Copy content in Minerva - Staff Guide
For technical reasons, and to ensure that module areas are uncluttered, content will not be automatically copied from the previous instance of a module. Copy tools exist to help you to reuse content from Minerva modules (and organisations) where necessary.
However, prior to copying it is recommended that staff first review their teaching content.
Do not attempt to copy entire modules.
In this guide
How content types copy
In general, all content copies as hidden from students. If you had date/performance or group rules, these are copied but will need to be reviewed.
Assessment tools
Although many assessment tools will copy, all will need careful review (for example, due dates will need to be updated.)
- Turnitin/Blackboard Assignments and Tests - will work after copying but settings/deadlines will need reviewing. Note for Tests, if you have multiple Tests using the same Question Bank, copy them all the Tests at the same time (otherwise you will end up with multiple copies of the Question Bank)
- Buddycheck, Gradescope assignments, MATLAB, Mobius, PebblePad - if you copy you are prompted to set up the assessments for the new module
- Feedback Fruits and Notable- copy but will result in technical issues. Do not copy these items.
- Labster - copies successfully
There is also a separate Turnitin Assignment Copy feature which you can use if preferred. See the Turnitin guide on copying assignments for more information
Communication/collaboration tools
| Feature/Content Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Announcement | Will copy. |
| Discussions/Journals and Conversations | Will copy as empty. You will need to review and update any due dates. |
| Microsoft Class Teams/Meetings | These must be set up for the new module. |
Other
| Feature/Content Type | Note |
|---|---|
| Ultra Document, Links, Images and Files | Will copy. |
| Module image (banner) | Will copy. Located in settings. |
| Folder/Learning Modules | Copying is only recommended for learning resources. Content should be reviewed thoroughly, in particular any assessment items as these may break and will have incorrect due dates. |
| Embedded or linked videos | Will copy as part of a Document. Check the permissions - you may need to adjust them to ensure students on the module can view. |
| Mediasite videos | Will copy. |
| Padlet | A link to the original Padlet will be created (not a new Padlet). |
| Vevox | Creates a broken link when copied - must be deleted and recreated. |
Top tips for copying content
Top 10 tips
Before copying any content, we recommend reading our top 10 tips:
| Action / area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| 1. Follow the institutional template | Where possible, stick to the structure in the institutional template. |
| 2. Copy approach | It is strongly encouraged that you copy individual files and Minerva documents where possible. Do not copy an entire module, as not all content types will copy well. |
| 3. Module structure | Folders and learning modules that aren’t part of the institutional template (e.g. weekly learning resources) can be copied, but content should be reviewed and updated where appropriate. |
| 4. Blackboard assessment tools | You are recommended to recreate assessment items where possible. If copying Blackboard tests or assignments, you will need to review and update any due dates. |
| 5. Integrated assessment tools | If copying folders/learning modules that include any of the integrated assessment tools listed at the top of this page, you will need to set them up again, and review or add due dates in most cases. |
| 6. Structure depth | Structure depth is limited to two levels. This can be a learning module and a folder, or two folders. |
| 7. Copying content into areas | If you are copying content to a folder/learning module, click on the area that you wish to add content to and select the Copy content option within the folder/learning module. |
| 8. Check, and cleanup copied content | Always check the content you have copied across to ensure it has been copied as expected. Delete any empty learning modules or folders. |
| 9. Student visibility | Copied content is hidden from students by default; you will need to change the visibility for students to access it. |
| 10. Student preview | Review the module using student preview to check the student experience. |
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How to copy content
We recommend that you do not attempt to copy entire modules.
1. When copying content in Minerva, you will need to carry this out from the module you want to copy content into. From the Module Content page navigate to the appropriate area in the module where you’d like the content to be added, this will differ depending on whether you are copying Learning Modules/folders or individual items.
2. To copy a Learning Module or folder click the + sign in the appropriate part of your module, then select Copy Content from the menu options.
To copy individual items into a folder or Learning Module click the Learning Module or folder first, to open it, then select copy content inside the Learning Module/folder.
This is an appropriate scenario when copying individual items from within the Assessment and Feedback folder. As advised in the top tips section it is recommended that you don’t copy the Assessment and Feedback folder.
3. The Copy Content panel will open, and you will see a list of the modules and organisations you have editing rights on. Use the search to locate the relevant module, then click on the module name you want to copy from.
Duplicating content in the same module
If you’d like to duplicate content you have already created in the same module select the name of the module you are currently editing in the search field instead of a different module.
4. Find the content you want to copy and select the relevant checkboxes (note that you can copy more than one item at a time). As outlined in our copying top tips, remember not to copy an entire module.
5. Now select Copy selected content.
If you have difficulty finding the content you’d like to copy, you can return to the previous folder/section or a different module by clicking the folder icon above the section you are currently browsing.
Depending on the amount of content copied it may take several minutes for the process to complete.
Copied content is hidden from students by default, you will need to change the visibility for students to access it.
For step-by-step written guidance on using the Batch Edit tool to make multiple items available, see the Batch Edit guide.
Restructuring copied content in your module
If you accidentally copy content into the wrong part of the module or would just like to reorder/restructure, you can do so by hovering over the relevant piece of content, where you will see an up/down arrow to the right. Select the arrows to drag and drop the content to the desired area.
Issues and exceptions copying content
If any problems are encountered when copying content, an error report will appear at the top of the Module Content page. They are usually advisory, but it is strongly recommended that you always review all copied content to ensure it has copied successfully, and as expected.
