Update 6/30 - this feature is no longer allowed on modern browsers and will be removed completely from Moodle.org.

Caught this little tip from the Moodle.org forums and Mary Cooch (aka @moodlefairy).

With a quick check box you can easily enable the linking of files from the local area network.  This will let you link to files in a shared folder and make them accessible to students as long as they are connected to the LAN on which the files reside or have a similar files structure on the computer they’re using to access Moodle.  It also provides an easier way to update and change files (as long as their names stay the same) and can eliminate download times for students accessing large files remotely. [link to the discussion]

When creating a new file resource, allow links to files on a local file system such as a CD drive or a hard drive. This may be useful in a classroom where all students have access to a common network drive or where files on a CD need to be accessed. Use of this feature may require changes to your browser’s security settings.

This day and age it could also be thumb drives or a folder at home that you previously had students install.  Pretty nifty.  To enable this feature, Administrators must navigate to Modules, Activities, Resource –> Allow local files.

Update 6/29 – it’s possible that this Admin feature is no longer functional.  We’ll report back when we know more.

Update 6/30 - this feature is no longer allowed on modern browsers and will be removed completely from Moodle.org.