1. Simplify course creation: focus on one module at a time to find the resources, content, and student activities that fit the learning outcomes to put online in Canvas.

2. Faster course updates: target only the modules that need improvement instead of entire course.

3. Easy navigation: students and other users find items quickly in the course by searching in a specific module.

4. Controlled sequence and release: using locks, prerequisites, and requirements allow teachers to determine the order in which items may be accessed by students.

5. Enables resizing content: teachers able to subdivide lessons into smaller increments as needed for shorter and more frequent online sessions while keeping the unit together in one module.

6. Tracks student progress: setting requirements allows teacher to see student progress bar and completed student tasks within a module.

Some Tips

1. Use consistent names such as "Unit 1: topic name", "Unit 2: new topic", etc.

2. Name all items within the module with that unit number as well, such as "Unit 1 Discussion: topic" or "Unit 3 Quiz: Photosynthesis."

3. Arrange the order of pages and activities within a module to reflect a logical flow for the student to experience in a lesson.

4. Include an "Unit #: Introduction to topic" Content Page at start of every module to give an overview, state learning objectives, list coursework and assessments due, and provide a hook (like image or video) to grab student interest.

5. Link the "Introduction" Content Page to your "Table of Contents" HOME Page if you custom made one.

Example Content Page

Next is an example Content Page within a module that is a lesson with multimedia resources for the student to study about predicting the products of a chemical reaction.

After creating the course framework of modules = Units, think of each Content Page = Lesson with content, directions, linked or embedded documents and other resources.

Remember assignments, discussions, quizzes, and collaboration activities may be added directly to the module between "lesson" pages to complete a unit.