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Getting started: a guide on how to add materials to the CMR

Organisation and structure of the CMR

If you have not already done so, we recommend that you read about the CMR, and also about its organisation and structure.

Getting access to the CMR

Lecturers wishing to build online module resources as part of the Course Materials Repository should in the first instance contact the Learning Technology Team (e-mail: ltt). We can then discuss the planned resources, arrange for space to be made available on the CMR webserver and establish any training needs for the lecturers concerned.

Any problems/queries or access requests for the CMR (via MIS Apps), please contact the Course Records Team, Systems Administration Office, Academic Section; email: crt (non Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk).

Which publishing method to use?

You can publish pages on the CMR using a 'drag and drop' method or by using Microsoft FrontPage. Both methods have various advantages and disadvantages, which are summarised below.

Drag and drop publishing

Simply map a network drive and copy files.

Advantages:

  • Easier than FrontPage publishing.
  • CMR will automatically create page links.
  • Supports off-campus editing (via FTP).

Disadvantages:

  • No/Minimal control over appearance (WSU can make basic changes to wording).
  • File descriptions are limited to the name of the file.

More information:

Example page: http://courses.essex.ac.uk/wa/wa101/
Learn more about drag and drop publishing.

FrontPage publishing

Files are published to the web via FrontPage.

Advantages:

  • Complete control over appearance, structure, etc; all editable.
  • File descriptions can be anything, link defined in HTML.
  • Supports off-campus editing (via FrontPage)

Disadvantages:

  • Harder to use than drag and drop publishing.
  • Pages and links have to be built using HTML, i.e. not automatically generated by CMR.

More information:

Example page: http://courses.essex.ac.uk/wa/wa102/
Learn more about FrontPage publishing.

Course materials hosted elsewhere

Individual lecturers who already have online module resources hosted elsewhere (eg on departmental websites or on the privatewww webserver) may still include details and links to their resources from the CMR, as this provides students with a standardised route to module materials. Please contact your departmental CMR Administrator to create this link.

There is also the option for departments to take full control of their listings in the CMR, using an MIS application; for more details please contact the Course Records Team, Systems Administration Office, Academic Section; email: crt (non Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk)

Note: once your materials are linked from the CMR please inform us if you change their location, or if they become unavailable for any reason, so that CMR links can be kept up to date.

Exam papers on the web

The CMR is also capable of hosting past exam papers in electronic form. Please see the past exam papers on the web page for more information.

Common problems

The details for the course I teach are wrong.
The module I teach is not listed!
I am having problems with MIS Apps.
Please contact the Course Records Team, Systems Administration Office, Academic Section; email: crt (non Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk)

My module materials aren't stored on the CMR, can I still link to them?
Yes. See the section above regarding module materials hosted elsewhere.

I get a "404 Page not found" error when visiting my module.
You will need to contact the Learning Technology Team (e-mail: ltt)

The restricted folder is broken ...
... I always get 'Error: Access restrictions in place' when trying to view pages.
... I can access the materials even though I am off-campus.
... I deleted it by mistake!
In each of these cases, you will need to contact the Learning Technology Team (e-mail: ltt)

Female student