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New Bulk Updates in Moodle

There are ways to bulk update assignment dates and other settings in Moodle, which can save you a lot of time. Here are the best options depending on your version and access level:

✅ 1. Use the "Dates" Report Plugin (Highly Recommended)

This plugin is built specifically for what you're describing.

  • What it does: Allows you to see and edit all availability and due dates across your course in a single table.

  • What you can edit: Open date, due date, cutoff date, expected completion.

  • How to use it:

    1. Go to your course.

    2. In the gear icon menu (top right), choose More...

    3. Select Reports > Dates.

    4. Filter by activity type (e.g., Assignments).

    5. Edit dates directly in the list.

🔧 If you don’t see “Dates” in Reports, your Moodle admin might need to install or enable the plugin:

✅ 2. Use the “Course Reset” Tool (for shifting dates between semesters)

If your course structure stays the same, this lets you bulk-shift all relevant dates at once.

  • Steps:

    1. Go to Course administration > Reset.

    2. Scroll to the "Date adjustment" section.

    3. Use "Shift all dates" by a specified number of days.

⚠️ Be careful—this shifts all dates (including quizzes, forums, etc.) and may affect more than intended.

✅ 3. Use CSV Upload for Assignments (Advanced/Admin)

You can export assignment settings, update them in Excel, then re-upload.

  • This requires admin or manager-level access, or a plugin like Upload assignments.

  • Good for power users or if doing the same task across many courses.

✅ 4. Use a Backup + Restore Template with Relative Dates

If you're reusing the same course every term:

  • When backing up your course, choose “Include activity completion” and use relative dates.

  • When restoring, set the new start date of the course—Moodle recalculates all relative due dates accordingly.

✳️ Summary: Best Choice for You

GoalBest Option
Quickly edit all dates across a courseDates Report plugin
Shift all dates from last semesterCourse Reset: Shift dates
Reuse course each semester with auto-adjustBackup/Restore with relative dates


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