UNIT – 3: E-Publication

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3.1 Electronic Publishing (E-publishing) Introduction:
Electronic publishing, also known as e-publishing, has revolutionized the way
information is disseminated and consumed in the digital age. It encompasses the
creation, distribution, and consumption of content in electronic formats, such as e-
books, online magazines, and digital newspapers. With the widespread availability
of internet access and the proliferation of e-readers, smartphones, and tablets, e-
publishing has gained immense popularity and transformed the publishing industry.
This dynamic medium offers numerous advantages, including cost-effectiveness,
accessibility, and interactivity, allowing individuals and organizations to reach a
global audience and explore innovative approaches to content creation and
delivery. As technology continues to evolve, e-publishing plays a pivotal role in
shaping the future of reading, knowledge sharing, and the way we engage with
written materials.

What is Electronic Publishing (E-publishing)?

Electronic publishing, commonly referred to as e-publishing, is the process of
creating, distributing, and consuming digital content in various electronic formats.
It encompasses the production of electronic books (e-books), online magazines,
digital newspapers, and other forms of digital literature. Unlike traditional print
publishing, which relies on physical copies, e-publishing leverages technology and
the internet to make content available to a wide audience across different devices
such as e-readers, smartphones, tablets, and computers. With e-publishing, authors,
publishers, and readers benefit from its inherent advantages, including cost-
effectiveness, global accessibility, and interactive features that enhance the reading
experience. By embracing digital platforms and tools, e-publishing has transformed
the publishing landscape, providing new avenues for content creation, distribution,
and engagement in the modern age.
E-publishing can be represented as

Electronic publishing = Electronic technology + computer technology +

communication technology + publishing.

E-publishing can indeed be represented as the combination of various key

elements: electronic technology, computer technology, communication technology,
and publishing. Electronic technology forms the foundation of e-publishing,
enabling the digitization of content and its transformation into electronic formats
such as e-books and digital documents. Computer technology plays a crucial role
in the creation, editing, and formatting of electronic content, providing the
necessary tools and software for authors and publishers. Communication
technology, particularly the internet, facilitates the distribution and dissemination
of digital content to a global audience, eliminating geographical barriers and
enabling instant access. Lastly, publishing encompasses the overall process of
producing, organizing, and presenting digital content in a coherent and professional
manner. Together, these components intertwine to form the multifaceted landscape
of e-publishing, revolutionizing the way information is created, shared, and
consumed in the digital era.
Need for the Electronic Publishing
The need for electronic publishing has become increasingly evident in today’s
digital landscape. With the rapid advancements in technology and the widespread
adoption of digital devices, there is a growing demand for immediate access to
information. Electronic publishing fulfills this need by providing a platform for the
creation, distribution, and consumption of digital content. It offers convenience and
accessibility, allowing users to access a wealth of information anytime, anywhere,
with just a few clicks. Moreover, electronic publishing addresses the changing
preferences of readers who seek lightweight and portable alternatives to traditional
print materials. By embracing digital formats, it also promotes cost-effectiveness
and environmental sustainability, reducing reliance on paper and minimizing
waste. Additionally, electronic publishing facilitates the democratization of
publishing, enabling aspiring authors and independent publishers to reach a global
audience without traditional barriers. Overall, electronic publishing meets the
needs of modern society by offering convenience, accessibility, cost-effectiveness,
environmental friendliness, and inclusivity in the realm of information sharing and
knowledge dissemination.

There are four main reasons for the development of e-publishing,

• Rapid development and wide use of computer technology.

• The tremendous growth of computer networks.
• Merging of computer and telecommunication technology.
• Development of the information industry.

Categories of E-Publishing
Electronic publishing can indeed be categorized into two main categories: offline
publishing and online publishing.

• Offline Publishing: Offline publishing refers to the creation, distribution, and

consumption of electronic content that is primarily accessed and used
offline, without requiring an internet connection. This category includes
various forms of digital publications that can be downloaded and accessed
locally on electronic devices. Offline publishing formats typically include e-
books, digital magazines, and digital newspapers. Users can download these
publications onto their devices, such as e-readers, tablets, or smartphones,
and read them at their convenience, even in the absence of an internet
connection. Offline publishing provides the advantage of offline access and
portability, allowing readers to carry and access their preferred digital
publications wherever they go.

• Online Publishing: Online publishing, on the other hand, involves the

creation, distribution, and consumption of digital content that is primarily
accessed and utilized online, through internet connectivity. This category
encompasses a wide range of digital content available on the internet,
including websites, blogs, online news portals, and various online platforms
 for publishing articles, essays, and other forms of written content. Online
publishing allows users to access and engage with the content in real-time,
often featuring interactive features, multimedia elements, and the ability to
comment and share. Online publishing offers the advantage of instant access
to a vast array of information, seamless updates, and the ability to engage in
discussions and social sharing related to the content.

