A sandpit course is a practice course in which an instructor develops and tests content and functionality before transferring it to a public (or teaching) course and making it available to students. Sandpits are another way of keeping more complex course activities or resources under wraps until they are complete and will function as intended.
Details on different types of courses that are available in Moodle are available on the Moodle Course Types page.
Create a Sandpit Course
To create a Sandpit course, staff can submit a 'Sandpit Request form'.
Click 'Get Started' to view the step-by-step guide.
Create self enrolment keys
If further enrolments are required after sandpit creation, instructors can request for a self enrolment key. A self enrolment key is a password that can be provided to other people and entered into the course to enrol with a specific role. After processing, you will receive an email with a confirmation and the list of requested enrolment keys.
Enroll to a self-enrolment course
To enroll in a self-enrolment course on Moodle, teaching staff will need a self-enrolment key. The self-enrolment key is a unique code provided by instructor or the course administrator. It acts as a password to grant access to the course with specific role.
Click 'Get Started' to view the step-by-step guide.
Unenroll from a self-enrolment course
If an academic wish to unenroll from a self-enrolment course on Moodle, they can do so easily. Unenrolling will remove access to the course and to the course materials.
Click 'Get Started' to view the step-by-step guide.
Sandpit Guest Access
Enabling guest access allows users without a zID to view your course materials within Moodle. These users will be able to access content anonymously but will not be able to participate in activities that require an identity within Moodle. For example, Assignment submissions.
UNSW staff may use this form to request guest access to an existing sandpit course. You should first be enrolled as an instructor to the course or be a TELT Administrator.
Guest access for courses requires approval from your Head of School or Organisational Unit. You will be required to upload email approval from your relevant Head of Organisational Unit. (Email Attachment)
Can I remove dummy students from my sandpit course?
No, dummy or test students cannot be removed from sandpit courses, however they are useful to have in there for testing purposes.
How to change my role in self-enrolment course?
Roles provided by sandpit enrolment keys can be changed by unenrolling and re-enrolling with a different key.
Roles that are provided initially during sandpit creation cannot be changed. The same enrolment key can be reused if you unenroll.
How to change or recover lost enrolment keys?
Staff can contact EdTech Hub to request a self enrolment key to be updated, recovered or hidden.
Used enrolment keys cannot be updated. Instead, it is recommended to request a new enrolment key via the Request form. The old key may also be hidden if it will not be used.