The moodle attendance plugin allows professors to record attendance for a particular session.
Step 1:
From your moodle shell, select the cogwheel in the top right corner. Then select, "Turn editing on"
Step 2:
Then, in the first week, click "Add an activity or resource" and choose the attendance activity. The week in which this module is placed does not really matter, but putting it in the first will conveniently keep it at the top of the shell.
Step 3:
A window with settings will appear. The most important setting is the grade settings. Attendance can be tied to a grade item, making it worth points, or it can be just for record-keeping.
Step 4:
When you have edited the settings you wish, you may click "Save and display"
Step 5:
In the new window that appears, click "Add session"
Step 6:
This will create a session. A session is an attendance period for your class. You may edit the settings to tailor your needs. Be aware of the "Student Recording" section and understand how allowing students to record their own attendance may impact your class.
Step 7:
When you are satisfied with your session, you may click "Add'
Step 8:
A session has now been created, you may click the Icon that looks like a triangle who's tip faces right to record attendance for that session
Step 9:
A list of all of your students will generate. You may mark them as "P" for present, "L" for Late, "E" for Excused Absence, or "A" for Absent.
Step 10:
When you are done recording attendance, you may click "Save attendance"
Step 11:
You have just recorded attendance for a single session! Simply repeat steps 5 through 10 for each session!