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Types of E-Publishing
Electronic publishing encompasses various types that cater to different forms of
digital content and publishing approaches. Here are some common types of e-
publishing:

1. E-books: E-books are digital versions of printed books that can be read on
electronic devices such as e-readers, tablets, and smartphones. They provide
the same content as traditional books but in a digital format, offering
advantages such as portability, adjustable font sizes, and searchability.
2. Digital Magazines: Digital magazines are publications that replicate the
layout and design of print magazines but in a digital format. They often
feature interactive elements, such as embedded videos, hyperlinks, and
multimedia content, enhancing the reading experience. Digital magazines
can be accessed through websites, dedicated apps, or digital newsstands.
3. Online Newspapers: Online newspapers are digital versions of print
newspapers, providing up-to-date news and information accessible via
websites or dedicated news apps. Online newspapers often include
multimedia elements and interactive features and allow for real-time
updates, comment sections, and social sharing.
4. Academic Journals: Academic journals in electronic form provide scholarly
research papers and articles within specific disciplines. They are typically
available through online platforms and databases, offering features such as
advanced search options, article citations, and peer-reviewed content.
5. Web Content/Blogs: Web content and blogs refer to digital content published
on websites or blogs covering a wide range of topics and interests. This
includes articles, opinion pieces, tutorials, reviews, and other forms of
written content that are regularly updated and accessible to online readers.
 6. Self-publishing Platforms: Self-publishing platforms allow authors to
independently publish and distribute their own works digitally. These
platforms offer tools and services for formatting, cover design, and
distribution, enabling authors to release their books directly to digital
platforms like e-book stores or online retailers.
7. Digital Comics: Digital comics provide a digital format for comic books and
graphic novels. They can be read on electronic devices, offering features
such as zooming, panel-by-panel reading, and multimedia enhancements.
8. Interactive Storytelling: Interactive storytelling involves digital narratives
that allow readers to engage with the story and make choices that influence
the plot. These can be in the form of interactive fiction, choose-your-own-
adventure stories, or immersive storytelling experiences.
These are just a few examples of the types of e-publishing available. As technology
continues to evolve, new forms of e-publishing may emerge, providing further
opportunities for content creators and readers to engage with digital publications.
Advantages of E-Publishing: 2
1. Accessibility: E-publishing provides unparalleled accessibility, allowing
readers to access digital content anytime, anywhere, with just a few clicks.
Whether it’s e-books, digital magazines, or online newspapers, electronic
publications can be easily accessed on various devices, including e-readers,
tablets, and smartphones. This convenience enables readers to carry entire
libraries in their pockets and access their favourite publications on the go.
2. Cost-effectiveness: E-publishing eliminates the need for physical printing,
storage, and distribution costs associated with traditional publishing. This
cost-effectiveness benefits both publishers and readers. Publishers can
significantly reduce production expenses, making it easier for independent
authors and small publishers to enter the market. On the other hand, readers
can often find e-books and digital publications at lower prices compared to
their print counterparts.
3. Global Reach: One of the most significant advantages of e-publishing is its
ability to reach a global audience. Digital content can be distributed
worldwide through online platforms, making it accessible to readers across
different geographical locations. This global reach expands the potential
readership and allows authors to connect with diverse audiences,
transcending traditional publishing limitations.
 4. Interactivity and Multimedia: E-publishing offers interactive features and
multimedia elements that enhance the reading experience. Digital
publications can incorporate multimedia content such as videos, audio clips,
and interactive graphics, providing readers a more engaging and immersive
experience. This interactivity fosters a dynamic and enriched reading
environment, particularly in genres like educational materials, children’s
books, and graphic novels.
Disadvantages of E-Publishing:
1. Dependency on Technology: E-publishing relies heavily on technology,
which can be a disadvantage in certain situations. Readers need electronic
devices and internet connectivity to access digital content. Technical issues
like device malfunctions, software compatibility, or internet outages can
temporarily hinder access to e-publications, limiting the reading experience.
2. Digital Fatigue: With the abundance of digital devices and online content,
readers may experience digital fatigue when consuming e-publications for
extended periods. The constant exposure to screens can strain the eyes and
contribute to a sedentary lifestyle. Some readers still prefer physical books’
tactile experience and sensory connection, which cannot be fully replicated
in the digital realm.
3. Piracy and Copyright Concerns: E-publishing faces piracy and copyright
infringement challenges. Digital content can be easily copied, shared, and
distributed without proper authorization, potentially impacting the revenue
and rights of authors and publishers. Protecting intellectual property in the
digital space requires robust digital rights management systems and anti-
piracy measures.
4. Reader Preferences: Despite the growing popularity of e-publishing, some
readers still have a preference for print books or physical reading
experiences. The touch, smell, and aesthetic appeal of physical books holds
a unique charm for many individuals. The transition to e-publishing may not
resonate with readers who enjoy the sensory experience associated with
traditional books.
5. E-publishing offers numerous advantages, such as enhanced accessibility,
cost-effectiveness, global reach, and interactive features. It has transformed
the publishing landscape, providing opportunities for authors, publishers,
and readers in the digital age. However, it is essential to recognize the
 disadvantages, including technology dependency, digital fatigue, piracy
concerns, and the enduring appeal of
Impact of Electronic Publishing on Library
The impact of electronic publishing in libraries has been profound. It has
revolutionized the way libraries acquire, organize, and provide access to
information. Electronic publishing has expanded the availability of resources,
offering a vast array of digital content such as e-books, e-journals, and multimedia
materials. This has broadened the scope of information accessible to library users,
facilitating research and learning. The user experience has significantly improved,
as patrons can access resources from anywhere at any time, saving time and
increasing efficiency. Moreover, electronic publishing has brought cost-
effectiveness to libraries, reducing expenses associated with physical materials and
optimizing space utilization. It has also enabled libraries to engage in collaborative
resource sharing, leading to enhanced knowledge exchange and research
opportunities. Overall, electronic publishing has transformed libraries into dynamic
information hubs, meeting the changing needs and expectations of users in the
digital age.

