Channel Configuration
To be able to use the feature appropriately, it is necessary to perform various configurations.
It is possible to run a multi-client setup.
Steps to Configure “Channels”
License needs to be activated to use channels
Navigation entries for learners and administrator need to be created so that every target group can access channels. If the easy media upload should be used, the “Channel content” navigation entry needs to be created in addition.
Configuration of “New” flag to define how long a hint for new or updated content is shown to the learner
Configuration of channel notifications to define about which events learners should be notified
Steps to Provide a Channel for Learners
Create a new channel to be used as a container for the contents
Check clearance of the channel to be sure that learners can see the channel
Create new section (optional) to be able to structure the channel even more
Manage content to add media or topic-related courses
Promotion of channels in courses and learning paths (optional) to engage user to also check out the channels
Define automatic subscription of a channel (optional) to reach the pre-defined group of users
Set channel specific notifications (optional) if the standard setting shouldn’t be used
Steps to Configure Channels “Easy Media Upload”
Content creators need to have access to the navigation entry “Channel contents” to be able to to create and save media.
Check clearances for “Channel contents”, Content creators need to have at least the right “Edit” for the channels they are working on.
Configure “Easy media upload” in client administration to enable the functionality per client and define the desired media types to be used.
Check clearances for media types: Content creator needs at least “View” rights for the media type specified in clients manager for the upload.
Check or adapt the file formats which should be used for the easy media upload to make sure the right ones are configured
Check or adapt the upload size of files if you want to limit the upload size of files to a certain size or leave the size open
Ensure that the platform URL is configured as it is needed to construct proper URL’s
Channels
Select Channel
Before starting to create content, a channel must first be selected for which the content will be created. The view is generally similar to that of "Explore channels," but only channels for which editing rights are granted are displayed here.
Preview
This preview focuses on the overall appearance of the channel. It allows both an overview of the channel as a whole and the examination of specific parts to assess how they are displayed to channel subscribers.
Select Section
Within the channel, a selection must be made regarding where the content should be placed. If the channel has no sections, the area is clearly defined. If one or more sections have been created, either one of the sections must be selected or the general area above the sections.
Select Media Type
Depending on the configured media types, a larger or smaller selection is now available. To add files or multimedia files, they can either be dragged and dropped into the designated field or the field can be clicked to browse the computer. For creating media that are based on a link, below the drag-and-drop field, there is a field where any URL can be entered. As optional media type (if licensed) 3rd party content can be integrated as well, Pluralsight, Udemy and Academa are possible options.
Creation Step
Once the content type has been selected, the process moves to the next step, where the required metadata, such as name and description, can be added. The fields displayed here depend on the template configured for the client. Additionally, further languages can be added; the options available are also determined by the configuration within the client.
Before saving the content, a preview can be used to see how the content will be displayed to subscribers.
Rating
If a channel with activated ratings is selected, the content creator can view the ratings from learners on each content card in the overview, allowing them to assess the quality of the content.
Configuration Troubleshooting
Default Client & Platform URL
Furthermore, the following two settings are crucial. While they are not directly linked to Channels, they are still essential for ensuring that Channels function properly.
Default Client
Configuration Manager - ClientFor Channels, it is important to configure the default client, which should always be specified.
Platform URL
Configuration Manager - PlatformThe public URL in the platform section also always has to be specified.