Teaching online guidebook

External tools

Integrated with FLO

FLO has some external tools that are not in FLO (Moodle) but integrate with FLO, for example:

  • Statement of Assessment Methods (SAM)
  • Readings
  • Collaborate
  • Studiosity
  • Assignment Extension
  • Past Exam Papers

You can access these using the External tool option (Add an activity or resource).


Not integrated with FLO
If you are considering using an external tool not integrated with FLO, you will need to take into account the limitations of your students (eg bandwidth, access – for example, students in some countries may have difficulty accessing internet sites). Be flexible and give students choices that are equal for all. 

Flexibility might mean that they choose between a range of external tools, or create a file instead using software they can access. The key stipulation is that the format meets the requirements of the activity/assessment (eg the product can be shared with all or is in an assessable format). If the stumbling blocks seem too great, it might be easier for you and your students to redesign the activity. 

Some assessments may require students to use external tools (ie tools outside of FLO, available via the internet). Assessments using external tools are usually low stakes, as students are not 'in the system'. When students use an external tool, they may not be easily identifiable. Ask them to use their FLO name somewhere in the tool so you can view their activity.

In these cases, a new assessment item can be added manually to the Gradebook, and you will be able to mark the student by viewing their contribution for assessment in the tool and putting the mark (or non-graded pass) directly into the Gradebook:

  • To access the Gradebook, go to Administration > Gradebook setup
  • To put the mark into Gradebook, in the View tab click in the column for the assessment item next to the student's name

How to