Calendar - Importing Entries


Index for Calendar


This option allows you to import multiple entries to the calendar. Importing entries is a three-step process. First, you create a comma-delimited text file containing the calendar entries you want to import. Second, you upload it to the WebCT server. Finally, you import the file.

What do you want to do?

Creating a comma-delimited text file  | Top

First, you need to create a text file containing the calendar entry information entered in the following format:

:date,summary,URL, ,start time(hh:mm),end time(hh:mm),detail

Note: Begin each entry on its own line, starting with a colon. In the example above, the extra space between "URL" and "start time" denotes an important field required for internal links (such as page ID). It is recommended that only advanced users complete this field.

Sample text file | Top

For example, you have a workshop scheduled to run for two consecutive weekends, starting January 25, 2003. The workshop starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. each day. You want to post this information on the calendar to remind prospective participants.

To create a comma-delimited text file containing this information, you would enter it as follows:

:25/01/2003,Workshop,,,08:30,17:00,

:03/02/2003,Workshop,,,08:30,17:00,

Note: Commas are used between fields and to denote missing fields. In the above example, these commas are used to denote that the URL, internal links, and details fields are skipped.

Understanding internal links | Top

Calendar entries can be linked to specific Content Module pages. Such a link is called an internal link. It is an option available only to designers.

The required format for these links is Content Module page ID plus the associated filename. An example could be as follows:

92834781+test.html

For every Content Module page you create, there is a page ID associated with it. If the link contains only the page ID (92834781), it hyperlinks to the table of contents for the Content Module. If the link contains the filename (test.html) as well, then it hyperlinks directly to the page itself.

Troubleshooting tips | Top

  • Begin the event description with a colon.
  • Only the date and summary fields are required.
  • If fields are blank, leave no space between the commas.
  • The detail section can contain multiple lines.

Creating the text file | Top

  1. Using a text editor, create a text file following the guidelines described below.
  2. Save the file with a .txt extension.

Uploading the text file | Top

Upload the file to the My-Files folder using Manage Files. For more information, see Uploading files.

Importing the text file | Top

  1. From the Course Menu, click Calendar. The Calendar screen appears.
  2. Click the Designer Options tab if it is not already selected.
  3. Under Actions, click Import entries. The Import From File screen appears.
  4. In the Filename text box, enter the path and filename of the file you want to import, or to select the file from the MyFiles folder, click Browse. The WebCT Browser appears.
  5. Click Import. The Import Confirmation screen appears. It shows how the imported entries will be displayed on the calendar.
  6. To complete the action and return to the Calendar screen, click Continue.


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