This is the Anglia Ruskin University Guide on how to create a course in Canvas

1. lta.anglia.ac.uk
How to Build a
Module in Canvas
04/2017

2. 2
Contents
Introduction.............................................................................................................................3
Minimum requirements (Min Req) checklist ...........................................................................3
Homepage (Welcome page) ..................................................................................................5
Accessibility............................................................................................................................8
Student view.........................................................................................................................10
Announcements ...................................................................................................................11
Discussions ..........................................................................................................................14
Assignments.........................................................................................................................16
Files and folders ...................................................................................................................18
Modules................................................................................................................................20
Step 1: Importing template module guide from Canvas Commons ..................................20
Step 2: Edit the Module Guide information .......................................................................22
Step 3: Create weekly or topical units (‘modules’)............................................................23
Step 4: Populate a ‘module’ with Placeholder activities and resources content. ..............24
Step 5: Create relevant tools ............................................................................................25
Step 6: Selective Release (module prerequisite(s)) .........................................................25
Profile ...................................................................................................................................27
Appendix 1: Notifications......................................................................................................29
Appendix 2: Quizzes and surveys ........................................................................................30
Appendix 2.1: Example module guide quiz ..........................................................................33
Appendix 2.2: Example feedback survey .............................................................................34
Appendix 3: Calendar (Virtual Office Hours) ........................................................................35
Appendix 4: Downloading files and folders from the VLE ....................................................36

3. 3
Introduction
This workshop aims to take you through the process of building your modules in Canvas
based on the university template and meeting university minimum requirements.
The workshop will not cover the following Canvas functionalities in detail:
• assessment methods (quizzes, surveys, file submission, peer assessments, grades,
rubrics and learning outcomes);
• collaboration (Conferences functionality using Big Blue Button, Collaborations
functionality using Google Docs, and the Groups functionality);
• embedding media; and
• learner analytics (Statistics).
Separate Advanced Canvas workshops will address these functionalities.
Note: as Canvas upgrades regularly, you may experience changes to the interface
(screenshots) and features (instructions).
Please access one of your provisioned Semester 1 or Trimester 1 modules at
canvas.anglia.ac.uk.
Minimum requirements (Min Req) checklist
Legend Required Desirable
Criteria Required
Done ü
Desirable
Done ü
1. Homepage
1.1.Edit the module homepage.
1.2.Add Module Leader/Tutor information (also see Profile)
1.3.Create a video introduction to the module.
2. Accessibility
2.1.Agree on a consistent style across modules in an ARU
course (style sheet):
• use Headings in the Rich Content Editor to structure
your content.
• label tables (summary, header row, etc.)
• include an alt tag with images
2.2.Provide notes or transcripts with videos/audio
recordings you produce.
2.3.As much as possible content needs to be accessible off
and online (e.g. providing downloadable versions).
2.4.Content needs to be designed to be accessible through
the mobile app.

4. 4
Criteria Required
Done ü
Desirable
Done ü
3. Announcement
3.1.Create a welcome announcement.
3.2.Pin Announcement to Homepage (if not default setting)
3.3.Enrich announcements with images and multimedia,
external links and social media.
4. Discussions
4.1.Set up an ‘Ask the Module Leader’ forum as a pinned
discussion.
5. Assignments
5.1.Edit the pre-populated scaffolding text for formative and
summative assessment adding your assessment
description.
5.2.Enter the Due date(s) for the summative assessment(s)
5.3.Provide assessment information as video.
5.4.Use the Canvas assessment features for formative
assessment.
6. Modules
6.1.Edit the module guide and complete with the
information relevant to this delivery.
6.2.Provide assessment information as a short video.
6.3.Provide examples of previous assessment.
6.4.Create the relevant weekly or topic-based ‘modules’ for
your delivery with a student-engaging activity and
resources per week or topic.
6.5.Uploaded content needs to comply with copyright.
6.6.Make lecture/seminar materials available to students
before the teaching takes place.
7. Profile
7.1.Add module leader and tutor contact details.
7.2.Add further information (picture, short staff biography,
links to professional profiles e.g. ARU profile, LinkedIn,
etc.).
8. Collaboration
8.1.Provide one method of group collaboration for each
module.
9. Reading List
9.1.Set up the digital module reading list on
ReadingLists@Anglia.

