Creating Modules in Canvas LMS

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Got questions about this? Let me know in the comments!

[@golf5411]

Hello! Thank you SO MUCH for making these videos. I can't tell you how much they have helped me out during our remote learning. I had a question (just one for now!). You say that we should embed everything, but how do we embed a URL so that it does not open in another browser window? I can add the link but it always opens in another window and I think it would be best for elementary students to stay right in canvas. Any ideas? Thanks!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Jenny, great question! I'm so glad these videos are helping you and please let me know if you need any specific topics covered and I'll add them to my list. You are so right! Embed everything and try to keep them in Canvas but in this case when you are directing them to an url or outside website then you will need to do exactly what you're doing which is link to the url and then it opens in a diff window/browser. That's an exception. When you need to point them to a website for an assignment, perhaps reading a news article, a library link to a book, a video on a website other than youtube, then you just link the url for them. The best thing to do would be give them the explanation in the page in text before the link and tell them where the link takes them and what they need to do when they get there and really lay out what you want them to do once they get to the link so they know prior to clicking it. Hope this helps! Awesome work!! Let me know if you have other detailed questions or if this doesn't full answer your questions.

[@lisacromley9550]

Just watched your video. Thank you for being so clear in your explanation. Two major questions: 1. You mention not having students leave Canvas to use Google Docs or their Google Drive. How do you suggest embedding the platforms in a Page in a Module? 2. I teach middle school students, and I don't have lectures but I do have assignments. Would you suggest connecting assignments within a Page? How would that look? 3. I do have my middle schoolers read PDFs. You suggest not to link to PDFs. How would you suggest connecting them within a Page within Canvas? Eager for your responses!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

@@lisacromley9550 Hi Lisa! These are excellent questions that I get often these days. This video tutorial is about a year old and now I've updated a few tips since then especially with the improvements of Canvas that have drastically shifted the usage of apps and outside programs integrated within Canvas for these types of elements you mentioned. 1. Google is now easy to integrate since it is an optional in assignments. Check out this video towards the end: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3qulZ6npbB7rtk 2.Here's a tutorial on assignments: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGe3oImwYpppf8U 3. Here's a walkthrough of the RCE new updates that might help but yes if you use pdfs go a ahead and link them in a page. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJC1npaHoLaBeNE

[@sambistabeauty]

This is SOOOOooo helpful. I am about to start a job using canvas, but I have been using either blackboard or Sakai LMS, but this gave me peace of mind since I don't have access yet!!🎉🎉🙏🙏

[@janiecoleman8708]

I almost cried watching this video. I am an over 50 person who really tries to keep up with technology but I still struggle. Ms. Espinosa was able to explain this info to me as no one has been able. Her explanation was concise in the way that I learn. Thanks so much!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

oh my goodness I am so glad I was able to help! You got this 👏

[@jeremythompson2482]

Professor Espinosa, thank you so much for your tutorials. You have no idea how easy you've made this process for me. You're amazing! Thanks for all you do! I paid to have help to no avail! I find you and I create an awesome module within a few hours. I am a total stranger and for you to take the time to make my life easier is truly selfless and greatly appreciated!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

You're very welcome! I'm so glad I could be of help! Happy teaching! You got this.

[@DrRobertWRenn]

Ashlee, You have a gift for explaining Canvas in a very engaging way. After your awesome videos I usually say to myself “Okay! I can do that!” My students benefit greatly from what I learn through your videos and incorporate into my online classes. BTW I just completed an online course about teaching online paid for by my university. I learned more from your videos than I did from the paid course. Thank you!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Wow, thank you for the message! That is so kind of you to say and I'm happy to hear that you feel confident and supported with your online teaching now! You can do it :) It just takes a little time, patience and guidance. Let me know if you have any questions and I'm happy to help.

