Teacher - Course Import Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Prerequisites
• 3. Overview of the Import Process
• 4. Accessing the Course Importer
• 5. Step-by-Step Instructions
  • 5.1. Upload Your Course File
  • Upload a valid MBZ or IMSCC file
  • 5.2. File Analysis
  • 5.3. Content Overview
  • 5.4. Import Completion
• 6. Technical Information
  • 6.1 Supported Content Types
  • 6.2 Unsupported content types (will not be imported):
• 7. Troubleshooting
  • 7.1 File Issues
  • 7.2 Content Issues
  • 7.3 Post-import Issues

NOTE: This feature will launch first in Germany and is scheduled to roll out globally at the start of August.

1. Introduction

The Course Importer enables you to import course content from external Learning Management Systems (LMS), such as Moodle, into itslearning. The tool supports two file types:

• MBZ: Moodle backup format
• IMSCC: Common Cartridge standard format (1EdTech)

Each format has unique characteristics affecting how content is transferred into itslearning.

2. Prerequisites

Before using the importer, ensure the following:

• The Course Importer must be enabled by your system administrator.
• You have a valid MBZ or IMSCC course file.
• Maximum upload size: 1024 MB
• Only one file can be uploaded per import session.

3. Overview of the Import Process

The importer recreates the course structure and transfers supported content. 

Student data (such as submissions, grades, or progress) is not imported.

Administrators may rename "Course Importer" to suit local needs (e.g., Moodle Importer).

4. Accessing the Course Importer

Once enabled:

1. Open the course where you want to import content
2. Go to the Resources section
3. Click Add
4. Under Ready to use content, select Course importer

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

5.1. Upload Your Course File

• Upload a valid MBZ or IMSCC file

• Click Import to begin
• File size must not exceed 1024 MB
• Only one file at a time is allowed

5.2. File Analysis

The system checks the file’s structure and identifies supported content. Processing time may vary depending on the file size.

5.3. Content Overview

The analysis report will categorize your content:

Important: Review this overview before proceeding to understand to what is being imported. You can leave this page at any time - once the import is completed, you will be notified with a bell notification.

5.4. Import Completion

Once the import finishes:

• You'll receive a bell notification
• Content appears in a new folder within Resources
• The folder preserves the original course structure from the LMS it was imported from

6. Technical Information

6.1 Supported Content Types

Note - For more detailed and technical information about all content types and capabilities - see article about cartridge types

6.2 Unsupported content types (will not be imported):

All other content types will not be supported. Examples are:

• Glossary
• Workshop
• Database
• LTI tools (external tools)
• H5P content

Content Considerations

• Text formatting is largely preserved; minor formatting may be lost

• Embedded media (audio/video) import may vary by method

• Images: Common formats are supported

• Special characters: Unicode is supported, but rendering may vary

7. Troubleshooting

7.1 File Issues

Problem: Import fails during file upload

Symptoms: Error message appears, upload stops, or file is rejected 

Solutions:

• Ensure file format is MBZ (Moodle backup) or IMSCC (Common Cartridge) - Error message: "Invalid file type"
• Check file size - must not exceed 1024 MB
• Try re-exporting the course file from your original LMS if upload fails repeatedly

Problem: File uploads but import doesn't start

Symptoms: File appears uploaded but analysis phase never begins 

Solutions:

• Wait 2-3 minutes - large files may take time to process
• Refresh your browser page
• Check your internet connection stability
• Contact your local support if the issue persists

7.2 Content Issues

Problem: Expected content is missing after import

Symptoms: Folders, activities, or resources you expected don't appear in the imported course 

Solutions:

• Review the analysis report that appeared before import
• Look for content marked as "Not supported" or "Partially supported"
• Check the Technical Information section for supported content types (6.1 - 6.2)
• Some content types (like Glossary, Workshop, Database) are not supported and will not import

Problem: Content appears but doesn't work correctly

Symptoms: Activities don't function as expected, formatting looks wrong, or links are broken 

Solutions:

• This is normal for some content types that are only partially supported. Consult above table or cartridge article. 
• Review each imported item individually
• Recreate unsupported activities manually using itslearning tools
• Check embedded media - some may need to be re-uploaded

7.3 Post-import Issues

Problem: Can't find imported content

Symptoms: Import completed successfully but you can't locate the new content 

Solutions:

• Go to your course Resources section
• Look for a new folder with your original course name
• Check that you imported into the correct course
• Look for the bell notification confirming import completion

Problem: Imported content structure is confusing

Symptoms: Content organization doesn't match your original course 

Solutions:

• The importer preserves the original folder structure from your LMS
• Use itslearning's move and organize tools to restructure as needed
• Consider creating a new folder structure and moving content manually

Need more help?

• Contact your local support. 
• For technical specifications and settings, consult the itslearning sysadmin documentation and documentation about the different cartridges