5. 5
Homepage (Welcome page)
This section covers editing the homepage, becoming familiar with the Rich Content Editor
(RCE) and video recording within Canvas.
The default homepage you will access has placeholder text. In this step, you will:
• edit the homepage text to include your module specific information (Min Req. 1.1);
• provide (a link) to module leader / tutor information (Min Req. 1.2);
• create an introduction video using a script (Min Req. 1.3).
Note: this meets Minimum Requirements 1.
Note:
• greyed out tool links on the course navigation menu indicate they do not contain
any published content or have not been made accessible to students;
• the homepage is the first page students see in a course. The homepage is
accessed by the Home link on the course navigation menu;
• it’s advised that staff frequently check student view in the Canvas mobile app and
different web browsers to see how the students will see their content;
• VLE refers to the old VLE (SharePoint VLE) being replaced by the (LMS Canvas).
Module title
and code
Template text
(to edit)
Course navigation menu
Button to
Edit text
Global navigation menu

6. 6
Step 1: Edit homepage text (Min Req 1.1)
1. Click on the Edit button to access the
editor.
2. Replace the passage’s red text with
your module information and adapt the
text to your requirements.
3. Enter module leader / tutor e.g. a
picture your name and email. (Min Req
1.2)
To upload an image click on the image
tab on the right hand side, browse for
the image you want to upload and click
upload. Then click on the image to
place it on your page.
Create a link to your profile page later
on.
Tip:
• use the ‘Clear formatting’ button in
the Rich Content Editor (RCE) to
restore the page’s defaults e.g. font
colour.
• as the Rich Content Editor does not
contain Undo or Redo buttons, use
Ctrl-Z (Undo) and Ctrl-Y (Redo) on a
PC or Cmd-Z (Undo) and Cmd-Y
(Redo) on a Mac.
Note: Use images, and perhaps a welcome
video, to break up the text and make it more
interactive/personalised for the students.
4. Finally, click the Save button near the
bottom of the page.

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Step 2: Creating a Welcome video (Min Req 1.3)
1. Click on the Edit button to access the editor.
2. Click on the point in the text where you want to insert a video.
3. Click on the “Record/Upload media button ” on the RCE.
4. The Record/upload media comment
interface opens (it may prompt you to
allow Adobe Flash Player Settings – click
Allow).
5. Enter a Title and click the Video (video
recording) or Microphone (audio
recording) button, then start recording.
6. Once you’ve completed the recording,
click anywhere on the recording screen
and then the Save button.
7. Finally, click the Save button near the
bottom of the page.
Click
‘“Allow”’
Click “anywhere
to record”

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Tip: create a set of notes for the recording
first, which you can then make available as
a text file to students afterwards, e.g. linked
in as a file underneath the video (Min Req
2.2)
Accessibility
This section covers:
• adding and formatting text for accessibility;
• adding an alt-tag to images; and
• creating and formatting tables.
Note: this meets Minimum Requirements 2
Step 1: Format text for accessibility in the
RCE
1. Select the relevant text, e.g. Welcome to
this module, in the text area.
2. Choose the relevant formatting under
Paragraph from the options (3).
Note: Using Header 2-4 will structure the
text in a screen reader accessible way.
Paragraph is the default text format. (Min
Req 2.1 and 2.4)
Step 2: Add image alt text for
accessibility in the RCE
1. Click on the image and then click on the
Embed image button in the RCE to
open the image properties window.
3. Formatting
menu options
2. Format
menu
1. Select text in
text area

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2. Type the alt text for the image.
3. Click Update to save your changes.
Step 3: Add table header row
1. Click into any cell on the top row (the row
that is the header row).
2. Click the table button.
3. Hover over row.
4. Click Row Properties.
5. Choose Header as the row type.
6. Click ok to save your changes.
Step 4: Check your course in the Canvas
mobile app (Min Req 2.4)
See the Canvas guide to download and set
up the Canvas Mobile App at
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DO
C-4048

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Student view
This section shows the steps for viewing your Canvas course as a student.
Step 1: Navigate to Settings
Click Settings on the Course navigation
menu to get to the Course Details Settings
page.
Step 2: Access student view
Click Student view button to access.
Note: You will see a pink bar at the bottom
of the page indicating you are in student
view.
Click Leave student view button to exist.
Tip: “Resetting the test student will clear all
history for this [test] student” including
quizzes.

