Web Object Learning Modules

Web Objects are a type of tracked content that can be created and used in Axis LMS as you would a Graded Quiz or Presentation. These modules allow you to deliver the greatest variety of content, because they are created (essentially) as a wrapper for any other type of online page. This module type isn’t necessarily used for tracking scores inside the LMS, but excels at making sure your users access the content you’re putting up; regardless of the format. And with the drag and drop functionality of the Course Builder, they are also the easiest module type to create.

Although they all accomplish the same general idea -wrap data so that it can be tracked in Axis LMS - there are different sub-types, which behave slightly differently, or user a render unique to that sub-type.

  • Embedded Webpage: Embed a Page URL so that you can halt a user until they’ve viewed the page.
  • HTML Wrapper: Upload an entire Zip package to create a miniature web program for your users to complete.
  • Survey Wrapper: Use this to wrap your surveys for distribution in your courses.
  • GoToMeeting: Give your users a way to join you on GoTo Meeting, and be tracked inside the LMS.
  • Microsoft Web Apps Viewer: Track and Deliver Microsoft documents to your users using an engine created by and specifically for Microsoft and their products.
  • Other: If you’re not sure what sub-type your content is, try the ‘other’ sub-type
When you drag and drop your PowerPoint presentations, PDFs and other documents into the course builder they will also go in as Web Objects and will also be tracked.


How to Make a Web Object

For most Web Objects, you will be able to drag and drop your file into the Course Builder to have the module created on the fly.

Courses > Learning Objects > New Learning Object > Web Object

If you're creating a Web Object that isn't just a file, or if you'd prefer to prepare your Module before adding it, you'll need to follow the breadcrumbs above.

If you're not using the Drag and Drop functionality to create your web object, you’re going to first need to evaluate what it is you’re going to be making the Web object out of. Almost every admin will be able to take advantage of the Drag and Drop to add their documents, which covers a wide range of the most commonly used file types: PDFs, DOC[X], XLS[X], and PPT[X]


Other admins, will be able to take fast advantage of the Calculator, Survey Wrapper, and GoToMeeting sub-types. All ready to go with little to no preparation.

But perhaps the most powerful and versatile sub-types are the Embedded Webpage, HTML Wrapper, and the Embed Code.

Below are some of the most common scenarios which Web Objects can be used to address.

Delivering PDFs

    PDFs can be created as web objects on the fly via the Course Builder
 

If you’d like to deliver a PDF as a piece of tracked content, possibly with a Time Requirement, you’ll want to first drag and drop the PDF into the Course Content Builder. When delivering a PDF outside specific viewers, the PDF will be viewed using the browser’s default PDF viewer; which may change from User to User. By delivering via a Web Object, you’re ensuring that every user has the same experience when they open the PDF.


But depending on the Contents of the PDF, you may opt to turn it into a Presentation; making Slides out of the PDF, then adding them into a Non-Graded Quiz.

Delivering Excel, MS Word, and PowerPoint

Most Microsoft Office files can be created as web objects on the fly via the Course Builder

The preferred method to bring your documents in through the Course Builder. By uploading your Microsoft Office documents on the fly via the Course Builder, Axis LMS is able to handle large file sizes as well as make excellent conversions of your documents ready for use and able to be universally delivered to all of your users.

As some of the most universally accessible software, it only makes sense that Microsoft’s Excel, Word, and PowerPoint files have a place inside Axis LMS. But which Web Object sub-type you use to deliver these files ultimately comes down to your own preference. Using the Microsoft Web Apps Viewer, you can quickly upload your DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, and PPTX files to your Axis LMS system; the only drawback of these sub-types is that some presentations may be too large to upload as a single file, and should be broken into smaller pieces.

      If your presentation is too big, image optimization can significantly reduce the file size.

Microsoft Word Alternatives
 
Slide Bank > Import Questions
 
If you’re not satisfied with the drag and drop via the Course Builder or the Microsoft Web Apps Viewer, you can also choose to convert your DOC and DOCX files into PDFs. Alternatively, with a small bit of preparation, you can convert your Microsoft Word document into Slides and quizzes. Read more about creating and working with Slides here.

PowerPoint Alternatives
 
New Learning Object > SlidePoint
 
If you’re not satisfied with the drag and drop via the Course Builder, you’re able to quickly spin your PowerPoint presentations into SlidePoint presentations by using the SlidePoint converter. Read more about converting and working with SlidePoint here.
 
You could also use content development software such as Adobe Captivate or Articulate Storyline where you can import your PowerPoint presentation then export it into SCORM 1.2. Read more about working with SCORM here.

Survey
 
Online Courses > Surveys
 
This article goes into more detail, but when using surveys in Axis LMS, you give your Survey a name and a Visual theme ... 

 
Then create the Questions for your Survey.
 

Adding to a Course

This article goes into more detail on the layout and display of your Course pages, but as a quick overview ...
 
Learning > Online Courses > Manage Courses > Course Content > Add your content to the Subsection > Submit Changes
 
 
If you prepared your module before adding it to the Course (its not being created on the spot), you can add your modules to a Course by managing your courses, then selecting the Course Content icon. Select the Browse option, then select then filter by Web Objects, and select your module. Save your changes and you’re done.

Web Object settings

All Web Objects use three groups of settings: General Settings, Branding & Design, and Feedback & Responses.

Opening up the General Settings gives you the ability to change the display name of the quiz (what your user sees), as well as add time requirements which the user must meet to complete the module.


Depending on the sub-type, you may also be prompted to select different options.

HTML 5 Wrapper
    select Launch File, and send additional Parameters
Document Viewer
    Update referenced File
The Branding & Design will allow you to change the default window size and add your own CSS to the module. Because most of the visuals are decided from the embedded Web Page, there is very little to adjust from the LMS side of things.

The last area you’ll want to check out before you finish your changes to the Web Object is the Feedback and Responses page. When a user completes or pauses the module, they’re brought to a final page before closing out of the learning object - here is where you edit that page. There are two pages you’ll want to modify, for both scenarios a user may encounter (Complete / Pause). Use the built in editors and placeholders to add images, and brand the pages to meet your standards.