Link files in templates
One suggestion for course files, it looks like if I attach a file to a top-level template, and I want all course outlines to access it, I'll need to copy files throughout and will end up with hundreds of copies of it. Is that correct? If so, you should find a way to link files in syllabus templates the same way you do written content.
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This is one of the areas of our system that is a bit less efficient than other :-( Because it’s syllabus items that are linked and not course files, the files themselves are not passed down the same way that updates to content are. Therefore you might find yourself duplicating files if that is a requirement of lower level templates.
Given our current functionality, this is what you should remember: If you clone a course or a template, you have the option of choosing whether or not to clone files with it. So, regardless of whether you are working with linked templates or regular courses, the files themselves will themselves be always copies. Further, that means if you update the file itself from any higher-level template, it will not push such changes down.
This is an area we would like to work on but it still appears that most template designers are not including these sorts of content elements. Now you can help provide some motivation for said new capabilities!
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We had one workaround presented to us that I'd like to share.
"I think the simplest solution is to include a link to the actual file in the text of the template. Then that link will carry through to linked templates and even to courses that copy that template."
Definitely!
Also, if you’re concerned about versioning, you can always leave each revision of documents up on the web and point to the one that will be relevant. As noted, the link is simply text and can be updated at any time.
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