[ARCHIVED] Broken Links, Files, & More

[jsavage]

Hello, I am an English instructor.

Every semester I import my previous course into my new one. Of course I make changes from time to time, but I keep most of the same material.

Every semester I have broken URL links or files will not open for students. 

Is there a solution to this issue or do I need to upload the files into my course each semester? Do I need to repost the URLs as well?

I have seen similar posts but no one has replied.

Thanks! 

[Steven_S · Accepted solution]

This also happens to me.  There is a link validator that I run to find these issues before students see them.  You can find it in course settings, at the bottom of the right-side menu. 

As for avoiding broken links, I have found that links are more stable when I create them using the automatic buttons within canvas.  So, for example, highlight the text, click files in the right-side menu and select the file from the list, rather than copying the web address of the file and inserting the link through the RCE.  

I had also previously found that links I associate with images to create a button almost always fail, either because the link is broken, or because the embedded image is linked to the previous course, which students do not have access to.  I have been assured that the new RCE does not have that problem.

Regardless, there are a few links I seem to have to recreate every semester.  Overtime, I have replaced as many as possible with text instructions for how students should navigate to the item, instead of a link.  Fortunately, for those links that I have to keep, despite the fact they keep breaking, the link validator tool manages to find them all.

[jsavage]

Thanks! I will try these tips out!

[Chris_Hofer]

Hey @Steven_S ...

This was a great answer you gave! Thanks for being so helpful to your fellow community members, especially in these difficult times. Please check your direct messages for a small token of our appreciation. :0)

Thanks again for all that you do and keep up the good work!

Sincerely,
Canvas Community Team