What do they do?

Modules allow you to organize your content to help control the flow of your course content and assessments.

Below is an example of a module structure from the instructor view. Published items are indicated by a green checkmark icon.

Identify the module components numbered below:

Module title
Requirements for completion (available under "Edit" of the Options menu--sometimes referred to as the "kabob" icon)
Text heading (unlinked)
Link to a Canvas page
Link to a Canvas graded discussion assignment
Link to a Canvas quiz assignment
Links to Canvas assignments
External link
Link to a PDF file

Example of a Module structure

Modules are used to organize course content by weeks, units, or a different organizational structure that works for your course. With modules, you are essentially creating a one-directional linear flow of what you would like your students to do.

Each module can contain files, discussions, assignments, quizzes, and other learning materials that you would like to use. You can easily add items to your module that you have already created in the course or create new content shells within the modules. Course content can be added to multiple modules or iterated several times throughout an individual module. Modules can be easily organized using the drag and drop feature. Elements within the modules can also be reorganized by dragging and dropping.

In student view, a green checkmark will indicate that the student has completed the requirement for that item.

How do I ...?

Refer to this Canvas Guide to learn how to create, arrange, and edit your Modules Index Page.

Best Practices

Keep it simple, but include all of the assessments for which students are responsible.
Indent items to communicate an outline order for easier visual scanning.
Add requirements at the module level to communicate requirements to students (i.e. as a checklist).
Ensure that modules and module items are published when ready for student viewing.
You can lock a module until a specified date.

Example Use Case

You would like students to be self-directed and explore the learning material within each module freely, but you would like them to complete one module before moving on to the next module.

Here's how to do it:

Go to your course and click on Modules.
Click on the Options "kabob" icon (three vertical dots) for the module where you would like to set requirements.
Choose Edit.
Click "+ Add Requirement."
Select “Students must complete all of these requirements.”
Identify what must be done with each item in the module.
Click “Update Module.”
Click on the "kabob" icon for the next module.
Choose Edit.
Click on “+ Add prerequisite.”
Assign the preceding module as a prerequisite.
Click “Update Module.”

Further Reading/Information

Technical Support & Consultation Requests
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Additional Resources Online
Learn@UW Website with Guides & More Information • at.doit.wisc.edu/learn-uw
Learn@UW KnowledgeBase • kb.wisc.edu/luwmad