Creating Course Flow with Canvas Modules: A Guide for New Faculty
To the SUBR Faculty: As our System transitions to the Canvas LMS, we wanted to share best practices for designing quality online and hybrid courses aligned to current standards (QM) and using delivery methods that support JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) - Please stay tune for more pedagogical integration tips from me.
As you transition to Canvas, understanding how to create an effective course flow using Modules is crucial for both you and your students. Canvas Modules allow you to organize your course content in a logical, sequential manner that guides students through the learning process. Here's what you need to know:
What are Canvas Modules?
Modules in Canvas are essentially containers that allow you to organize course content by weeks, units, or any other structure that fits your course design[2]. They create a linear flow of what students should do in a course, helping to control the pace and direction of learning.
Key Benefits of Using Modules
1. Organized Content**: Modules help you structure your course materials, assignments, discussions, and quizzes in a clear, easy-to-navigate format[2].
2. Flexible Organization: You can organize modules by week, topic, or learning outcome, adapting to your specific course needs[3].
3. Prerequisite Settings: You can set prerequisites, requiring students to complete certain activities before moving on to the next module[2].
4. Progress Tracking: Modules allow both you and your students to track progress through the course[3].
5. Consistent Experience: Using modules creates a uniform experience across your course, reducing confusion for students[9].
Creating an Effective Course Flow
1. Start with a Welcome Module: Begin your course with an orientation module that includes your syllabus, course expectations, and a welcome message[7].
2. Organize Chronologically: List your modules in chronological order so students can easily progress through the course[9].
3. Clear Instructions: Within each module, provide clear, step-by-step instructions for assignments and activities[9].
4. Consistent Structure: Maintain a consistent structure across modules. For example, each module could start with an overview, followed by readings, activities, and assessments[9].
5. Use Sub-headers: Within modules, use bolded sub-headers to further organize content and improve navigation[9].
6. Link Related Content: Utilize Canvas's ability to link related content across modules to reinforce connections between topics[3].
7. Gradual Release: Structure your modules to gradually release responsibility to students as they progress through the course.
Best Practices
- Keep it Simple: Hide unused Canvas tools to simplify the interface for students[9].
- Consistent Naming: Use a consistent naming convention for your modules and items within modules[3].
- Due Dates: Clearly communicate due dates within each module and on the syllabus[9].
- Variety: Include a mix of content types (text, video, interactive elements) to engage different learning styles.
- Accessibility: Ensure all module content is accessible to all students, including those using assistive technologies.
By effectively using Canvas Modules, you can create a clear, organized, and engaging learning path for your students. This structured approach not only simplifies course navigation but also enhances the overall learning experience, allowing students to focus on content rather than struggling with course organization.
Notes:
The Southern University and A&M College (SUBR) Office of eLearning has provided an excellent Canvas Faculty Toolbox available to you. The Toolbox provides valuable assets and resources faculty can use in developing courses in Canvas - as well as provide tools to better engage your students. Use the links below to quickly access a variety of resource and support information. (Only available to SUBR faculty. Under Login Walls)
Resources
[1]https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jTqRxV7wt_HVMDltvK8Xm4hqViFNiq28tSZDS15lZg0
[2] https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/What-are-Modules/ta-p/6
[3] https://nuflex.sites.northeastern.edu/canvas-and-integrated-tools/
[4]https://www.csusm.edu/iits/services/ats/idesign/canvas/guides/equivalencies/index.html
[5] https://docs.moodle.org/403/en/Create_a_course
[6] https://edwiser.org/blog/moodle-vs-canvas/
[7] https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Resource-Documents/Getting-Started-with-Canvas-as-an-Instructor-Flowchart/ta-p/437420
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PahTx7fqfaM
[9] https://app.teaching.iu.edu/stories/simplified-course-flow-and-organization-using-the-canvas-modules-tool
Professor Moustapha Diack is a Senior Instructional Designer and eLearning Expert. He served as State QM Coordinator and Member of the QM Board of Directors.