11. Install Template
This section shows the steps for installing templates
Step 1: Navigate to Commons
Click Commons on the global navigation
menu to get to view commons
Step 2: Search the template by name
Write into de the textbox the name of
the template “FHSCE”
Step 3: Select the template
Click on the name to get to the template
Details
Step 4: Import the content
Mark the course you wish to import the data and press
The “Import into Course” Button. You will see a
message You have successfully started the import!
You will see the new Templates into your course pages.
11

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Announcements
This section includes:
• creating Announcements; and
• setting up Announcements to show at the top of the homepage.
Note: this meets Minimum Requirements 3
Step 1: Navigate to Announcements
Click Announcements on the Course
navigation menu to get to the
Announcements page.
Step 2: Create Announcements
Click Add Announcement to open the
announcement RCE.
Step 3: Personalise Announcements
1. Type subject and body text for the
announcement.
Tip: As announcements appear collapsed
by default, ensure the subject line contain
key information.
2. Select your desired option(s).
Body
Subject

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3. Click Save to keep the Announcement
and your desired options.
Step 4: Navigate to Settings
Click Settings on the Course navigation
menu to get to the Course Details Settings
page.
Note: Two announcements are set as
default, so you may not need this step.
Step 5: Set the announcement options
1. Click on more options at the bottom of
the ‘Course Details Settings’ page to
reveal the announcement options.
2. Select Show recent announcements on
course home page.
3. Select the desired number of
announcements.
4. Click Update course details to save
changes.
Note:
• As commenting on announcements is on
as default, you may want to select
Disable comments on announcements.
• In this section, all options selected apply
to the entire course.
5. Click Update course details to keep your
desired options.
Step 6: Navigate to Home
Click Home on the Course navigation menu
to get to the homepage (Welcome page)
page.

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Step 7: View the announcement
Note: Students must click the downward
arrow to reveal the details of the
announcements. It is therefore good
practice to place key information in the
subject line.

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Discussions
This section covers:
• creating a discussion;
• pin a discussion to stay on top; and
• exploring discussion settings.
Note: this meets Minimum Requirements 4.
Step 1: Navigate to the Course
Discussions page
Click Discussions on the Course navigation
menu to get to the course’s Discussions
page.
Step 2: Create a discussion
Click on + Discussions to open the
editing area, the Rich Content Editor
(RCE).
Step 3: Enter the discussion title
Type in your title, as shown in this
example, ‘Ask the Module Leader’.
Step 4: Enter the discussion information
1. Type information about the discussion in
the text area as shown in the example.

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2. Click Save to keep a record or Save &
publish to immediately make the
discussion available to students.
3. Drag the discussion to the Pinned
discussions area, or
select Pin from the discussion settings
menu.

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Assignments
In this section, you will edit the placeholder text in Assignments for your formative and
summative assessments.
Note: this meets Minimum Requirements 5.
Step 1: Navigate to the Course
Assignments page
Click on Assignments on the Course
navigation menu to get to the course’s
‘Assignments’ setup page.
Step 2: Edit the Formative and
Summative Assessment texts.
1. Click Formative Assessment to access
the content’s edit option.

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2. Click on Edit and replace the red text
passages with your own information.
3. Click Save at the bottom of the page.
Note: Do not change the default settings of
the assessment (0 Points, Formative
Assessment, No submission).
Step 3: Repeat for Summative
Assessment
Step 4: Enter the Submission Date for
summative assessment(s) (Min Req 5.2)
• In Edit mode go to Assign to at the
bottom of the form and enter the Due
date. Use the calendar button on the
right.
Note: By entering a due date the date
is automatically entered into the
Calendar and notifications of the date
are sent to students.

