Deep Linking and Sakai

Deep Linking, sometimes also called 'Content Item,' is an IMS LTI standard that makes it easier to share content in Sakai, particularly when course content is copied and reused.

With Deep Linking, course instructors and admins will now be able to insert any assets from any of their Media Libraries, rather that just the library corresponding to the Sakai Course they are working from.

How do I update old embedded videos to use new Deep Linking?

No need to update old embeds, as they still function just as they did before. Simply update to the new plugin.

Luckily, the new tool allows you to embed videos from ANY of your Media Libraries, not just the one for the Sakai course you are working in. The instructor or course builder can simply use the Account Menu on the top-right to navigate to any of their Media Libraries.  (Fig. 1)

Fig. 1 - Media Libraries dropdown menu

Just click on one of the Media Libraries titles within the list to be taken to the Media Library for choosing assets for embedding. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 2 - Media Libraries dropdown menu

Here's a page with videos embedded from multiple Media Libraries. Because the user has access to the Sakai course, they are automatically granted access to all of the videos on the page - even ones from other Media Libraries! (Fig. 3)

Fig. 3 - Multiple videos embedded in Sakai announcement post.

Will my old embedded videos still work when I install the new Deep Linking plugin?

Yes! All old videos will behave just as they always have.

Can I use Deep Linking for some courses but not others?

Yes. There is no issue with a slow migration with some courses continuing to use the old plugin and some using the new. You can toggle the plugin on and off via the Site Tools' "Manage Tools" tab, as described above.

As an instructor, what's the workflow for uploading and embedding content with the new tool?

You can follow this guide to uploading and inserting media in Sakai.

As a student, what's the workflow for uploading and embedding content?

As a student, you'll be using the original Warpwire plugin. There are some limitations to this version:

1. Any content you embed will not be automatically shared if the course is copied for use in another semester
2. You can only select content from the currect course Media Library to embed
3. If your instructor has contribution mode turned on, you'll be able to upload content into the course Media Library

Aside from these limitations, you'll use the process outlined here to upload and insert content within Sakai.

Contact us if you have any questions.

See also: Upload and Insert media in Sakai and Capture and Insert Media in Sakai.