0.2 Get Started: Modules, Content, & Discussions

banner_00_V2.png

Teaching with Canvas tools

The resources on this page will help you learn how to use some of the Canvas tools you'll need to build your course site, including the Modules tool, Pages, Discussions, and the Rich Content Editor.
NOTE: The Vimeo player is not accessible within Canvas; if you're using assistive technology, please see the matching text resources linked below each video or access the video through the originating site by clicking the Vimeo link in the lower right-hand corner as depicted in the picture below.

Video player with arrow pointing to Vimeo link in the lower right-hand corner

Using Modules

The Modules tool is the recommended way to organize your content by week, unit, topic, etc. Put your Content Pages, Assignments, Files, Discussions, and Quizzes into their respective Module (in the order you would like your students to review them) so that your students have one place to look for everything they need. This reduces the "where is . . .. " questions throughout the term. This Canvas Studio site is organized in Modules by topic. 

TIP: Deactivate the left side navigation options for Pages, Assignments, Files, Discussions, and Quizzes to reduce the confusion created by having multiple views of the same content. You can deactivate navigation items in Settings by choosing the "Navigation" tab and clicking the three dots to the right of each tool.

TIP: Instead of adding a file by uploading it directly to a Module, adding them in the Files tool and then inserting a link to the file in context on the Page or in the Assignment instructions makes it easier for students to find. 

522 - Modules: Creation & Management Links to an external site. from Canvas LMS Links to an external site. on Vimeo Links to an external site..

Canvas Guide for Modules Links to an external site. and Modules Video Script Links to an external site.

Creating Content Pages

Pages (aka Wiki Pages) are where you put your content and other materials using the Rich Content Editor. The page you are reading right now is a page from the Canvas Pages tool.  

When creating content pages, the built-in formatting including headings, bulleted lists, and numbered lists must be used for the page to be accessible to screen readers. For more on making your pages accessible see Improving Accessibility in Your Course.

520 - Pages: Creation & Management Links to an external site. from Canvas LMS Links to an external site. on Vimeo Links to an external site..

Canvas Guide for Pages  Links to an external site.and Pages Video Script Links to an external site.

Using the Rich Content Editor

The rich text editor is available almost everywhere in Canvas where you would enter text. You can use the rich text editor to format text, insert images or video, and link to other sites.

113 - Rich Content Editor Links to an external site. from Canvas LMS Links to an external site. on Vimeo Links to an external site..

Canvas Guide on using the Rich Content Editor Links to an external site. and Rich Content Editor Video Script Links to an external site.

Using Discussions

Discussion forums in Canvas can be open to the entire class or restricted to student groups.  To set up groups for small group discussion, use the "+Groups" button in the People Tool Links to an external site..  (Here is a video about setting up and managing groups. Links to an external site.)

TIP: Make sure to always click the "Allow Threaded Replies" checkbox when creating a discussion. Otherwise, posts will only display chronologically, which makes it difficult for students to reply to each other in an organized way.

516b - Discussion Creation Links to an external site. from Canvas LMS Links to an external site. on Vimeo Links to an external site..

Canvas Guide on Discussions Links to an external site.and Creating Discussions Video Script Links to an external site.

Note that, while the module organization is chosen by the instructor, Canvas organizes other items in other course tools differently. This is something to be aware of when organizing modules to prevent confusion and delay.   For example:

    • On the Discussions tab, forums are in order by time of most recent comment, so if an earlier discussion is still attracting comments, it could even be automatically placed above the current module discussion.  You can "pin" discussions to prevent them from moving around.
    • On the Assignments tab, assignments are in a list in the order created unless you grouped them by assignment groups and put them in chronological order manually.
    • Files are grouped in folders to the extent that you build a folder structure for them.  
    • Quizzes and Discussions will appear on their own tool page and also on the Assignments Tool page if they are graded.

Finished here?

Click "Next" to get started with Canvas Assignments and Quizzes, and how to grade them using SpeedGrader.