Best Way to Add a Webinar to a Course?

[ravmitterhoff]

1. What is the best way to add a live webinar to a course? If you add it as an event in the calendar it does not show up in the course module. On the other hand if you add it as an assignment it shows up in both the calendar and the module but a webinar is more like an even than an assignment. 

2. Is there way to automatically send out a reminder for an event or an assignment based on the date?

3.  I saw an option on assignments to "Notify users that this content has changed". I assume that could be used as a reminder.

[evdoxia_liatiri]

Hi Eliyahu,

I'm not so sure either, but thought I'd mention that if you are using the built-in Conferences by BigBlueButton, there is an option to invite all module members.

Thanks,

Evi

[ravmitterhoff]

Any Ideas on this?

[SamChrist]

Hello! I honestly think that it is a matter of preference and using the tool that accomplishes what you need. My own preference in most cases is to create any "events" that have actionable items or more detail (Like attending a webinar or a lecture that may have readings assigned) as an assignment for the reasons you mention. It shows in the modules, on their calendars, and will be a "To-do": item on the student's side bar. My faculty were hesitant to use "assignments" for events or non-assignment items because as you mention they are not actually "assignments" but there are benefits and features that come with assignments that events don't have. You can set it as ungraded and put it into an assignment group that is weighted at 0 so it does not interfere with your grades. That would be my suggestion. I wouldn't let the "assignment" label bog you down. It is really a versatile tool.

In terms of reminders, I'm not sure if checking the "notify user" box would take precedent if a student has turned off their notifications for changes in content under their account settings? Worth testing. You could set a delayed post for an announcement to go out as a reminder. Hope this helps.