Why should I embed videos instead of uploading the file?
Embedding videos in Moodle, instead of uploading, improves the performance of the Moodle page and is more accessible for devices. Users who are viewing the page on a smart phone will have easier access to watch the videos, versus if it is a link to a file.
Embedding will also by-pass the file size limitation of Moodle and not count against any Moodle storage size.
How to I add a Google Drive video to Moodle?
When adding videos to Moodle, is it recommended to store the videos in Google Drive and link or embed this content. There are several positives to this method:
- Improve the student experience!
- The page will load more quickly
- Easier to view on a mobile device
- It will reduce the size of the course
These instructions will reference Google Drive - but this can be applied to any type of video link (Example: YouTube). If you have any questions about linking or embedding content into Moodle, contact the Moodle Team.
Find the Google Drive Embed Code
To obtain the Google Drive embed link, you will have to open the video in a new window. Click on the 3 dots at the top right corner and select Open in new window.
The video will open to a new window. Click on the same 3 dots and you will now see the option for Embed item...
Copy and past all of the code in the box into Moodle.
Keep the sharing access and permissions in mind - in the screenshot above, this video is set so only St. Olaf users can view it. For students to view the video in Moodle, it will need to have "St Olaf only" access or public access.
Embedding the Video in Moodle
Once you have the code for the video, open the Moodle page. Adding the video into a Label will give the most flexibility when configuring and designing the page.
Click Turn editing on for the course page.
Now you can see the editing options for all topics or sections in the course. Click on Add Activity or Resource.
Click on the Resources tab and select Text and media area.
On the Text and media area screen, click on Show More (down pointing arrow) to expand the toolbar.
Select HTML.
Copy and paste the embed code into the field.
After adding the code, click the HTML button again. The video will appear in the field.
Click Save and return to course and the video will appear on the Moodle page.
Add a Google Drive Video as URL Link
To add the video as a link, we will use the URL resource instead of a Label.
Click Turn editing on for the course page. Now you can see the editing options for all topics or sections in the course. Click on Add Activity or Resource.
Click on the Resources tab and select URL.
Add a name for the link in the Name field. In External URL, copy and paste the Google Drive link (Share Link).
Click Save and return to course. The URL link will appear as a clickable resource on the Moodle page.
