Organize Content with Modules

Introduction

A clear modular structure is the foundation of an organized course in Canvas. Modules can be used to organize all course content, assignments, and other activities in a single, convenient location to keep you and your students on track. Learn how to create and manage your modules with the resources on this page.

On This Page:

1. Recommendations for course modules
2. Create your module structure
3. Add content to your course modules
4. Structure your course with Mastery Paths
5. Customize students' access to course modules

 

Recommendations for course modules

Using the modules page to organize your course into chronological units can make it easier for your students to navigate to specific resources and activities throughout the semester, and it can make it easier for you to manage and update the content in your course over time. It's a win-win! Review the recommendations below to get started:

Penn State's LMS Interface Task Force has a couple of recommendations for the use of modules:

• Organize modules chronologically by week, lesson, or unit.
• All course content, assignments, and activities (e.g. discussions) should be included in the appropriate course module so everything a student needs during that particular time period can be found in one place.

 

Create your module structure

Follow the steps in the video or text tutorial below to create a module structure on the Modules page for your course:

• How do I add a new module? Links to an external site.

 

Modules Overview video, 4m 10s

 

Learn more about module options in the following tutorial:

• How do I use the Modules Index Page? Links to an external site. (External resource)

 

Add content to your course modules

If you have already created your course pages and files, follow the steps in this tutorial to add those existing items to your new module structure. Otherwise, skip to the next page to learn how to create your content, and then return to this page when you're ready to organize it:

• How do I add course content as module items? Links to an external site. (External resource)

 

Customize students' access to course modules

All items in Canvas, including modules, can be hidden or shown to students by toggling the item between draft and published states. Use the tutorial to learn how to use the draft state for modules:

• How do I use draft state in modules? Links to an external site. (External resource)

Additional options for limiting students' access to modules include:

• Locking a module until a specific date Links to an external site. (External resource)
• Requiring students to complete prerequisites before accessing a module Links to an external site. (External resource)
• Requiring students to complete specific requirements before a module can be marked as complete Links to an external site. (External resource)