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Create a Module in Minutes

In Connexions, instead of writing one big document, you write several small, self-contained, chunks of information called modules (search or browse to see examples), which you can join together into a collection (course, book, report, survey, etc.). In its simplest form, a module contains only text. You can make it more interesting by adding tables, images, sounds, videos, and more. Modules are stored in a markup language called CNXML, which is our XML language.

Here are the basic steps to create a Connexions module. For more detailed instructions, please use the links that appear in the steps.

1. Get Started

Get an account and log in to your personal workspace.

  • Get an account -- It is simple and free. You will need to have a valid email address to confirm your account.
  • Log in here -- or you can click on the MyCNX tab and log in there.

2. Create Content

Create a module from scratch or convert it from a Microsoft Word document.

  1. Create a module in your workspace.
    • Display your workspace using the MyCNX tab.
    • Create a new module in your workspace. Select Module from the drop down and push the Create New Item button.
    • Read and agree to using the Creative Commons license.
    • Give your module a title and select a language.
  2. Add content to your module.

    You may import content from an existing file (Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, or XML) or use the online editors to create your content.

    If you want to import a file, use the following steps. For simplicity, we list only the steps to import a Microsoft Word document. For instructions on using Open Office Writer, please click here.

    1. Download and install our Word Template on your computer
    2. Create a new Word document by selecting the Connexions.dot icon.
    3. Apply the appropriate Word styles to the content in your document.
    4. Upload your Word document into the module you created earlier in your workspace.
    5. Scroll through the contents of your module in the Edit-In-Place editor to verify that it appears as desired.

    Or

    If you want to create your content with our on-site editors, use the following steps. You can use either the Edit-In-Place or the Full Source XML editor. Since Edit-In-Place requires less knowledge of CNXML we list the steps for using it.

    1. Click the Edit tab in your new module.
    2. Click inside the box that says Click to insert text. A text entry box displays.
    3. Type in your text. When you click Save the text entry box is replaced by a paragraph display showing the text you entered in a white box.
    4. Add more paragraphs or other elements (lists, equations, tables, figures, and so on) either above or below the paragraph you just created.

3. Publish

Publish your works, sharing them with the world.

Complete the module creation process with the following steps.

  • Preview both the online and print versions of your module to verify that it appears as you intended.
  • Click the Publish tab, type a statement about an initial publication in the Description of Changes text box, and click the Publish button.

Congratulations! You have created a Connexions module.

For more information, please see the New Author Guide or the Connexions Tutorial and Reference.

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