The following are some of the questions we frequently get asked about Modules in Canvas. For a full list of FAQs from Canvas, check out these Canvas Guides from Instructure: Modules.

What are Modules and why should I use them?

Modules are a system of "containers" in Canvas that allow you to organize your course content. Modules are intended to control the entire flow of your course and its content. As an instructor, you can add modules, add items to a module, and manage module settings. You can also reorder all modules and module items.

We recommend their use in order to create a structured course where students can easily access information and determine which steps to take to complete the course content.

Is it possible to nest a Module within a Module? 

No, Modules are separate. Note that Modules are not intended to be folders, but a course structure tool. To link to a file in Modules, use a Content Page to give a description and then link to the file on that Content Page. When the student clicks on that item, the Content Page will open and the students will see the description and the file will also open in that view. You can, however, use the Indent option when adding content to create "sub-content" with different levels.  

Is it possible to change the name of the Module tool? 

It isn’t, but that is so all students have consistency across their courses in Canvas.  The name of each Module can be modified.  One way to alleviate confusion with the term Module is to provide students with an opening of the term announcement and explain to them the course materials are located in the Modules.  This way students know right away that they should look there.  One can also make the Modules the Course Home Page. 

Is it possible to have a shorter Modules page?   

Many courses have multiple items in each weekly Module or Unit. Often those items can be grouped and explained as well as linked to on a Content Page. Content pages are discussed in other FAQ’s, but basically they are web pages that allow you to link to multiple files, discussions, quizzes, assignments, etc.  Photos and color can be added to these pages as well to brighten up the interface.  

How do I lock a Module until a certain time?

You can set modules to be locked until a given date. Students will be able to see the module titles and module item names, but they will not be able to access the module items until after the lock date has passed. In Course Navigation, click the Modules link. Click the Options icon (three dots), click Edit, then click the Lock until checkbox. In the Unlock field, enter a date that the module should unlock. You can also use the calendar to select a date. Click the Calendar icon. In the calendar, click the date the module should unlock. If you want to set a specific time, enter a time in the time field. Click the Done button. Click the Update Module button. The unlock date and time will appear next to the bottom of the module.

How do I add prerequisites to a Module?

In Course Navigation, click the Modules link. Locate the name of the module and click the Options icon (three dots) then select the Edit link. Click the Add Prerequisite link. In the module drop-down menu, select the module students must complete before moving on. To add additional prerequisites, click the Add Prerequisite link. If you want to ensure students complete modules in order, you should add prerequisites for all modules that come before this module. To remove a prerequisite, click the Remove icon. Click the Update Module button.

When you set a module prerequisite, the module is locked until a student completes the required items. However, unless completion requirements are set for prior modules, students will still be able to access upcoming modules. When selecting a prerequisite module, you can only choose from previous modules.

How do I add requirements to a Module?

In Course Navigation, click the Modules link. Locate the name of the module and click the Options icon (three dots) then select the Edit link. Click the Add Requirement link. When adding requirements, you can choose whether to allow students to complete all requirements, or one of a series of requirements. By default, Modules selects the all requirements option. If you want to require students to complete all requirements in the module, this setting has already been selected for you. Choose the settings you want. To add additional requirements, click the Add Requirement button. To remove a requirement, click the Remove icon. Click the Update Module button.

In Course Navigation, click the Modules link. Locate the name of the module and click the Options icon (three dots) then select the Duplicate link. View the duplicate module in the Modules Index Page.

You can duplicate assignments, graded discussions, and pages in a module within a course. When a module is copied, the word Copy is added to the end of the module. Duplicating a module defaults the copied module to an unpublished status. Assignment duplication, page duplication, and discussion duplication are currently supported in modules. Please note the exceptions associated with each item type.