The MyFIRE Editor is the primary method of creating instructions and content in the learning environment. The editor textbox can be found in many tools throughout MyFIRE. It allows users to enter text, pictures, embed audio/video, or even embed HTML code. This tutorial demonstrates how to utilize the many functions of the editor tool within MyFIRE. Step 1. Paragraph: This option allows the user to switch between text format levels. Options include paragraph, heading, block quote, and code format sizing.
Step 2. Font Emphasis: The MyFIRE Editor has multiple options that match those of common word processing software: bold, italics, underline, strikethrough, superscript, and subscript. Strikethrough, superscript, and subscript are available through the strikethrough drop-down menu. Step 3. Font Color: This option allows users to change the color of font within the message by selecting the font color icon. A pop-up window will appear. A. Users can select the desired color and shade of the specified color. The shade or value of the color can be selected by choosing a color tile, moving the sliding bar, or entering the desired percentage of the color.
B. If users have a specific color, users can type or paste the specified hex color code in the text field. C. When selecting or changing colors in the message, users will be able to confirm if the desired color passes the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliance checker. The WCAG checker will check font and color ratios to help users ensure that the message that is being created will be accessible. It is best practice to ensure that both the small text and large text have green checkmarks next to them as you change colors. D. Once done selecting the desired color, select save at the bottom of the pop-up window. Step 4. Alignment: This option allows users to set the alignment of content in messages.
Step 5. Lists & Indentations: This option allows users to include lists, increase indentation, and decrease indentation in messages. Step 6. Insert Stuff: This option allows users to add a variety of elements to be inserted including files from the computer, files from the course, shared files, ePortfolio files, video notes (30-minute recorded video), URL links, and embed codes. Note: If the original files or links are changed or deleted, the added item will not display properly.
Step 7. Insert Quicklinks: This option allows users to create a link to internal and external content within the course (Assignments, Discussions, Quizzes, Surveys, Rubrics, etc.). Once the icon is selected, a pop-up window will appear. A. Select the desired tool from the pop-up window.
B.Then select the item from the list that you want to create a link to in your message. NOTE: If embedded content is deleted or altered on the source site, the link created in the course will reflect that change or could break. Step 8. Insert Image: This option allows images to be added from one of three sources to a message:
A. Another option to add an image to a message or content is to drag and drop or copy and paste an image in the message field. This functionality is only available in the following areas within the course that contain no user-specific data: i. Quiz Feedback. ii. Discussion Topic Feedback. iii. Grades Feedback. Step 9. Equations: This option allows users to add graphical equations, LaTeX equations, MathML equations, or Chemistry equations to the message.
Step 10. Tables: This option allows users to create and insert tables within messages. Step 11. Additional Insert Options: This option allows for users to format messages or content by inserting attributes, divider lines, emojis, or symbols. A. Attributes: The attributes feature is a way to label and style contents in your message for accessibility and coding purposes by adding an attribute title, ID, class, style, and determine the direction of the text in the message.
i. Content must be added to the message in order for the attributes to appear. The title attribute specifies extra information about a content element. The information is most often shown as a tooltip text when the mouse moves over the element. ii. The attributes appear in the source code of the message. Step 12. Accessibility Checker: This option allows users to check if the message contains any accessibility issues. Note: It is best practice to run the accessibility checker prior to publishing messages.
A. If there are no issues, then a green success alert message appears. B. If there are issues with the message, then a red error message appears. i. Depending on the type of error, the alert message will either provide an option to correct the error through selecting a repair button, or provide a brief description of what is wrong within the message to help the creator locate and fix the issue.
Step 13. Font & Font Size: This option allows users to change the font of the message to a preferred font and font size by selecting the drop-down menus. The font and size that is selected will show a checkmark icon to the right of the selection. Step 14. Preview: This option allows users to to preview the message that is being created in a pop-up window. Step 15. Source Code: This option allows users to create and edit the message through HTML and CSS coding. If this option is selected, the source code will appear in different colors to make it easier to identify different elements of the code. Step 16. Word Count: This option allows users to view the amount of words, characters, characters with no spaces, and paragraphs that are included in the message.
Step 17. Additional Tools: The additional options allows users to undo, redo, or toggle to full screen when creating the message. A. To access the additional options, select the ellipsis icon. B. Then either select undo, redo, or toggle to full screen. Note: The toggle and expand screen features are for your view only and do not adjust the view for other users. C. If toggle to full screen is selected, users can return to the previous screen by selecting the same toggle screen button.
Step 18. If you would like to simply expand the editor while creating a message on the current screen, select and drag the diagonal line icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the editor to the desired size.