3.2 E publication tools

These tools are for magzine
1. ISSUU
ISSUU is quite versatile as they’re not only focused on publishing digital
magazines. They also feature newspapers, portfolios, catalogs, corporate literature,
DIY guides, or practically any publication.
It’s very easy to upload and publish publications in ISSUU and they claim that it
can even be done within minutes. Once you publish, your publication becomes
immediately available to their active readers who view publications on a digital
reader.
2. Paperlit
As one of the most professional tools for digital magazine publications, Paperlit
holds a special place among digital publishing tools.
Paperlit’s specialty is replicating static PDF magazines into digital magazines or
newsstand apps, as well as a content management system (CMS) to optimize
digital content publication and distribution.
3. Joomag
Joomag is an interesting choice for digital magazine publishing as it also allows
you to cover subscriber management even from its free package.
Joomag has Awesome CRM which allows you to manage a subscriber list of up to
100 contacts (more contacts for paid version), design and send out email
campaigns to your subscribers.
These tools are commonly used for e publication
There are various e-publication tools available for creating and publishing digital
content. Here are some commonly used tools:
1. Microsoft Word/Google Docs:
- Both Microsoft Word and Google Docs allow you to create and format
documents. You can save your work in various formats suitable for e-publication,
such as PDF or EPUB.
2. Calibre:
- Calibre is a powerful e-book management tool that allows you to create, edit,
and convert e-books. It supports a wide range of formats.
3. Sigil:
- Sigil is an open-source, multi-platform EPUB e-book editor. It's specifically
designed for editing EPUB files and offers features for creating and refining e-
books.
4. Scrivener:
- Scrivener is a versatile writing and project management tool. It's popular among
authors for organizing and drafting content. It can export to various formats,
including EPUB.
5. Adobe InDesign:
- InDesign is a professional desktop publishing software that allows you to create
visually appealing documents. It supports exporting to EPUB format for e-books.
6. Pressbooks:
- Pressbooks is an online tool designed for creating professional-quality e-books.
It's user-friendly and offers templates for various types of publications.
7. Kindle Create:
- Kindle Create is a tool provided by Amazon for formatting and converting
documents into Kindle books. It's particularly useful if you're publishing on the
Kindle platform.
8. iBooks Author:
- iBook Author is a tool from Apple for creating interactive e-books specifically
for the Apple Books platform. It supports multimedia elements.

When choosing a tool, consider your specific needs, the desired output format
(PDF, EPUB, MOBI, etc.), and the platform where you plan to publish your e-
publication. Each tool has its strengths and may cater to different types of content
creators and publishers.

3.3 Simulation:
➢ A simulation imitates the operation of real world processes or systems with
the use of models. The model represents the key behaviours and
characteristics of the selected process or system while the simulation
represents how the model evolves under different conditions over time.
➢ Simulations are usually computer-based, using a software-generated model
to provide support for the decisions of managers and engineers as well as for
training purposes. Simulation techniques aid understanding and
experimentation, as the models are both visual and interactive.
➢ Simulation systems include discrete event simulation, process simulation
and dynamic simulation. Businesses may use all of these systems across
different levels of the organisation.
How Simulation Works:

Simulation works through the use of intuitive simulation software to create a visual
mock-up of a process. This visual simulation should include details of timings,
rules, resources and constraints, to accurately reflect the real-world process.

This can be applied to a range of scenarios, for example, you can model a
supermarket and the likely behaviours of customers as they move around the shop
as it becomes busier. This can inform decisions including staffing requirements,
shop floor layout, and supply chain needs.Another example would be a
manufacturing environment where different parts of the line can be simulated to
assess how their processes interact with those of others. This can provide an
overview of how the entire system will perform in order to devise innovative
methods to improve performance.

Advantages
There are a range of advantages to be gained through the use of simulation,
including:
1. Less Financial Risk
Simulation is less expensive than real life experimentation. The potential costs of
testing theories of real world systems can include those associated with changing
to an untested process, hiring staff or even buying new equipment. Simulation
allows you to test theories and avoid costly mistakes in real life.
2. Exact Repeated Testing
A simulation allows you to test different theories and innovations time after time
against the exact same circumstances. This means you can thoroughly test and
compare different ideas without deviation.
3. Examine Long-Term Impacts
A simulation can be created to let you see into the future by accurately modelling
the impact of years of use in just a few seconds. This lets you see both short and
long-term impacts so you can confidently make informed investment decisions
now that can provide benefits years into the future.
4. Gain Insights for Process Improvement
The benefits of simulation are not only realised at the end of a project.
Improvements can be integrated throughout an entire process by testing different
theories.
5. Assess Random Events
A simulation can also be used to assess random events such as an unexpected staff
absence or supply chain issues.
6. Test Non-Standard Distributions
A simulation can take account of changing and non-standard distributions, rather
than having to repeat only set parameters. For example, when simulating a
supermarket you can input different types of customer who will move through the
shop at different speeds. A young businesswoman who is picking up a sandwich
will move through the shop differently from an old couple or a mother doing a
weekly shop with two children in tow. By taking such changing parameters into
account, a simulation can more accurately mimic the real world.
7. Encourages In-Depth Thinking
Even the process of designing a simulation and determining the different
parameters can offer solutions. By thinking in-depth about a process or procedure
it is possible to come up with solutions or innovations without even using the final
simulation.
8. Improve Stakeholder Buy-In
A visual simulation can also help improve buy-in from partners, associates and
stakeholders. You can visually demonstrate the results of any process changes and
how they were achieved, improving engagement with interested parties or even
enabling a simulation based sales pitch

