This is an optional feature, if you would like to add this to your LMS, please contact your Account Manager.
Weblinks enable you to create external URL links outside of the LMS, creating opportunities to direct users to content that may be required to be elsewhere. This could include optional reference options such as links to Youtube videos or internal documents and reference information or internal company systems.
Key Information
When creating a Web Link, it's important to ensure that it is fit for purpose. There are a few differences for a Web Link that differ from an xAPI (TinCan) or SCORM module; one key difference being that Web Links cannot track user progress. Spark cannot track content that is contained outside of the Spark platform.
Another is that because they cannot track progress, Web Links will never update as "Completed" on a User account, however will be registered as "complete" once clicked.
If you need to track progress on an item, such as a video or document, please discuss the requirement with your Account Manager for an alternate means.
With the feature enabled, Web links are located in the Manager menu, under Library > Training Content.
Creating a Web link
In the Web Links view, you will be able to create a new Web Link and manage any that have been created previously. If you have never created a Web Link before, you will have the option to create your first Web link here.
Creating a new Web Link has a number of different options to complete the setup.
It is best to ensure that all of these fields are completed for the best user experience on the platform.
Name
Set the unique name for your Web Link, so that users will know what this content is about.
URL
This is the Web Link itself, the web address that will direct the user to the content that you want them to see. It must be written in all lowercase, with the full URL format, beginning with https://.
Signature algorithm
This is not a compulsory field, this option will appear once the web link has been opened and read, the 'signature feature will appear' .
You will also be able to add on up to 14 tokens. eg. Firstname, Lastname, where relevant.
Tags
Use the Tag system to set the tag(s) for this content to group it for easier distribution to your Users.
Backdrop
Like other content on the platform, it will be presented to the user as a clickable tile. This tile can have an image added to it to improve the context and enhance the user experience.
The image should be in a 4:3 ratio and at least 640×480px.
Auto distribute
This is a checkbox option which can be ticked or unticked, The trainee will be automatically distributed this item when they open it from within a module. By default, this is not checked.
Status
Available
The Web link can be distributed freely and accessed by users that it has been distributed to. It will appear on reports where enabled.
Restricted
The Web link cannot be distributed to any further Users, but can be accessed by the Users who it has already been distributed to, and will appear on reports where enabled.
Disabled
The Web Link is not accessible to any User and will not appear on reports.
Limit to
You must set the availability of the Web link to a position in the Organisation Unit (OU). This could mean it is only available for one OU, or set higher in the Organisation Structure (e.g. the top level) to be available for multiple OUs at once.
Folder
You will need to choose a folder to add the Web link in. This will determine where the Web Link can be found when Users access their account. Generally, grouping content based on the same theme or topic is the optimal way to ensure users can find it easily.
Once created, it will show in your Web links options in Spark, and can be distributed in the same ways as an eLearning module to Users.