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Files and folders
This section covers:
• creating folders on Canvas; and
• uploading files into these folders.
Note:
• While it is possible to upload a zipped directory of folders and files, we recommend
that you create a new directory structure of folders in your Canvas course and then
add your files into the relevant folders. This allows reviewing of files before uploading
them to Canvas.
Downloading your files from the VLE should be undertaken before you attend the
How to build a module in Canvas workshop. See appendix 4 for instructions.
Step 1: Navigate to the Course Files page
in Canvas to import your local files
Click Files on the Course navigation menu
to get to the course’s Files page.
Step 2: Create the relevant folders you
want to use in Canvas (e.g. Assessment,
Week 1, Week 2, etc.).
1. Click Add Folder.
2. Type the desired folder name.
3. Click the ü to save the folder.
4. Repeat till you have created the desired
number of folders for your ARU module.

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Step 3: Import your files into Canvas.
1. Open the desired folder in Canvas to
which you want to upload your content.
2. Click on Upload.
3. Browse to the source folder (e.g. on your
computer hard disk or memory stick)
selecting the file(s) you want to upload.
4. Click Open to import the file(s).
Tip: you can also drag and drop files from
Windows Explorer directly into your Canvas
folders.
Select files

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Modules
Purpose of modules
The ‘Modules’ tool in Canvas provides the content space for study units/topics in a typical
Anglia Ruskin University module. The tool provides a way to:
• organise course content; and
• create learning paths through defining progression prerequisites.
This section covers how to:
• import the Module Guide ‘module’ from Canvas Commons;
• edit the Module Guide information (Min Req 6.1);
• create weekly or topical units (modules) (Min Req 6.4);
• populate a Week 1 or Topic 1 module with activity and resources content (Min Exp
6.4);
• create relevant tools (pages, media embedding, links to external and internal
resources, discussion board, assignment/quizzes, etc.) (Min Exp 6.4).
Note: this meets Minimum Requirements 6.
Step 1: Importing template module guide from Canvas Commons
1. Click on the Canvas Commons link in the
Global Navigation menu.
2. Click on Modules and unclick ‘Show
public resources.’
Note: You may have to search for the ARU
resource if the resources in ARU Canvas
Commons increase.
3. Identify the Faculty module guide
‘module’ you need to import.

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4. Click on the title link of the resource.
5. On the right hand side, select the
Canvas course to which you want to
imported this resource and click Import
into course.
You will see a green message
confirming the module is being
imported. (“You have successfully
started the import. Please note that it
might take a while to see changes in
your course”).
Note:
• If your course is not listed, you may have
to search for your course.
• If you are not assigned as a teacher on
the course, you will not be able to find it.
6. Go back into your course through the
Dashboard to see if the ‘module’ was
successfully imported.
7. You can now delete the Placeholder for
the Module Guide ‘module’ (go to the
cog symbol and click delete).
8. Drag the imported module guide
‘module’ to the top of the list if not
already there.

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Step 2: Edit the Module Guide information
1. Click on the link of the first item (e.g.
Essential Information page).
2. Edit the default text in the rich text editor.
3. Save after editing (bottom of page).
4. Organise the Module Guide content, i.e.
use:
o Decrease/increase indent to
create an outline with the
content.
o Edit to rename the content.
o Remove to delete content, and
o Move to … to move content to
another ‘module’ container.
Tip: these drop-down menu options are
accessed by clicking on the cog on the right-
hand side of the content‘s name.

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Step 3: Create weekly or topical units (‘modules’)
1. Click the + Module button at the top
right-hand corner of the Modules page.
2. Type the ‘module’ name (e.g. Week 1
w/c DATE).
3. Click the Add Module button.
Tip: to prevent ‘module’ access until a
specified date and time, you can lock it until
a specified date.
1. Click the cog symbol;
2. Click Edit;
3. Select Lock until.
Choose the deferred date and time from the
date picker, or manually type it.

