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Plugins & Extensions

Plugins are modular packages that add functionality to the MAXRES Construct platform. These include Elements, Extensions, Menus, and Themes. Administrators manage plugins globally, while course authors configure specific extensions at the course level.

Overview​

Plugins enhance the Construct environment by extending its capabilities. They can be:

  • Extensions – Add course-level features (e.g., tracking, navigation control)
  • Elements – Provide new content elements
  • Menus – Change course navigation layout
  • Themes – Change the visual styling of a course

Requirements​

  • Admin access is required to upload or delete plugins
  • Course Creator is required to enable and configure course-level extensions

Plugin Management Interface (Admin Only)​

Accessible via the hamburger menu, the Plugin Management interface allows Admins to manage all installed plugins.

Features​

  • Plugin Filters: Categorized by type (Elements, Extensions, Menus, Themes)
  • Plugin details: View installed plugins, descriptions, versions, whether they are enabled and/or added to new courses by default
  • Delete Option: Remove unused or deprecated plugins

Uploading Plugins​

  1. Zip the Plugin Folder: Include all files, with bower.json, package.json, and core assets in the root.
  2. Connect to the instance server using WinSCP or VSCode Remote Explorer
  3. In the application root directory select Plugins and then Packages
  4. Upload your theme package to the Packages folder
  5. Login to your Construct instance
  6. Select the hamburger menu
  7. Select Plugin Management
  8. Select Install Plugins
  9. If the plugin was successfully uploaded it will be visible in the packages panel
  10. Select Install Packages
  11. You will see a message informing you of the packages that were installed successfully and any packages that were unable to be installed with an appropriate error message.
warning

Uploading plugins that are improperly configured may cause display issues or platform instability. Always test thoroughly before uploading to live environments.

Plugin Types​

TypePurpose
ExtensionAdds course-level features (e.g., Trickle, Spoor)
ComponentAdds new content blocks to the Page Structure editor
ThemeChanges the course’s visual style (see Themes & Styling)
MenuChanges the course’s navigation style (see Menus)

Deleting Plugins​

  1. Navigate to Plugin Management.
  2. Locate the plugin in the list.
  3. Click the Delete icon.
warning

Deleting a plugin in use by active courses may cause functionality errors or break layouts. Confirm usage before removing plugins.

Managing Extensions in a Course​

Once installed globally, many Extensions must be activated per course.

Enable Extensions:​

  1. Open the Course Editor.
  2. Navigate to Managing Extensions settings.
  3. Use checkboxes or toggles to enable/disable extensions.
  4. Configure any available settings for selected extensions.
  5. Click Save.

Common Extensions​

Here are some commonly used extensions:

ExtensionFunctionality
SpoorEnables SCORM tracking and assessment reporting
PathwaysMay define custom learning paths or branching logic
TrickleControls sequential content progression
Language PickerAllows learners to switch course languages
AssessmentManages assessment strategies and grading
ResourcesAdds a resource section for supplementary links or documents
Page Level ProgressTracks and displays progress at the page/module level
info

Some extension details may vary by version or platform configuration. Additional documentation may be available for each plugin.

By managing plugins and extensions effectively, you can create more interactive, tailored, and standards-compliant learning experiences in MAXRES Construct.