Types of Simulation
Simulation can be broken down into three overarching types, as follows:
1. Discrete Event Simulation
Modelling a system as it progresses through time, for example;
Factory operations (stamping, turning, milling)
Traffic analysis (roads, networks, queues)
2. Dynamic Simulation
Modelling a system as it progresses through space,
for example;
▪ Machine kinematics
▪ Human ergonomics
▪ Aerodynamic testing
▪ Virtual prototyping
3. Process Simulation
Modelling physical interactions between two or more systems,
for example;
▪ In-service product modelling
▪ In-manufacture product modelling
▪ Weather forecasting
Examples
There are many examples of simulation across industry, entertainment, education,
and more. Here are a few notable examples:
• Automotive
• Biomechanics
• City and Urban Planning
• Economics and Finance

Simulations are used for a range of applications across industry, saving time and
expense while being able to test theories and ideas before implementing them in
the real world. Although related techniques such as digital twin may provide added
benefits due to the two-way flow of information this allows, simulations still have
a great many uses.

Whether testing theories, assessing procedural performance or determining the

lifecycle of an asset simulation is a useful tool for many businesses and
organisations.
Virtual reality:

What is virtual reality?

Virtual reality is a simulated 3D environment that enables users to explore and

interact with a virtual surrounding in a way that approximates reality, as it is
perceived through the users’ senses. The environment is created with computer
hardware and software, although users might also need to wear devices such as
helmets or goggles to interact with the environment. The more deeply users can
immerse themselves in a VR environment – and block out their physical
surroundings – the more they are able to suspend their belief and accept it as real,
even if it is fantastical in nature.

What are the main types of virtual reality?

The VR industry still has far to go before realizing its vision of a totally immersive
environment that enables users to engage multiple sensations in a way that
approximates reality. However, the technology has come a long way in providing
realistic sensory engagement and shows promise for business use in a number of
industries.

VR systems can vary significantly from one to the next, depending on their
purpose and the technology used, although they generally fall into one of the
following three categories:

➢ Non-immersive. This type of VR typically refers to a 3D simulated

environment that's accessed through a computer screen. The environment
might also generate sound, depending on the program. The user has some
control over the virtual environment using a keyboard, mouse or other
device, but the environment does not directly interact with the user. A video
game is a good example of non-immersive VR, as is a website that enables a
user to design a room's decor.
➢ Semi-immersive. This type of VR offers a partial virtual experience that's
accessed through a computer screen or some type of glasses or headset. It
focuses primarily on the visual 3D aspect of virtual reality and does not
incorporate physical movement in the way that full immersion does. A
common example of semi-immersive VR is the flight simulator, which is
used by airlines and militaries to train their pilots.
➢ Fully immersive. This type of VR delivers the greatest level of virtual
reality, completely immersing the user in the simulated 3D world. It
incorporates sight, sound and, in some cases, touch. There have even been
 some experiments with the addition of smell. Users wear special equipment
such as helmets, goggles or gloves and are able to fully interact with the
environment. The environment might also incorporate such equipment as
treadmills or stationary bicycles to provide users with the experience of
moving through the 3D space. Fully immersive VR technology is a field still
in its infancy, but it has made important inroads into the gaming industry
and to some extent the healthcare industry, and it's generating a great deal of
interest in others.

How can virtual reality be used?

Virtual reality is often associated with gaming because the industry has been at the
forefront of the VR effort, as evidenced by the popularity of products such as Beat
Saber, Minecraft VR and Skyrim VR. Even so, there has been a growing interest in
the potential of VR across a number of other areas:

• Training. VR makes it possible to train personnel safely, efficiently and

cost-effectively. It can be especially beneficial to those in high-risk or
highly specialized positions, such as firefighters, EMTs, police officers,
soldiers, surgeons or other medical personnel.
• Education. VR offers educational institutions new methods for teaching
and learning. It can provide students with intimate insights into
environments that are typically inaccessible, while keeping them engaged
in the learning process. For example, a history teacher might use VR to
show students firsthand what life was like in ancient Greece or China.
• Healthcare. VR has the potential to benefit individuals across the
healthcare industry, including patients, practitioners and researchers. For
example, VR shows promise in treating disorders such as anorexia,
anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). On the other hand,
doctors might be able to use VR when working with the patients to
explain diagnoses or treatment options. VR could also benefit individuals
who are physically limited in some way.
• Retail. VR has already made some inroads into retail, but the industry
has only scratched the surface. With the right apps, customers will be
able to try on clothes, decorate their homes, experiment with hair styles,
test eye glasses and in general make more informed decisions about
products and services.
 • Real estate. VR can benefit real estate in a number of ways. For
example, architects can show detailed plans in 3D; home buyers can tour
homes virtually; building engineers can tour HVAC systems; and home
owners can see what their remodels would look like.
• Entertainment. VR has already had an impact on gaming, but it also
promises to transform the film and television industries, providing
viewers with an immersive experience that puts them right into the scene.
VR could also lead to an entire industry in virtual tourism, making it
possible for people to experience places that they might never be able to
see in-person.

