Authoring - Create courses and learning resources
Create new OpenOlat learning resources
The following learning resources can be created in authoring:

The specific creation process is described on the following pages:
-
Creating courses
User manual article | Detailed instructions -
Creating tests
User manual article | Detailed instructions -
Creating CP learning content
User manual article | Detailed instructions -
Creating wikis
User manual article | Detailed instructions -
Creating podcasts
User manual article | Detailed instructions -
Creating blogs
User manual article | Detailed instructions -
Creating resource folders
User manual article | Detailed instructions -
Creating forms
User manual article | Detailed instructions -
Create a prepared or pre-structured portfolio template
User manual article -
Creating glossaries
User manual article
Hint
If you want to build your courses systematically and use learning resources in multiple courses, it is recommended to create learning resources in "Authoring" instead of using course elements in a specific course.
Import learning resources

Import file
Learning resources created outside OpenOlat or exported from an OpenOlat system can be imported into OpenOlat if they are in a format compatible with OpenOlat. All of the types of learning resources, videos, certain standardized formats and any files can be imported.
If you want to import a course e.g. from another OpenOlat instance, you will be asked if you also want to import the learning resources referenced by the course (e.g. a wiki or a test).
Select the corresponding checkbox if you want to import the referenced learning resources as well. Publish the imported course afterwards to make it visible for you and other OpenOlat users.
At the end of the import, the "settings" menu appears. Here you can make further configurations, e.g. a definition of the licence.
Embed via URL
External media can also be embedded via URL without uploading the file to OpenOlat. To do so, open the selection menu next to the Import file button in Authoring and select Embed via URL.

Based on the URL, OpenOlat automatically detects the appropriate resource type and creates a corresponding learning resource in which the medium is linked. For videos, this creates a Learning resource video; all functions of the OpenOlat video editor are then available.

The following resources are supported:
- Videos: MP4, m3u8, YouTube, Vimeo, Panopto
- Blog or Podcast
Media from additional platforms can be enabled by the system administrator if required.
The dialog contains the following fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| URL | Link to the external resource. After entering it, OpenOlat automatically determines the type and, if available, the title of the medium. |
| Type | The detected resource type. If several types match the URL, select the desired one here. |
| Title of learning resource | Mandatory field. Name of the new learning resource. For videos, the title is prefilled from the source and can be adjusted. |
| Reference | Optional external identifier, displayed on the course overview page. |
| Administrative access | Mandatory field. Organisation to which the learning resource is administratively assigned. |
Click Embed to create the learning resource.
Links
Detailed course creation guide
You can find detailed step-by-step instructions on how to create a course here.
Video Introduction (German): Requirements for authors
Video Introduction (German): Operating principles
Video Introduction (German): Creating and editing courses
Video Introduction (German): Testing overview
Video Introduction (German): How do tests work in OpenOlat?
Video Introduction (German): Configuring course elements
Video Introduction (German): Creating a test learning resource
Video Introduction (German): Creating questions
Video Introduction (German): Creating and editing tests
Video Introduction (German): Configuring course elements