Purpose Statement
Adding an external link to a custom online course allows training administrators to direct attendees to websites or online resources outside of First Due as part of their course content.
External links can be configured as required content when attendees must access the resource to receive course credit or as optional content when the link is provided for reference purposes.
Background Information
External links are one of the available content types that can be added to a custom online course in the Training module.
When an attendee selects an external link, they are directed outside of the course to review information available on the linked website.
To add an external link, the course must either be in Draft Status or Published so long as it has not been assigned to another user.
Each content type within an online course is optional and can be added based on the training needs of the course.
Important Note: This is part of a series of steps to create a custom online course. While each content type is not required to create an online course, they are presented in order here for efficient presentation.
Step 1: Course Builder - Overview
Step 2: Adding an mp4
Step 3: Adding a Document
Step 4: Adding an Audio File
Step 5: Adding a Quiz
Step 6: Adding a SCORM file
Step 7: Adding an External Link (This Step)
Required Permissions
Users must have access to the Training module and sufficient permissions to create or edit courses within the Course Library.
If you can access Training but cannot edit a draft course or add course content, contact your First Due administrator to verify your assigned permissions.
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Step-by-Step Guide
Navigate to the Course Library
From the First Due navigation menu, select Training, then select Course Library.
Open a Draft Course or if creating a new course, select Create Course
Locate and open the custom online course you want to continue building.
The course should be in Draft status so its content can be edited.
Open the Add Content Menu
Navigate to the Course Content area.
Select Add Content.
Select External Link
From the available content types, select External Link.
Enter the Content Name
Enter a Content Name that clearly identifies the external resource for course attendees.
Choose Whether the External Link Is Required
Enable the Required toggle if attendees must access the external link as part of receiving credit for the course.
Leave the toggle off if the external link should be included in the course but should not be required for completion.
Leaving the link optional may be useful when the website is being provided as supplemental or reference material.
Enter the Website URL
Enter the website URL in the provided field.
Test the External Link
Select Open in Browser to open the website and verify that the URL was entered correctly.
Confirm that the intended webpage loads before finishing adding the link.
- Save the Content
Save or Publish the Course
Select Preview to preview the Course Content before publishing
Select Save Draft at the top of the page if you want to continue working on the course later.
Select Publish when the course is complete and ready for attendee enrollment.
Best Practices
- Use a clear Content Name that describes the website or resource attendees will access.
- Test the URL using Open in Browser before publishing the course.
- Verify that the link directs attendees to the intended webpage and not just the website's main page when a specific resource is required.
- Enable Required only when accessing the external resource is necessary for receiving course credit.
- Leave supplemental or reference links optional when they should not affect course completion.
- Use reliable external resources that are appropriate for the course topic.
- Periodically verify external links used in active courses to ensure they remain available and continue to direct attendees to the correct content.
- Use Save Draft while additional course content or configuration is still needed.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why can't I add an external link to the course?
The option to edit the course is no longer available. Courses in Draft status and those in published but have yet to be assigned are the only statuses that allow further editing. If the course has already been used, a new version must be created.
What happens when an attendee selects an external link?
The external link directs the attendee outside of the course to review the information available on the linked website.
Does an external link have to be required?
No. Leave the Required toggle off if the link is supplemental or reference material that should not be required for course completion.
What happens when I make an external link required?
The external link becomes part of the required course content attendees must access as part of receiving credit for the course.
How can I verify that the URL is correct?
Select Open in Browser to open the website and confirm that the link directs to the intended page.
What should I do if Open in Browser displays the wrong webpage?
Review the URL entered for the external link and correct it as needed. Select Open in Browser again to verify the updated path.
What if the external website is unavailable?
Verify that the URL was entered correctly. If the URL is correct, the external website or resource may be temporarily unavailable or may have been moved.
Should I select Save Draft or Publish?
Select Save Draft if you are still building or reviewing the course. Select Publish when the course is complete and ready for attendee enrollment.