[@benetteyatestatees7313]

It makes me wonder how you as a Music Professor are such an expert on creating Canvas. You are unbelievable. You are helping me right now create Modules for my assignment and I cannot help but praise you because your directions are so simple. Big hugs to you, Prof!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

I'm so glad the videos have been helpful!!! I've been teaching on Canvas for a while now and one of my strengths is online teaching these days both at the college level but also in my own business. I love it! Take your time and be patient as you work through creating your course in Canvas. It will worth it in the end bc you will have a wonderful online class that you can update every time you teach it and reuse the course instead of having to remake it every single time. I post new videos every week for online teachers so I hope they offer you value and support along the way. Sending you hugs from California!

[@iancrawford7997]

I just love your enthusiasm. I am guessing that you are greatly appreciated by your students, for your classroom delivery.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Thanks you for this kind comment. I love teaching my musical theatre undergraduate and also graduate students in both lecture and lab based courses. That joy is so helpful in classroom delivery both in person and for online courses. What type of classes are you teaching and how its it going with your Canvas course these days?

[@christopherwilliams3909]

Thank you so much for these videos! I can't tell you how many people at my school I have asked about using Canvas, and you have done so with so much clarity and practical wisdom. This was tremendously helpful. Please keep making videos!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Happy to help! Will keep adding new videos each week 😃

[@michaelchangaris1632]

Thank you!!!! So so helpful!!! Was freaking out. Now feeling inspired.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

You're so welcome!

[@lisatimmons7972]

This was so helpful! Thank you. I was wondering how people make those seamless looking modules, when I only use this to upload files and grades for students.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

welcome! Teaching online with Canvas has totally changed the game and is drastically evolving even know. Once you know, the sky is the limit with how you'd like to set up your courses!

[@jenniferkennedy3614]

Thank you so much!! You helped me a lot!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Glad I could help!

[@patriciaarnao2097]

Great! Thank you. I love you "digestible bite-sized" advice. Can you briefly explain the process of making the module progressive--meaning the student has to complete one page before they can move on to the next assignment.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Yes, you lock modules or set it so they have to physically open and click through every page of the module (like reading the lectures, etc) to then get to the assignments. It's a way of forcing them to click through the materials instead of letting them just open the assignments. And then you can set it where if they don't click through the entire module then the can't progress to the next one. It really depends upon your needs. I don't do this personally bc I normally work with college level and I feel like it should be their choice wether they want to go through all the materials or not. But for younger k-12 I would suggest trying it out.

[@xXSenStudiosXx]

This was SO helpful, and I want to take your class!! :) I love old musicals!

[@lcardona12]

Thank you very much for the time you put into this video and for been clear in your explanation.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

You are very welcome

[@alanalfonso8223]

Wow - a great way to learn and use this educational program. I absorbed the material so much easier than watching any other "tutorial". Looking forward to watching the others as well...thank you. (Now, if I could only enroll in an MFA and sign up for your classes....:) 😀

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Glad it was helpful! 🤗

[@sigplataformadeanalisis664]

Ashlee ... great job!!! we need these clear and simple explanations... im goingo to use this in my classes

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Please do! And thanks so much for the positive feedback!

[@georgeharrisjr.8134]

Thank You very much. You have made my life so much easier.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

You are so welcome! I'm so glad I help.

[@ramingolbang2417]

Wonderful and helpful video, thank you very much!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lynnwasilewski5627]

Great video series..I am a digital learning coach in a large school district. We are going full on Canvas this school year and I am trying to train my teachers. Your videos will be very helpful...THANKS

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

You're so welcome!

[@marymatheson8714]

Thank you for your prompt response. I look forward to what you find out regarding Prezi.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Mary Matheson I’m deep in matrix with it today so I’ll try to get that one figured out and recorded in the next day or so hopefully!

[@hillarysteinau750]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@67melimel]

This was very helpful. Thank you. I am ready to get started and set up my courses for the fall. I like the organization of the modules.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

You got this!

[@healthandfitness35]

Thanks so much. Your presentation was informative and helpful! Take care!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christycurtis6297]

Thank you! You are a life saver!!!!!!!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Happy to help!

