A cover image with the moodle logo

Use Subsections to Fight Moodle Sprawl

This summer, Moodle received an impactful upgrade that faculty members will appreciate: the addition of subsections. This new feature allows for clearer organization of course content by breaking up lengthy topics or weeks into manageable subsections, making navigation easier for both instructors and students.

When a course is packed with content, items can easily get lost in the shuffle. With subsections, you can categorize materials more effectively, allowing everyone to find exactly what they need with ease.

A screenshot of a Moodle course containing a section with 17 content items
An example of a Moodle course with a very long section

How to Add Subsections to Your Course

To create a subsection turn on edit mode and select the “+” icon, then choose the Subsection option. Subsections can be named just like regular sections. While you can create multiple subsections within a section, you cannot nest subsections within one another.

Screenshot of a Moodle course highlighting the + button and the Subsection sub-option.
Click the + button to add a content item or a subsection
Moodle course view with 4 content items and two subsections
Updated course view after moving content into subsections

Visualize Your Course in a New Way

Using subsections transforms your Moodle course view from cluttered to clear. Instead of a long list of items within a single section, organize your content into focused subsections. This shift not only declutters the course layout but also provides students with a more intuitive way to access course materials. Content within a subsection is accessible by expanding the subsection within the course page, or by opening it on its own page by clicking on the subsection’s name.

Screenshot of a Moodle course showing a subsection on its own page.
The view of a subsection on its own page.

If you have a course with lots of content items, consider moving to subsections to make your course more navigable.

We hope this new feature will assist you in structuring your Moodle courses more effectively. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please get in touch with your Academic Technologist.