Teaching with Technology

Moodle text editor

Moodle uses TinyMCE as the default text editor. Learn more at the Moodle support page for the TinyMCE editor.

Using the text editor

  • The TinyMCE editor offers features via both dropdown menus and a toolbar.Moodle TinyMCE editor with text box and toolbar
  • On smaller screens, the full toolbar may not be visible. Click the “...” button on the toolbar to see all of the tools.Moodle TinyMCE editor toolbar with the more option highlighted
  • Sometimes the text area is especially small, and text may not be visible at all. Expand the text area by clicking and dragging on the lower right corner.Moodle TinyMCE editor with the textbook expansion option highlighted

Adding multimedia content

You now can record short audio or videos (two minutes or less) to add to Moodle directly in the TinyMCE editor. These recordings do not support important accessibility features, such as captions or a transcript.

  • Select the microphone icon to record audio, or select the camera icon to record video.
Moodle TinyMCE editor toolbar with the record audio and record video options highlighted
  • When you are ready, click the “start recording” button.
  • Click the “stop recording” button when you are done.
  • You will have a chance to review your recording. If you are happy with it, click the “attach recording” button to add it to the text area. If you are not happy with your recording, you can use the “record again” button to create a new recording.
Moodle record audio popup with options to play a recording, record again, attach recording, or cancel

These recordings are best for informal interactions, such as adding audio to forum posts. For other media needs, use our media system, Panopto. Contact us at its@reed.edu to get started.

Adding and editing images

  • You or your student can add images to Moodle anywhere you see the TinyMCE text editor. Simply drag and drop images into the text area. Or, if you prefer, use the image editor button to add an image from your computer.
  • For accessibility purposes, please always access the image editor to add alternative text to your image in the box labeled "Describe this image for someone who cannot see it."
  • If an image you dragged and dropped into Moodle is too big and not displaying correctly, accessing the image editor should also prompt Moodle to automatically resize it to the appropriate display size. Just be sure the Auto size box is checked.Moodle TinyMCE editor with an image of a classroom in the text box and the image option in the toolbar highlighted