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Step 4: Populate a ‘module’ with Placeholder activities and resources content.
1. Click the [ + ] button on the far right of
the module’s name.
2. Click the Add drop menu to select
desired content type:
§ Assignment
§ Quiz
§ File
§ Content Page
§ Discussion
§ Text Header
§ External URL
§ External Tool.
3. Add as many placeholder activities and
resources as you need for your teaching
unit, topic or session, either choosing
existing or creating new ones from the
list.
Examples might include:
• Pre-reading activity 1 (Content page);
• Article to read (File or External URL);
• Online discussion (Discussion) or
• Testing reading (Quiz).
Placeholder
activities and
resources
Tools for creating
placeholder activities
and resources

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Step 5: Create relevant tools
1. Create relevant tools such as content
pages, media embedding, file,
discussion, internal and external URL,
assignment/quizzes, etc.
2. Click on the links of the placeholder in
your module and edit (pages) or
configure (quizzes, discussion) them;,
3. When finished, click on the cloud button
to publish.
Note: For quizzes and surveys see
Appendix 2.
Step 6: Selective Release (module prerequisite(s))
Step 1: Navigate to the topic/unit Edit
module settings page
1. Click the cog symbol to reveal extended
menu.
2. Click Edit to set selective release.
Step 2: Add Prerequisites while creating
the module or afterwards:
1. Click ‘(+) Add Prerequisite’.
2. Select a ‘module’ from the drop-down
menu.
Note: The prerequisite module must already
exist, or it will not be available in the drop-
down menu.
Unpublished Published

27. 27
Step 3: Set Requirements:
1. Click ‘(+) Add Requirements
Note: These are tasks the student must
complete in this ‘module’.
2. Select either
a. Students must complete all of these
requirements; and optionally
Students must move through
requirements in sequential order.
b. Student must complete one of these
requirements.
3. Select the content item.
4. Select the criteria – these differ
depending on the tool you selected.
5. Add further requirements as necessary.
6. Click Update module to save your
changes.
Criteria
Content item
Add requirement
one by one

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Profile
This section is about providing students with module leader and tutor(s) contact details and a bit
of information about them.
Note: this meets Minimum requirements Checklist 7.
Step 1: Under the Anglia Ruskin University
logo in the top Global Navigation corner,
you’ll find your user account.
Click ‘Profile’ to access and edit your
personal information.
Step 2: Change profile page to the edit
view
1. Click the three vertical dots to reveal
the Edit profile link.
2. Click Edit profile to personalise.

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Step 3: Enter biographical details
1. Type biographical details in the text
area including your office hours and
contact details (other than your email)
(Min Req 7.1).
2. Add external link titles and URLs for
additional resources such as your
Twitter and LinkedIn accounts (Min Req
7.2)..
3. Click Save profile to save the record.

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Appendix 1: Notifications
This section is about setting your notification preferences (the frequency that you are notified by
Canvas course activities and tools).
Step 1: Under the Anglia Ruskin
University logo in the top Global
Navigation corner, you’ll find your
user account.
Click ‘Notifications’ to access and
edit your notification preferences.
Step 2: Personalise your
notifications
Click the relevant symbol for each
activity to set the frequency in
which they will notify you.
Note: The selected choice
appears with a solid background
colour.

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Appendix 2: Quizzes and surveys
Quizzes and surveys can be used as:
• diagnostic tools to identify learner understanding and gaps;
• feedback tools; and
• assessment tools.
Note: Quizzes and surveys will be covered in the Advanced Canvas (Assessment)
workshop.
Step 1: Create a short quiz
1. Click on the placeholder link for your quiz
to access the quiz creation menu.
2. Click Edit to create and configure the
quiz.
3. Provide a short description and/or
instructions for this test.
4. Configure your quiz i.e
a. Quiz type (Practice quiz, graded quiz,
graded survey or ungraded survey).
b. Assignment Group – these are
settings under Assignment which
allow you to organise your
assessments in Assignment groups.

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5. Choose your options.
6. Choose restrictions (where applicable.)
7. Assign your quiz to groups of learners
and by dates.
Note:
• In order to assign an assessment to a
group the groups need to be set up
already.
• You can use +Add to assign a quiz to
different groups with different due
dates.
You are now ready to add questions to the
quiz
1. Click on Questions tab.
2. Click on New question.

