Troubleshooting: “IMS Content Package” Option Missing in Moodle

When importing JoVE playlists or cartridges into Moodle, you may expect to see “IMS content package” under Activities and resources, but find that it is missing. This is a common Moodle setup issue and is usually related to permissions or disabled plugins.

Follow the steps below to resolve or work around the issue before contacting JoVE Support.

Step 1: Confirm Moodle Permissions

The IMS content package option is only visible to users with the correct permissions.

Please confirm that you:

  • Have Instructor, Course Creator, or Administrator access

  • Are allowed to add activities and resources to the course

If you are unsure, contact your Moodle administrator or IT Admin to verify your role.


A Moodle course page shows the “Turn editing on” button and “Add an activity or resource” option.

Step 2: Check If the IMS Content Package Plugin Is Enabled

In some Moodle systems, the IMS plugin is disabled by default.

Ask your Moodle administrator to check:

  1. Site administration

  2. Plugins

  3. Activity modules

  4. IMS content package

The plugin must be enabled for the option to appear.


Moodle Admin → Plugins → Activity modules list showing “IMS content package” enabled.

Step 3: Confirm Moodle Configuration

Some institutions:

  • Hide unused activity types

  • Restrict activities at the course or category level

  • Use custom Moodle themes that limit visible options

Your Moodle administrator or IT admin may need to review:

  • Course-level activity restrictions

  • Site-wide plugin visibility settings

Step 4: Use the SCORM Workaround (Recommended)

If the IMS content package option is unavailable or cannot be enabled, you can upload JoVE content using SCORM.

Resolution Steps

  1. Download the cartridge from the JoVE website as usual

  2. Rename the file extension:

    sample_playlist.imscc → sample_playlist.zip

  3. In Moodle:

    • Click Add an activity or resource

    • Select SCORM package

    • Upload the renamed .zip file

    • Save and return to course

This method works in most Moodle environments and allows students to access JoVE content normally.

Step 5: Test Student Access

After uploading:

  • Use Student view (if available)

  • Confirm videos launch correctly

  • Ensure students are not asked to log in separately

Report the Issue

Please find this article for basic troubleshooting steps that may help resolve the issue. This article also contains the basic troubleshooting steps to follow and the information needed if the issue persists.
Basic-Troubleshooting-Steps-for-LMS-LTI-Access-Issues

Summary

The IMS content package option may be missing due to:

  • Disabled Moodle plugins

  • Insufficient permissions

  • LMS configuration or theme restrictions

In most cases, uploading the JoVE cartridge via SCORM after renaming the file resolves the issue quickly.

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