Users with manage permissions can set a class to Read only. Read only can also be applied to specific individuals (learners or facilitators), restricting just their permissions, but allowing the class to remain open to others.
In Read only, people can view the course content, but can't complete any tasks, or engage in social interactions (e.g. making social notes or posting in Talk channels).
When a learner with read only access logs into a course and attempts to complete a task, they will see a blue warning sign.
Why use Read only for learners
There are a number of reasons to set a class or individual learner to read only:
To give an individual learner temporary or limited access.
Tip: Temporary limited access can be useful if you want to offer a preview of the course to let someone see if it's right for them before enrolling. It can also be used if a learner has withdrawn from the course but still needs access to the parts they have completed.
To prevent learners from completing tasks or contributing to discussions after the course has ended.
Tip: This helps manage expectations around late tasks being marked and also means learners can’t discuss their assignment questions or marks (which may help other learners).
Why use Read only for facilitators
An organisation may want to add additional facilitators to a class in Read only mode, allowing them to monitor the class and track progress without the ability to mark learner assessments or engage in social channels.
Alternatively, a popular option among our partners, is our coach role, which grants full facilitator access to individual learners while restricting access to talk channels.
Learn more: You can learn more about the coaching role in our Coaching with iQualify article.
How to turn on Read only for a class or individual learners
Manage users can set classes or people as Read only under Access.
Learn more: See How to turn on read only access for a step by step guide.
How to tell if a class is Read only
In the Class console a facilitator will see that the class is set to Read only mode in a yellow banner.
How to tell if a learner has Read only access
In the Class Console, under the Learners tab, Read only learners are identified with an eye beside the learners' name.
Facilitators can filter to Only show learners who: Are not read only.
How to tell if you (as a facilitator) have Read only access
If a facilitator (or coach) has Read only access they can't mark a learner's submission and will see a yellow warning sign (banner) in the marking window.
Tip: If you don't want learners to continue engaging with the course because a facilitator or coach need to finish marking or moderation that might result in marks being changed, a manage user can set all learners to read only mode, and leave the facilitators or coaches as is.