The "New Widget" Tool

Within D2L, there is often a logical place to upload certain information. But what if we want our students to view something very specific and we want that content displayed for most of the semester on the course homepage? D2L has a "New Widget" tool that can be customized and placed on your homepage for these purposes.

Many of you will want to follow these steps to create the "Course homepage image" for your particular course.

- Creating the widget:
Within your D2L page, in the top right of the page go to Edit Course > Widgets

Next, you will need to name your widget and then add the content that you want your widget to display. (If you add text within the "Description", that text will not appear for the students.) In order to insert content for your students to view, go to the "Content" tab and add in a photo or text or video or links. Then "Save".

- Inserting your widget into your homepage:

For your students to view the widget, you will need to activate it in your homepage. Go to Edit Course > Homepages. Then, select the homepage that you are using*. Select the Content/Layout tab and then Add Widget. Find your new Widget using the Name that you gave it above. Check the box next to that widget and select Save. Your New widget will now appear on your course homepage!

* if you have not yet made a "Copy of the Course Default" you will need to do this step first.