Smart Tip of the Month: How can I find out which students have opened a particular file?

In CLE 2.6, you can use the Site Statistics tool to track a broad range of activities on your site—including specific actions users take with a particular file.

Let’s say you’ve uploaded some new content on your course site with the Resources tool. To find out which students have opened it—and when—first select Site Statistics. Then follow these steps:

1. In the menu bar, click Reports. The CLE displays the Reports screen.
2. Click the Add button. The CLE displays the New Report screen.
3. In the “What?” section, select Resources from the Activity dropdown menu. The CLE displays additional options.
4. Check the Limit to action radio button. From the dropdown menu, select Read.
5. Check the Limit to resources button. In the box below, the CLE displays files for the Resources and Dropbox tools, as well as any attached files.
6. Click on the Resources folder and select the appropriate file.

Next, finish customizing your report. In the “Who” section, select either “All,” a specific group, or the student role. In the “How?” section, be sure to select User in the “Totals by” box. You will also have a variety of options for how you would like the CLE to present your report. For the most comprehensive format, select Table & Chart from the Presentation dropdown menu.

Once you’ve made all your selections, click Generate report to view the results. You’ll see which students accessed the file, as well as the date and number of times they’ve opened it.

This and hundreds of other tips can be found in the RSN knowledge base.