The simplest form of virtual reality is a 3D image that can be explored

interactively through a personal computer, usually by manipulating keys or the
mouse so that the content of the image moves in some direction or zooms in or out.
More sophisticated efforts involve such approaches as wraparound display screens,
physical rooms augmented with wearable devices, or haptic devices that let users
"feel" the virtual images.

3.4 Creating 2D and 3D Animations:

What is Animation?

Animation is the process of creating a scene through the rapid display of pictures
and motions. When we hear the word animation, we think about cartoon-like
Doraemon, shin-chan etc. So in earlier times, animation was done by the continuous
movement of the pictures of characters and scenes using hand-like puppets.
Nowadays, with the help of many tools, it is possible to create the characters and
scenes in 2D or 3D and make the animation.

What are the different types of animation?

There are several different styles and techniques of animation. The most
common types of animation are:
• 2D animation
• 3D animation
• Stop motion animation
• Motion graphics
2D Animation
➢ 2D animation uses hand-drawn two-dimensional characters, props, and
sets to tell a story and create movement. It’s how early Disney movies
like Snow White and Bambi and popular cartoons like The Simpsons were
created. In early 2D animation, characters were drawn frame-by-frame
and transferred to clear sheets, called cels, for painting.
➢ While this process is sometimes referred to as traditional animation,
mainstream 2D production has evolved from hand-drawn processes using
pencil and paper to the implementation of digital techniques using
computer software like Toon Boom Harmony or Adobe After Effects.

3D Animation
➢ 3D animations are computer generated using 3D digital models. It’s a
popular technique for feature films and games (think film studios like
Pixar and modern Disney animations or game studios like Ubisoft and EA
Games). Popular movies, TV shows and games that use 3D animation
include The Incredibles, Frozen, Transformers, Pacific Rim:
Uprising, and Batman: Arkham Origins.
➢ In 3D animation, animators start with a rigged 3D model, positioning the
character, prop, or vehicle and developing motion paths between poses
(key frames) for their movement. The computer fills in the gaps and
animates the character. The animator can refine each frame until they are
happy with the animation.

What is the process of animation?

Once you have a story idea and you’re ready to animate, here are six common
steps to animating your character:
1. Record yourself: It may seem silly at first, but recording yourself doing
your character's actions will help you study the movement.
2. Pose: Next, begin by animating your key frames of the movement. These
are often the most extreme angles of the movement. For example, if you
are animating a person waving, create one frame of the hand to the left, in
the middle, and to the right. Pose the most important frames of your shot.
3. Blocking: Now, create the frames in between each keyframe. These are
used to connect your key poses. The result will still look choppy, which is
expected in this step.
4. Splining: In your animation program, convert the interpolation of the
frames from stepped to splined, and the computer will fill in the motion
 between each blocked frame. For the smoothest results, accurate blocking
frames are essential.
5. Refine and offset: Refine the animation curves to smooth the motions.
Offset a few of the actions to make it more lifelike. Your animation should
look pretty smooth now.
6. Add life and realism: In animations, imperfections are perfection. In this
final step, add little quirks like a mouth smirk, an extra blink, or a slightly
raised eyebrow. These final steps make the character more lifelike.

How to become an animator

To become an animator, you want career-focused training in animation from
industry experts:
• Look for an intensive animation course with an emphasis on job-readiness
• Learn and practice the latest skills and studio techniques
• Get mentorship from industry experts
• Grow your network
To get a top animation studio job, you’ll need an impressive demo reel! A good
resume and cover letter will help, but your demo reel is your chance to show
your future employer your animation skills.

3.5 Introduction to Moodle:

Moodle is an acronym for "Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning
Environment." It is an online educational platform that provides custom learning
environments for students. Educators can use Moodle to create lessons, manage
courses, and interact with teachers and students. Students can use Moodle to
review the class calendar, submit assignments, take quizzes, and interact with their
classmates.
Moodle is used by thousands of educational institutions around the world to
provide an organized and central interface for e-learning. Teachers and class
administrators can create and manage virtual classrooms, in which students can
access videos, documents, and tests. Course chat allows students to communicate
with the teacher and other students in a secure environment.
Each Moodle classroom and course can be customized by the class administrator.
For example, one teacher may choose to provide a wiki that students can edit,
while another may opt to use a private web forum for online discussions. Some
teachers may use Moodle to simply provide documents to students, while others
may use it as the primary interface for quizzes and tests. Individual class sizes can
be scaled from a handful of students to millions of users.
In order to create a Moodle learning environment, the Moodle software must
be downloaded and installed on a web server. The Moodle platform is open
source and is built using a modular design, so advanced users can modify the
platform as needed. Individual users, such as teachers and students, can sign up for
an account on the Moodle server and access content through either the web
interface or the "Moodle Desktop" application.
Defn:” Moodle is an open-source software that allows users to create, deploy, and
manage e-learning websites and applications. It is a type of learning management
system (LMS) or online learning system (OLS).”

