In MLS, you can create so-called inline forms directly in learning tasks – primarily questions for testing knowledge. The other option is external forms.
Inline forms are embedded directly in a learning task. External forms are separate and can be used multiple times via a simple link.
Why and when should I want to convert them?
If you realise that you always want to use these questions in exactly the same version in other learning tasks, external forms are the better choice.
Here you will find a description of how you can ‘convert’ an inline form into an external form.
📌 How it works, step by step
1. Starting point: inline form
You have created a learning task and an inline form within it. In this example, it contains exactly one question.
2. Create an external form
If you now want to ‘convert’ this inline form, first create a new external form via Forms -> ‘Create form’. 🆕
3. Integrate inline form into external form
In the next step, click on ‘Merge forms’. This will bring up all inline forms (and external forms) that have been created. It is therefore always important to give your forms clear names.
Use the drop-down menu to select the inline form you want to ‘convert’. In MLS, it is copied (hence marked as v1.1 here), so not actually converted.
4. Editing the form (optional)
If you wish, you can continue editing this new form – in this case, the one question. 🔧
5. Save and test
Don't forget to save the form 💾 and test it using the learner view.
6. Insert external form into learning task (optional)
You now still have two forms: the original inline form (located in the learning task) and the new external form. Optionally, you can replace the old inline form with the external form. This allows you to work consistently with only one version.
To do this, open the learning task again via ‘Edit’.
Note: Editing is only possible as long as you have not assigned this task.
Go to the task step where you created the inline form. Delete the form there (don't worry, the external form will not be affected, as it uses the copy).
Now select ‘Connect to form’ in the learning task.
Select the external form you created earlier. Confirm your selection by clicking ‘Select form’.
Now you only have one consistently used version of your form! 🚀
🎯 Why this is useful:
🔁 Reusable: You can use the converted form in the same version for multiple tasks.
🧠 Centrally manageable: Changes to the external form apply wherever it is integrated. The prerequisite is that the learning task in which the form is used is not assigned to a learner.
📂 Better organisation: External forms are easier to structure and version.