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3. Choose the type of question you want.
4. Add further questions as necessary
Note: It is a good idea to design the quiz
items in Word first and then copy them into
Canvas.
5. When completed click on Save or Save
& publish

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Appendix 2.1: Example module guide quiz
Who is the module leader for this module?
Person A (Sorry not quite correct, read your module guide and try again.)
Person B (Well done, you remembered correctly.)
Person C
Person D
Who is the administrator to contact if you have queries?
Person A (Sorry not quite correct, read your module guide and try again.)
Person B
Person C (Well done, you remembered correctly.)
Person D
When is your assignment submission deadline?
Monday, 08 May 2017 by 10.00
Monday, 08 May 2017 by 17.00
Tuesday, 09 May 2017 by 12.00
Tuesday, 09 May 2017 by 14.00
Wednesday, 10 May 2017 by 14.00
Wednesday, 10 May 2017 by 16.00
What are your summative assessments?
Attendance
Coursework
Essay
Exam
Lab Report
Observation
Patchwork Text
Portfolio
Presentation
Quizzes

35. 35
Appendix 2.2: Example feedback survey
Your overall impression of the module so far (multiple answers)
Please tick the FOUR words that best describe your overall impression of the module so
far. You can also provide your own word. (multiple answers)
fun
stimulating
superficial
inspirational
difficult
constructive
confusing
instructive
rewarding
waste of time
applied to practice
heavy-going
challenging
innovative
participative
professional
Add your own words (text box)
What was the most useful part of the module so far? (For example, most interesting
activity/ies, session(s) and why)
Which part of the module did you find least useful so far and why?
Please rank the following aspects by ticking one of the categories. (5 = excellent, 4 =
very good, 3 = Good, 2 = Fair, 1 = poor)
Please rate the general standard of the sessions

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Please rate the general standard of the tutor
Please rate the general standard of the exercises/materials
Please rate the general standard of the LMS (Canvas) provisions
Please rate the general standard of the module organisation
Do you have any other observations/comments/suggestions for the improvement of
the module?
Overall, how satisfied were you with the module so far?
Thank you
Appendix 3: Calendar (Virtual Office Hours)
See Canvas guide (https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10274) for information on
how to create bookable slots for students using the Scheduler in the Calendar tool.

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Appendix 4: Downloading files and folders from the VLE
This section covers:
• downloading files and folders from the VLE.
Note:
• downloading files from the VLE requires you to be on a Windows computer using
Internet Explorer.
• if you do not have access to Windows on your computer, you can access it via the
ARU remote desktop (VMware Horizon Client).
Step 1: Export your files in the VLE to a
local drive
1. Go to your module in the VLE from which
you want to download your files.
2. Access Documents, then go to the top
taskbar and open the Library tab.
Note: You may need to click into the
Documents folders space for the Library
tab to show.
3. Click on Open with Explorer. This will
open your Documents folders in
Windows Explorer.
4. Right click on the drive (e.g. C: Drive)
where you want to save your folders/files
(destination) and Open in a new window.
You now have a Windows Explorer
window with your destination drive and
another one with your VLE Module
folders.
5. Create a new folder on the destination
drive in which you want to store your
module folders.
6. Open the destination folder, then go to
the Explorer window with your module
folders. Select the folders you want to
copy (either Ctrl-A for all or hold down

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Ctrl and click on the folders). Once the
folders and files are selected click Ctrl-C
to copy, go to your destination folder and
click Ctrl-V to paste. (Alternatively, the
right mouse click also provides a copy
and paste function).

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Contact Anglia Learning & Teaching
Call: 0845 196 2639
Email: alt@anglia.ac.uk
Web: http://www.anglia.ac.uk/anglia-learning-and-teaching
Author(s): Linda Brown
Uwe Matthias Richter
Marvin Williamson
Version: 1.3 (April 2017)
Anglia Ruskin
University 2017
Any part of this document may be reproduced without
permission but with attribution to
Anglia Ruskin University and the author(s)
CC-BY-SA (share alike with attribution)
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0