[ARCHIVED] Modules within Modules

[sharon_hyak]

I would like to be able to move modules into another module. For example, Unit 1 exam covers chapters 1-3, and each chapter is a module. Following the exam, I would like to "tidy up" the page, by pushing all exam 1 modules into that module. I was able to do that with folders in Blackboard.

[cesbrandt]

Canvas does not support sub-modules.

Alternatively, instead of create 3 separate modules, you could combine the chapter modules into a single module using a combination of Text Headers​ and ​indentation​.

[sharon_hyak]

I find that to be confusing for the students.

[cesbrandt]

I'm afraid that's the closest you'll be able to come to a sub-module configuration within Canvas.

If you'd like to see this added, you can submit it as an idea. To learn about idea submitting and the subsequent voting process, check out: How do I create a new feature idea?

[DrNufer]

We use this approach at one of our institutions.  Our course development process is comprised of essentially 7 modules and 14 units - 2 units nested within each module.  A module in the course corresponds to a Canvas module, and then we separate the units by using Canvas text headers.  Here is what that might look like in the course:

Actually, that is just dummy content from my sandbox, but I can just show you one of our actual past courses:

It is pretty straightforward and the students are really not confused.  On the modules page they have the relevant assignment dates and point values, and I also point them to the canvas syllabus page and the calendar.  The calendar agenda view is a great resource for them to see the due dates sequentially. 

[sharon_hyak]

Thank you, this is very helpful.

[pmercier]

Text headers and indentions is not an optimal solution.  It would be best if we could go to a Sub-module and when done return to the higher level module.

[meredith_munger]

It is an imperfect solution, but you can indent the "sub modules" to make them look like they are under the main module for each section.

[don_bryn]

The ability to include collapsible lists in Canvas modules has been requested before., or at least similar ideas.  I think it's a great idea, allowing for cleaner content display in a manner the matches the outline of a course.

https://community.canvaslms.com/ideas/4636?commentID=43996#comment-43996

https://community.canvaslms.com/ideas/4627?commentID=36418#comment-36418

[tami]

Please also see Is there a way to group modules together? 

as well as https://community.canvaslms.com/ideas/4636-modules-within-modules 

and Use Collapsible Sub-Modules for Organizing 

[Curriculeon]

Does Canvas Support Super Module Structures?

• Yes.
• In the canvas LMS, the notion of a "super-module" (a collection of modules to be imported into a course) is called a course.
  • Thus, canvas supports super-module structures.
• However, the naming of the structure is a bit confusing.
• To manifest the structure, you can enforce naming conventions of courses to denote how the course is intended to be used for curriculum development.

Solution

• So far, the most modular solution I have found is to:

  • Part A - Creating a Super Module

    1. identify a collection of modules to be grouped as a super-module.
    2. create a new course with the intent to treat it as a super-module.
    3. affix the name of the new course with SuperModule
    4. ensure the SuperModule is always set to "Unpublished"; Publishing this can only create confusions.
    5. populate SuperModule with reusable modules to be imported into other courses.
    6. Repeat steps 1 - 6 for as many SuperModules as you would like.

  • Part B - Creating a Course from Super Modules

    1. create a new course with the intent to treat it as an importer of the SuperModule(s) in Part A.
    2. populate the newly created course by importing each of the SuperModule(s) from Part A.
    3. add any additional course-specific modules to the newly created course.
    4. add any additional module-specific content to the newly created modules.

Summary

• Canvas supports creating a collection of modules to be imported into a course.
• However, the support for this structure does not make an explicit distinction between a "super-module" (or "module-collection") and a course.
• The most elegant work-around I have found to enforce this feature is to create clever naming conventions as mentioned in the aforementioned sections

[DavidTJones]

Canvas Collections is an open source extension for Canvas that may help.

One of its key features is the ability to organise modules into multiple collections. Visitors to the course site can then navigate between different collections. Only seeing the modules for the current collection.

From there you can choose different representations for different collections, and add different contextual data for each module.

David.

[Chris_Hofer]

@DavidTJones ...

Interesting.  Curious to know if your Canvas Collections work within the Canvas Teacher / Canvas Student mobile apps?

[DavidTJones]

Good question, Chris.

Sadly, it does not.  Collections is a Javascript application that modifies the Modules web page. The mobile apps work differently meaning this approach does not work.

I've added a limitations page to the Collections site to explain and make these (and other) limitations more evident.

Since Collections is fairly responsive (could be better) the web browser experience on a smaller screen (e.g. mobile) can be usable (depending on design)