3.6 Creating a New Course and Uploading:

A lesson in Moodle is a complete training session with theory and practice. The theory
helps to convey knowledge with the help of lessons containing text, images, and videos;
hands-on activities such as quizzes allow you to check how much the student has learned.

If you’re new to Moodle site administration and are wondering how to set up a course on this
system, you’ve come to the right place. Creating a lesson in Moodle will take new
users anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

If you need to make it quicker and easier, use the iSpring Suite authoring tool. In this article,
we’ll demonstrate how to build the same lesson in Moodle and the iSpring Suite authoring
toolkit so you can decide which tool works best for you.

How to Create a Course in Moodle

There are several ways you as an administrator, can create a course from scratch. The two most
common are: Create a new, empty course and Upload an existing course from a different
Moodle site.

As an example, we’ll build a Moodle course on Workplace Safety rules and a lesson on Fire
Safety. To continue, you’ll need to sign up to Moodle Cloud and get the source file with text so
you can just copy and paste it in the sample lesson.

Step 1: Create a New Course in Moodle

According to the logic of Moodle, you can’t create a lesson without creating a new Moodle
course first. To create a new online course, go to Moodle Site Administration → Log in with
your administrator account → Click Site administration → Click
the Courses tab → Click Add a new course. Enter full and short course names (“Workplace
Safety”) and click Save and Display.
Now enroll yourself in the course; this way, it’ll appear in the list of available Moodle
courses. Click Enrol users, enter your name in the pop-up window, and choose Manager from
the dropdown menu. Then click Enrol users.

Step 2: Add a Lesson to the Course

For convenience, let’s edit the topic name and rename Topic 1 to Fire Safety. Then click +Add
an activity or resource. The Moodle toolbar appears on the screen.
Choose Lesson displayed in the Activities section and click Add.

In the new window, we’ll need to set up four sections:

• General: Enter the name of the lesson and its description.

• Appearance: Configure the lesson design. Would you like users to see a progress bar or
demonstrate the lesson as a slideshow?

• Flow Control: Manage the rules for taking the lesson. For example, it’d be wise to
allow learners to view the lesson on fire safety several times, but for an exam session,
it’s better to give just one attempt.
 • Grade: Determine the rules of assessment. Will you use points or a scale to evaluate the
results? What is the passing grade? For the sample lesson, set four points as the passing
grade as there are four test tasks.

Click Save and display.

Step 3: Create a Question Page

Our sample lesson starts with the question “What to do if a fire starts?” To add it, click Add a
question page in the Actions column. In the new window, select Question type;
select Multichoice for the sample, and click Add a question page.

Once again, you find yourself on a new page. Do the following general setup for the question:

Page title
What to do if a fire starts

Imagine it’s an ordinary day at the office. Suddenly, you smell smoke.
Page contents
What do you do?
 Define the award for the correct answer. You may just leave 1 point by default.

I’ll look around to find the nearest stairway, leave all my belongings, and run to the
Answer 1 exit.

Right. You didn’t panic and got out. Yet you managed to breathe in smoke, as you
Response didn’t protect your nose and mouth while evacuating.

Make sure there are no points given, as this answer is wrong.

Answer 2 I’ll pack up and go to the nearest exit.

Wrong. When there’s smoke in the building, you must leave immediately. By wasting
time on packing things, you may lose your chance to get out, as smoke and fire spread
Response very quickly.
Click Save page.

Step 4: Create a Content Page

The content page is a building block for creating a lesson in Moodle. It may contain text,
pictures, audio, or a video format file. Click Add a content page to create one, then enter a
page title and its content details.

Moodle content page settings

Below, you’ll also see a Content 1 (Content 2, Content 3, and so on) section. Using each field,
you can set up navigation within a lesson. A Content setting is a button that forwards a learner
to another slide of the lesson. For instance, you can create buttons for every page of the lesson,
so learners will be allowed to navigate from the first page to the last one. If you prefer closed
navigation and don’t fill in the Content field, then learners will have to study the
assignments one by one by default.

For the sample course, we don’t need any extra navigation buttons except Next.
For our sample Moodle course, we’ll set up closed navigation and create just one
button, Next, that leads to the next course page.

Step 5: Add More Content and Question Pages

Create the rest of the pages using the lesson source files. Also, don’t forget to
define the Next button by entering the word Next in the Content 1 description and choose to
jump to Next page on each new course page you add.

Moodle content page settings

In the end, you should get the following structure:

The structure of a lesson

The lesson is ready. You can preview it through the admin panel.

