Workaround: How to copy content from Internet Explorer 9 into the "Source" of the rich text editor

by Alan Regan

How do I paste content into the "Source" of the rich text editor with Internet Explorer 9?

As new browsers keep coming out, they sometimes create problems with existing websites or web-based services. In Courses (powered by Sakai), Internet Explorer has a problem pasting content into the "Source" option of the rich text editor. It simply won't do it! However, there is a workaround.

Instructions:

1. Open Internet Explorer 9
2. Go to a site with embed code, such as YouTube.com or TED.com
3. Copy the full or old embed code (the version that contains the OBJECT and EMBED tags, not IFRAME tags)
4. Log into http://courses.pepperdine.edu
5. Go to your course or project site
6. Press F12 to turn on the developer tools interface in Internet Explorer
7. Click Document Mode and switch from Internet Explorer 8 to Internet Explorer 9
8. The page will refresh (you must be logged into Courses when you do this!)
9. Use a tool with the rich text editor (e.g. create a new message in Forums)
10. Click "Source" in the right text editor
11. You can now paste the code into the "Source" field
12. Click "Source" again and then scroll down to click "Post" or "Update"

NOTE: The F12 trick is not permanent.  You will need to repeat this the next time you log into Courses if you want to paste content into the "Source" feature of the rich text editor.

We hope this information helps!

How to embed a YouTube video on Courses/Sakai

By Alan Regan

How to Embed a YouTube Video in the Forums of Courses (powered by Sakai)

YouTube is a resource for both entertainment and education. The videos can contain helpful, controversial, and thought-provoking content. So, how do you post a YouTube video within the Forums tool of Courses/Sakai?

Instructions:

YouTube.com

1. Visit http://www.youtube.com
2. Find a video you want to share
3. Click "Share" below the video
4. Click "Embed"
5. Check the box for "Use HTTPS"
6. Check the box for "Use old embed code"
7. Copy the code

Forums tool of Courses (powered by Sakai)

1. Log into http://courses.pepperdine.edu by clicking "Pepperdine Login" and entering your NetworkID and password
2. Go to the course or project site by clicking the tab or clicking its name in the "All My Sites" tab
3. Click Forums in the left menu
4. Click the desired topic
5. Click "Start a New Conversation" or reply to an existing message
6. Enter the message you want to say
7. Click "Source"
8. Place your cursor where you want the video to display
9. Paste the code
10. Click "Source" again (very important!)
11. Click "Post"

NOTE: Embedded videos will be viewable by users with a PC or Mac laptop running the latest Adobe Flash Player add-on for your web browser. iPad and iPhone users may not see the video. We recommend that you embed and provide the link to the source video, too.

Embed a Prezi presentation in a discussion Forum on Courses/Sakai

By Alan Regan

How to Embed a Prezi Presentation in the Forums Tool

Prezi.com is a fun way to put a new spin on presentations -- literally. Through Prezi, you can zoom in, zoom out, spiral, and transition from idea to idea with ease. It's a great way to create a compelling or interactive presentation.

There are several ways to share your Prezi with your peers on Courses (powered by Sakai):

1. Link: You can create a simple link that viewers can click and see your presentation on the Prezi.com website.
2. Download: You can download a portable version of the Prezi that you can share or take with you when giving a presentation on the road (great if the Internet access at a location is questionable!).
3. Embed: You can grab code to embed the information on your website, blog, or in the Forums tool of Courses/Sakai.

We will discuss how to embed your Prezi in the Forums tool of Courses.

Instructions:

Prezi.com

1. Locate the presentation you want to share at http://prezi.com
2. Click "Share" at the bottom right of the presentation
3. Click "Embed"
4. Click "Copy Code to Clipboard"

Forums tool of Courses (powered by Sakai)

1. Log into http://courses.pepperdine.edu by clicking "Pepperdine Login" and entering your NetworkID and password
2. Go to the course or project site by clicking its tab or selecting it from "All My Sites"
3. Click "Forums" in the left menu
4. Click the topic where you want to post the presentation
5. Click "Post New Thread" or reply to an existing message
6. Write the text of your message
7. Click "Source"
8. Place your cursor where you want the presentation to display
9. Paste the code
10. Click "Source" again (very important!)
11. Scroll down and click "Post Message"

NOTE: The code may contain an unsupported tag called STYLE.  After you post the message, if you see this stray code, you can edit the message and remove just this code, leaving everything else.