As the semester progresses, it’s easy for our course shells to become cluttered with outdated materials, unused files, and redundant resources. Like our homes, our digital spaces benefit from a good spring cleaning. This blog will help you tidy up your course shells, ensuring a more organized and efficient teaching environment.

 

⚙️ Accessing Manage Files in your Course

Many instructors might not realize they can access the Manage Files area in D2L Brightspace. This feature allows you to view and manage all the files in your course. 

Here’s how you can access it:

  1. Start by logging into your Falcon Online account.
  2. Navigate to the course you want to clean up.
  3. In the course navigation bar, click on “Course Admin.”
  4. Select “Manage Files.”
    • If the Course Admin section is using the “Category” view, Manage Files will be found under “Site Resources.” 
    • If the Course Admin section is using the “Name” view, Manage Files will be in an alphabetical list.

 

🛠️ Best Practices for File Management

Before making any changes to your course shell, it's essential to take a thorough tour of the existing setup. This involves reviewing all the images, files, and other resources currently in use. By doing so, you can recall what is actively being used and where each item is found. 

Delete topic option within Content in Falcon Online
Helpful tip: 
When removing files from Content, take a moment to think about whether you might need them in the future. If not, choose the second option, "Permanently delete both the topic from Content and the associated file or activity from the course." If you choose the default option, it will remove the file from the Content view, but it will still live in your Manage Files. 

 

  • Use Descriptive Names: Assign clear, specific names to files and folders that reflect their contents or purpose.
  • Backup Important Files: Always keep a backup of essential files before removing them from your course shell (from the Manage Files section, you can download one or multiple files).
  • Maintain Consistency: Instead of duplicating files, update existing ones to keep the course shell clean and organized. 
  • Organize Remaining Files: Create folders for your remaining files, such as images, lecture documents, and supplemental materials.
    • As you plan adjustments, consider the impact of moving files from one folder to another. Such changes can break existing links and placements, requiring updates to ensure everything points to the new location correctly.
  • Review Course Shells Each Semester: Regularly check course shells to ensure all materials are relevant and functioning correctly.


Regularly reviewing and decluttering your course shells helps prevent buildup and supports an organized, efficient digital space. Feel free to share your own tips and experiences with course shell management in the comments below. Happy spring cleaning!

 

We're Here for You

The Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) is always ready to help with any questions you might have! We invite you to book an appointment with one of our friendly instructional designers through the Bookings app. Whether you prefer to meet in person or virtually, we're here for you.

Erin Arthur
Director
Erin.Arthur@daytonastate.edu
386-506-3090
Department of Academic Innovation