3.7 Create and Add Assessment :

Assessment types
Moodle can be used in a number of ways for assessment. You may have to upload
your completed coursework using the Moodle Assignment tool or Turnitin, assess
fellow students via a peer assessment activity, complete an online quiz or even
submit a video assignment. The assessment methods used in your modules will
vary depending on the subject of your programme and the learning outcomes that
your lecturer needs to assess.
Moodle assignment: Students can submit a variety of coursework types. Feedback
is provided electronically by the lecturer using word track changes, as an online
rubric or marking record or as feedback comments.
Group Assignment: You may also work on a group project and submit your group
coursework to a Group Assignment.
Assignments submitted to Moodle can also be set to be submitted to Turnitin to
check for similarity to assignments submitted by students in previous years at City
and other UK universities.
Turnitin assignment : Students can submit a variety of coursework types.
Feedback is provided via Turnitin Feedback Studio in the form or an online rubric
or marking record, operational comments on the coursework or general feedback
comments.
Peer Assessment: Students can submit and peer assess their group members'
contribution to a group assignment. Feedback is provided as feedback comments
online.
Video assignment: Students can submit multimedia (video and/or audio)
coursework. Feedback is provided as feedback comments online.
Quiz: Students can complete an exam or take a practice assessment online. There
are many Quiz questions including multiple choice, calculated, drag and drop onto
an image, and matching. Most quizzes are automatically marked, with your
lecturer adding the right answers and feedback when setting up the Quiz. Some
quizzes may require you to write a longer response and in these cases the quizzes
will be marked by your lecturer.

Create assessment:
1. Create a new course
2. Add and set up a quiz
3. Create tasks for assessment
4. Open a question bank
5. Choose a question type
6. Add feedback
7. Protect from cheating
8. Configure quiz design
3.8 Add and enroll User and Discussion Forum
To add a user to Moodle, you can:
1. Log in with your administrator account
2. Click Site administration
3. Click the Users tab
4. Click Add a new user
5. Enter the user's details
6. Click Generate password and notify user to email the user's new account
details
7. Click Create user
To enroll a user in a Moodle course, you can:
1. Go to your Moodle course
2. Click Participants at the top of the course
3. Click Enroll Users
4. Search for a user by first name, last name, or email
5. Click the name you want to enroll
6. Select the role for the users you are adding

To add a forum:
1. As an editing teacher for a course, click "Turn Editing On", and go to
the topic or week section in which you want to create the forum.
2. From the dropdown menu labeled "Add an activity", select "Forum".
This will take you to the forum settings page titled "Adding a new
forum" page.

In an existing forum, use the "Update this forum" button to see the forum settings
page.

Forum name

A short name of the forum (e.g. "Favourite colour"), which will be displayed on
the course homepage.
Forum type

There are four forum types to choose from:

• A single simple discussion - A single topic discussion developed on one

page, which is useful for short focused discussions
• Standard forum for general use - An open forum where anyone can start a
new topic at any time; this is the best general-purpose forum
• Each person posts one discussion - Each person can post exactly one new
discussion topic (everyone can reply to them though); this is useful when
you want each student to start a discussion about, say, their reflections on
the week's topic, and everyone else responds to these
• Q and A Forum - Instead of initiating discussions participants pose a
question in the initial post of a discussion. Students may reply with an
answer, but they will not see the replies of other Students to the question
in that discussion until they have themselves replied to the same
discussion.

A News forum is a special type of forum that is automatically created with a new
course.

Forum introduction

Place the description of the forum here. It has the standard Moodle HTML
editor toolbar to assist the teacher.

TIP: It is a good practice to include precise instructions for students

regarding the subject of the forum and the rating and grading criteria that
might be used in this forum (see below).
3.9 Content Management System: JOOMLA
What's a content management system (CMS)?
The definition of a CMS is an application (web-based), that provides capabilities
for multiple users with different permission levels to manage (all or a section of)
content, data or information of a website project, or intranet application.
Managing content refers to creating, editing, archiving, publishing, collaborating
on, reporting, distributing website content, data and information.

Joomla is an open-source content management system (CMS), which is used to build

beautiful web sites and powerful online applications. It is written in PHP and
developed by Open Source Matters, Inc. It is built on a Model-View-Controller web
application framework, which can be used independently of the CMS. It is free and
uses object-oriented programming and software design patterns. It uses MySQL, MS
SQL, or PostgreSQL database to store the data.

Our tutorial will include all the basic and advanced topics of Joomla that will guide
you on how to create websites with ease. This tutorial is separated into different parts
such as Joomla Basics, Joomla Menus, Joomla Modules, Joomla Global Settings,
and Joomla Advanced containing all the related topics with the screenshots and
examples.

What is Joomla?

Joomla is said to be one of the best open-source content management systems

(CMS) that can be used to build powerful websites and online applications. It is free,
extendable, and separated into front-end and back-end templates (runs from
administrator side). It is built on a model-view-controller framework which can be
used independently of the CMS.

Joomla is a platform which is based on PHP and MySQL. Joomla also supports
third-party extensions and templates, which allow us to make further customization
to meet specific requirements. It is open to anyone who wants to develop the
extensions and templates.

Why use Joomla?

There are basically three most popular CMSs available, i.e., Joomla,
Drupal, and Wordpress. Other than that, there are endless other less popular CMSs
available. The differences between them may be quite significant, although they all
are basically developed to do the same thing. Their main purpose is to help you
create and manage your website.

Joomla is the perfect tool that is easy to install and set up. There is no need to be an
advanced user to use Joomla. One can use it with little knowledge
of HTML and CSS. There are thousands of extensions available in the Joomla
Extension Directory, which can be applied to enhance the functionality. Joomla also
contains a powerful application framework that helps the developers to create
sophisticated add-ons that increase the power of Joomla into virtually unlimited
directions.

