can be hidden in privacy settings

This data helps instructors support student engagement.

Q65: How long is my data retained?

A: Data retention varies:

  • During enrollment: Full access to your data
  • After enrollment ends: Course data typically preserved
  • Account deletion: Contact administrator for data removal
  • Legal requirements: Some data retained per regulations

Check your institution's data retention policy for specifics.

Administrator Questions

Q66: How do I add new users?

A: User creation methods:

  1. Manual:
  2. Site Administration > Users > Add a new user
  3. Fill in required fields

  4. Set authentication method

  5. Upload:

  6. Site Administration > Users > Upload users
  7. Prepare CSV file with user data

  8. Upload and process

  9. Self-registration:

  10. Enable self-registration in authentication settings

  11. Users register themselves

  12. External sync:

  13. Configure LDAP, database, or other sync
  14. Users created automatically

Q67: How do I create a new course?

A: Course creation:

  1. Go to Site Administration > Courses > Manage courses and categories
  2. Select the target category
  3. Click "Create new course"
  4. Fill in:
  5. Course full name
  6. Course short name
  7. Category
  8. Start date
  9. Format and other settings
  10. Click "Save and return"

Assign instructors via course enrollment.

Q68: How do I assign roles to users?

A: Role assignment:

System-wide roles: 1. Site Administration > Users > Permissions > Assign system roles 2. Select role 3. Add users

Course roles: 1. Go to course 2. Participants > Enrolled users 3. Click user's role 4. Assign new role

Category roles: 1. Site Administration > Courses > Manage courses and categories 2. Click category settings 3. Assign roles

Q69: How do I backup the entire site?

A: Site backup components:

  1. Database backup: 

    mysqldump -u user -p database > backup.sql

  2. File backup:

  3. Backup PulseLMS data directory

  4. Backup PulseLMS code (if modified)

  5. Automated backups:

  6. Configure in Site Administration > Courses > Backups

  7. Set schedule and retention

  8. Course backups:

  9. Individual or automated course backups

Combine all components for complete disaster recovery.

Q70: How do I update PulseLMS?

A: Update process:

  1. Prepare:
  2. Backup database and files
  3. Enable maintenance mode

  4. Review release notes

  5. Update code:

  6. Download new version

  7. Replace files (preserve config.php)

  8. Run upgrade:

  9. Visit site in browser
  10. Follow upgrade prompts

  11. Or use CLI: php admin/cli/upgrade.php

  12. Verify:

  13. Test functionality
  14. Check error logs
  15. Disable maintenance mode

Q71: How do I install plugins?

A: Plugin installation:

  1. From ZIP:
  2. Download plugin
  3. Site Administration > Plugins > Install plugins
  4. Upload ZIP file

  5. Follow prompts

  6. Manual installation:

  7. Extract plugin to correct directory

  8. Visit notifications page to trigger install

  9. From plugin directory:

  10. Site Administration > Plugins > Install plugins
  11. Search directory
  12. Install directly

Always backup before installing plugins.

Q72: How do I configure authentication?

A: Authentication setup:

  1. Site Administration > Plugins > Authentication > Manage authentication
  2. Enable desired methods:
  3. Manual accounts (default)
  4. LDAP
  5. OAuth 2 (Google, Microsoft, etc.)
  6. SAML/SSO
  7. Email-based self-registration
  8. Configure each method's settings
  9. Set default method
  10. Order methods by priority

Q73: How do I manage enrollments in bulk?

A: Bulk enrollment options:

  1. Cohorts:
  2. Create cohorts (user groups)

  3. Sync cohorts to courses

  4. CSV upload:

  5. Prepare enrollment file

  6. Course > Participants > Enrol users > Upload

  7. Flat file:

  8. Configure flat file enrollment

  9. Process enrollment file automatically

  10. External database:

  11. Sync with external enrollment system

Q74: How do I view activity logs?

A: Log access:

  1. Course logs:
  2. Course > Reports > Logs

  3. Filter by participant, activity, date

  4. Live logs:

  5. Course > Reports > Live logs

  6. Real-time activity monitoring

  7. Site logs:

  8. Site Administration > Reports > Logs

  9. Log store:

  10. Site Administration > Plugins > Logging
  11. Configure log storage

Q75: How do I configure email settings?

A: Email configuration:

  1. Site Administration > Server > Email > Outgoing mail configuration
  2. Configure SMTP:
  3. SMTP host
  4. SMTP port
  5. SMTP security (TLS/SSL)
  6. SMTP authentication
  7. Username/password
  8. Set support and noreply addresses
  9. Test with email test link

Additional Questions

Q76: How do competencies and learning plans work?

A: Competency framework:

  1. Enable: Site Administration > Competencies
  2. Create frameworks: Define competency hierarchies
  3. Add to courses: Link competencies to activities
  4. Track progress: Students rated on competencies
  5. Learning plans: Students have personalized competency plans

Competencies provide skills-based learning tracking.

Q77: What are badges and how do I earn them?

A: Badge system:

Earning badges: - Complete activities - Finish courses - Achieve competencies - Meet custom criteria

Viewing badges: - Profile > Badges - Course badges page

External sharing: - Export to Open Badges backpack - Share on LinkedIn, etc.

Q78: How does the calendar work?

A: Calendar features:

  • Views: Month, day, upcoming
  • Event types: Site, course, user, group
  • Auto-events: Due dates appear automatically
  • Manual events: Create personal events
  • Export: iCal subscription
  • Import: Add external calendars

Access via Dashboard or calendar block.

Q79: What accessibility features are available?

A: Accessibility in PulseLMS:

  • Screen reader compatibility: ARIA labels
  • Keyboard navigation: Full keyboard access
  • High contrast: Theme options
  • Text resizing: Supports browser zoom
  • Accessibility checker: Editor tool
  • Alt text: Image descriptions required
  • Captioning: Video caption support

PulseLMS follows WCAG 2.1 guidelines.

Q80: How do I use the content bank?

A: Content bank usage:

  1. Access via course or site navigation
  2. Create content (H5P, etc.)
  3. Store and organize
  4. Reuse across courses
  5. Share with colleagues

Content bank centralizes reusable learning content.

Quick Reference

Task Path
View grades Profile > Grades
Change password Preferences > Change password
Update profile Profile > Edit profile
Send message Messaging icon > New message
Find courses Navigation > All courses
View calendar Dashboard > Calendar
Access help Footer > Help link

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut Action
Tab Navigate between elements
Enter Activate buttons/links
Space Toggle checkboxes
Escape Close dialogs
Alt+Shift+L Log out (some themes)
Ctrl+S Save (in editors)

Support Contacts

For issues not addressed in this FAQ: - Technical support: Contact your system administrator - Course questions: Contact your instructor - Account issues: Contact the help desk

This FAQ is for PulseLMS. Content may vary based on your institution's configuration. For the most current information, consult your system administrator.