Moodle 3.0 has been a welcome upgrade from our previous version and includes many security, bug fixes, and interface enhancements. It also now smartly decides how file content should accessed by students based on the file-type and context the file is published in.
For example, after adding a document (such as a Word document, or PowerPoint file) to a course, Moodle automatically allows users to download the file. When adding a video file, Moodle automatically brings up the embedded video player when the item is clicked on.
The behaviour for audio file is similar to video, in that the file is played in an embedded player within the browser. This is great in most cases. However, we have in the past, allowed users to download audio files so the files can be played offline such as in the car on a smartphone.
We can still allow users to accomplish this, but the setting will need be changed manually for audio files. Here is how.
Allow downloading of audio files
- In the course page when adding an activity or resource, choose File from the Resources section of the Add an activity or resource menu. Or, find the item, click the Edit drop-down and choose Edit settings.
- In the Update: File screen look for the Appearance section.
- In the Appearance section, change the Display setting to either Open or Force download. Details for each setting are below.
- Click Save and Return to Course or Save and Display.
- The file can now be downloaded and saved offline.
Display settings explained
This setting, together with the file type and whether the browser allows embedding, determines how the file is displayed. Options may include:
- Automatic – The best display option for the file type is selected automatically. This is the default setting for content of type file.
- Embed – The file is displayed within the page below the navigation bar together with the file description and any blocks.
- Force download – The user is prompted to download the file.
- Open – Only the file is displayed in the browser window. This will allow users the best of both worlds. To download the file, users will need to right-click on the link and select Save Link As…
- In pop-up – The file is displayed in a new browser window without menus or an address bar