The core Joomla framework helps developers to quickly and easily build:

o Inventory Control Systems

 o Data Reporting Tools
o Application Bridges
o Custom Product Catalogs
o Integrated E-commerce Systems
o Complex Business Directories
o Reservation Systems
o Communication Tools

Applications of Joomla

Joomla can be used for:

o Corporate websites or portals, intranets, and extranets

o Small business websites
o Online magazines, newspapers, and publications
o E-commerce websites and online reservations
o Government, non-profit and organizational websites
o Community-based, school, college websites or portals
o Personal blogs or family homepages

Advantages of Joomla
o It is a freely available open-source platform.
o It is quite simple to install and set up.
o It uses WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor, which helps to
edit the content very easily.
o Almost all the browsers support it by default.
o It has an easy menu creation tool.
o It provides several templates and themes which are very flexible to use.
o It can be migrated to any server, and most of them work with any database.
o It has broad community support where it is easy to ask questions and receive
the solutions.
 o It is based on PHP scripts, and so the compatibility issues will be limited while
using its framework.
o It ensures the security and safety of the data content and does not allow to edit
the data without administrator privileges.

Disadvantages of Joomla
o It has a compatibility issue when several modules, extensions, and plugins are
installed simultaneously.
o Some of the important plugins and modules for Joomla are paid ones.
o However, it has many modules, add-ons, and templates, and it is still limited
for more advanced users.
o It is quite complex and makes it difficult to get custom designs without
developer experience.
o It is not much SEO (Search Engine Optimization) friendly.
o It makes websites heavy to load and run, resulting in more time.

3.10 Content Management System: Drupal

What is Drupal

Drupal is a free and open-sou0rce Content Management System (CMS) that allows
organizing, managing, and publishing your content. It is built on PHP-based
environments. This is carried out under GNU, i.e., General Public License, which
means everyone can download and share it with others. Drupal is used on million
sites such as WhiteHouse.gov, World Economic Forum, Stanford University,
Examiner.com, and many more.

What is Content Management System

The Content Management System (CMS) is a software that stores all the data of your
content (such as text, photos, music, documents, etc.) and is made available on your
website. In addition, a CMS helps in editing, publishing, and modifying the content
of the website.
Why we should use Drupal

Drupal CMS is more flexible if you develop a website with a content management
system than any other CMS. Drupal is mighty and can be used for building large,
complex sites. It is PHP based template and allows non-technical users to add and
edit the content without any HTML or Web design knowledge. Furthermore, Drupal
CMS makes it easy to interact with other sites or technologies as Drupal can handle
complex forms and workflows. It is available with more than 16000 modules which
can be addressed with Drupal core and add-on modules.

Features

o Drupal makes it easy to create and manage your site.

o Drupal translates anything in the system with built-in user interfaces
o Drupal connects your website to other sites and services using feeds, search
engine connection capabilities, etc.
o Drupal is an open-source software hence requires no licensing costs.
 o Drupal designs a highly flexible and creative website with adequate display
quality, thus increasing visitors.
o Drupal can publish your content on social media such as Twitter, Facebook,
and other social mediums.
o Drupal provides more customizable themes, including several base themes to
design your themes for developing web applications.
o Drupal manages the content on informational sites, social media sites,
member sites, intranets, and web applications.

Advantages

o Drupal is a flexible CMS that allows handling content types, including video,
text, blog, menu handling, real-time statistics, etc.
 o Drupal provides several templates for developing web applications. There is
no need to start from scratch if you are building simple or complicated web
applications.
o Drupal is easy to manage or create a blog or website. It helps to organize,
structure, find and reuse content.
o Drupal provides some interesting themes and templates which give your
website an attractive look.
o Drupal has over 7000 plug-ins to boost your website. Since Drupal is open-
source, you can create your plug-ins.

Disadvantages

o Drupal is not a user-friendly interface. It requires advanced knowledge and

few basic things about the platform to install and modify.
o Drupal is a new content management system. Therefore, it is not compatible
with other software.
o Performance is low compared to other CMS. The website built using Drupal
will generate big server loads and never open with a slow internet connection.

Modules

Contributed modules offer such additional or alternate features as image galleries,

custom content types and content listings, WYSIWYG editors, private messaging,
third-party integration tools, integrating with BPM portals, and more. As of
December 2019, the Drupal website lists more than 44,000 free modules.

Some of the most commonly used contributed modules include:

o Content Construction Kit (CCK): allows site administrators to create content

types by extending the database schema dynamically. "Content-type"
describes the kind of information. Content types include but are not limited to
events, invitations, reviews, articles, and products. The CCK Fields API is in
Drupal core in Drupal 7.
o Views: facilitates the retrieval and presentation of content to site visitors
through a database abstraction system. Basic views functionality has been
added to core in Drupal 8.
o Panels: drag and drop layout manager that allows site administrators to design
their site visually.
o Rules: conditionally executed actions based on recurring events.
o Features: enables the capture and management of features (entities, views,
fields, configuration, etc.) into custom modules.
o Context: allows the definition of sections of the site where Drupal features
can be conditionally activated
o Media: makes photo uploading and media management easier
o Services: provides an API for Drupal.
o Organic Groups Mailing List

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