Build Modules

Modules organize course content.

  • Organize content by weeks, units, or a different organizational structure.
  • Each module can contain files, discussions, assignments, quizzes, and other learning materials.

Unpublished modules are invisible to students. Published content within an unpublished module will be visible in other parts of the course sites but students will not be able to open or participate with the content.



Creating Modules 

Step 1.

  • Navigate to "Modules" in the course navigation menu.


Step 2.

  • Select the "+ Module" button on the top right of your screen.

Note: Be aware numerous module items may affect performance. Modules supports up to 100 module items before affecting load time.


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Step 3.

  • Add the module name
    • Type into the Module Name field.
    • Click the "Add Module" button. 
    • Your created Module will now appear on the main Modules page.


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Adding Content To Modules/ Module Items

Step 4.

  • Click the "+" button on the right of the module that you have created.


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Step 5.

  • Click the "Add" drop-down menu 
    • Select one of the listed item types


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Step 6.

  • If you have already created the item you want to add, select the item from the list.
    • Click the "Add Item" button.


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Step 7.

  • For a new item, click the [New] link and type a name in the name field.
    • Depending on the item type, when adding new content you may be asked to complete additional fields.
    • Once you have created/ selected your new piece of content, click the "Add Item" button.


Existing files menu


Step 8.

  • Publish your module and/ or module item.*
    • The module itself must be published for students to see the published items within the module and for them to access wherever else the items might reside in the course site**.


*Be aware that the status of the Module overrides the state of the individual module items.

**For instance, if you add a published Discussion to an unpublished Module, students cannot view the Discussion on the Modules page. However, they will still be able to see the Discussion in other areas of Canvas, such as the Discussions Index Page, the Syllabus, and the Calendar, but they will not be able to open or participate in the Discussion.

The "Publish" button publishes all content under a module or item's header. If you wish to keep certain items in the module hidden, you should either first publish the module before adding content; or review and unpublish certain items after publishing.


Unpublished module icons

Published module check marks



Organizing & Editing Modules

Step 9.

  • Reorder your modules
    • Click on the options icon of the module you wish to move.
    • Select "Move Module". Select where you want to place the module from the drop-down menu, and then click "Move".
      • You can also drag and drop to reorder modules


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Step 10.

  • Edit a module name
    • Click on the options icon to the right of the module.
    • Select "Edit".
    • Delete and enter the name in the Module Name field. 
    • Click the "Update Module" button.

Note: Renaming files in modules will not change the original filename.

Renaming assignments, discussions, pages, and quiz items in modules will change the items' names in every part of Canvas.


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Organizing & Editing Module Items

Step 11.

  • Reorder your module items
    • Click on the options icon to the right of the item you wish to move or edit.*
    • Select "Move to..." 
    • Select where you want to place the module from the drop-down menu, and then click "Move".
      • You can also drag and drop to reorder module items within and between modules.


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Step 12.

  • Edit module item name
    • Click on the options icon to the right of the module.
    • Select "Edit". 
    • Delete and enter in the name in the Module Name field. 
    • Click the "Update" button.


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