Moodle: Blocks

Overview

Blocks are panels of information that can be added to the Moodle dashboard and course pages. Both students and instructors can use blocks on their Moodle Dashboard but only instructors and course editors can add blocks to course pages. In this article, learn how to add and configure blocks to best suit your needs.

Adding a Block

1. Turn on Edit mode in the top right corner
2. On the dashboard
   (blocks added on the dashboard are only visible to you)
   1. Click Add a block at the top center of the screen 
   2. Or open the Block drawer on the right-hand side of page
      1. click the arrow on the right edge of the screen if the drawer is collapsed
      2.  click Add a block
   3. Choose an option from the list of blocks available
3. On the course page
   (blocks added on a course page will be visible to all who visit the course)
   1. Open the Block drawer
      1. Click the arrow on the right edge of the screen if ) and click Add a block
   2. Choose an option from the list of blocks available

Useful Block Types

Moodle allows you to have a number of different blocks, some of which appear exclusively on the dashboard or in the course and some that appear on both. Here is a list of some available blocks and a brief explanation of what they do. There are a lot more blocks available, which you are welcome to explore on your own and see which would be useful to you.

Available on the Dashboard

Blocks added on the dashboard are only visible to you.

• Starred Courses: provides links to starred courses. 
• Carleton Resources: information block about various resources on campus
• Text…: Allows you to add a text block. 
• Configurable Reports: list of reports about forums, assignments, failed emails, and more
• Time related Blocks: Upcoming Events, Timeline, Calendar

Available on a Course Page

Blocks added on a course page will be visible to all who visit the course.

• Special characters block: great for language courses
• Latest Announcements : displays the latest announcements. 
• Completion Progress: color-coded visual representation of activities to be completed
• Carleton Resources: information block about various resources on campus
• Text…: Allows you to add a text block. 
• Time related Blocks: Upcoming Events and Calendar

Questions?

If you need further assistance or have specific questions that aren't covered in this article, please don't hesitate to reach out for personalized support by submitting a Moodle Support ticket. 

Acknowledgement 

Created by Aleksander Prasolov, Tue 10/12/21. Last updated by Paul Claudel Izabayo ’25, 11/30/23.

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