[@AndresGomez-iy7cf]

This is amazing content..!!! so helpful for many of us now..THANKS ASHLEY!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

welcome! 😀

[@muirmustangsmediatv9464]

Thank you. This is very useful for my high school film class! I was a bit confused about using Canvas but your video cleared things up. Thank you! BTW, I use "Season 1 Ep 1, Season 1 Ep 2, Season 1 Ep 3 and so forth to break up my units. My high school students get a kick out of it. :)

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Glad it was helpful! What a great idea to use Season/Ep to break up the units!!! That's so creative and totally themed perfectly for your film class! I think that's the key to online teaching these days especially for k-12. Make it fun and engaging as much as possible online. Congrats to you!

[@newgrowthclay]

This was excellent! I can attest to a lot of suggestions you made because I just completed my MSc which was wholly online (it was an online degree prior to the pandemic). I watched this because I also teach but want too start using a module type set up. This was really useful. Thanks.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danbois]

This was very helpful. Thank you for doing these.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

You are so welcome!

[@SaskatoonBerryPie]

This was really helpful. Thanks so much!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sanjosevincit6599]

thanks... learning a lot from your vids... keep it up

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Thanks, will do! I appreciate your feedback and support 😊

[@highrawvegan]

I like the idea of organizing modules by weeks, but I don't know what I would include on each page - would each page be a day of the week? Great video! Thank you for sharing!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Good point! I've got a video coming out next week all about modules and ideas to set them up in more depth than I went into on this video. Keep an eye out for it.

[@ihrtbonez]

hi!! you helped me out a lot! & because of you i’m going to be in a show🥺💕

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

That's such wonderful news!! Congrats! What show are you going to be in? I'm so happy for you and glad I could be of help to you.

[@konik8620]

You've saved me! It's so much easier now :)))

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Glad I could help! 😃

[@marymatheson8714]

Thank you for your succinct and straightforward approach to your tutorials. One question: Can you import portions of a Prezi presentation into Canvas? Thank you!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

You are very welcome! Great question and I've had a few other people ask the same one actually. I know there is a way to embed a Prezi but I need to research it myself because I haven't used Prezi in a while (I use keynote these days). Let me figure it out and get back to you as soon as possible.

[@andreahawkins4196]

@@VirtualTeachingPro were you able to figure out if Prezi can be used?

[@profbell7931]

Hi Ashlee, Thanks for another great video! I have a question. I set up my gradebook in Canvas with 15-discussions worth 20%. I highlighted "graded" and "percentage" and put "0" in the discussion options. The students see "out of 0" and think the discussions will not make a difference in their final grade. I am using a rubric and providing feedback for each discussion based on 100%. How can I correct this?

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Hi there! Make sure you have your gradebook weighted so the discussions pop up as 20%. I have a video on this in the Canvas series if that's helpful. You might try putting a number of value versus 0. I like to use 10 points on discussion and then have a rubric that maybe has 5 criteria points each one being worth 2 of those points. If you weight your gradebook then all of the discussions will only calculate to 20% of the final grade total. Hope this helps!

[@maricarmenlira4927]

Ashlee thank you SO much for your videos. Could you tell me how can I delete a link from youtube. Thank you so much

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Click your cursor after the video or link and backspace. That should take care of it. Hope this helps!

[@roxanatapia7428]

great job!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@algendy2011]

Thanks again for this seminal video, Ashlee. I have a question, please. Canvas assigns only 500 MB for uploading files. How can I upload all my work on Canvas the way you have shown in the video without compromising the space provided. I was thinking about uploading Google Drive links. I really appreciate your advice.

[@shebrownsuga]

Thanks. Can the kids submit Microsoft Word Doc? Why are you saying PDF is better?

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Yes, they can upload almost any doc including word. The reason behind having it be a PDF is because the formatting will be the best in a PDF and also you can access it from any device. If all of your students are using the same device and you as well then it's fine but some of my students using pages, google, word, notepad, etc so I like to ask for PDF so I know that I can open every one without any problem.s

[@shawnzie7184]

Hi! Thanks your videos are so helpful! I’m wondering, is there a way to embed a google slideshow? Or would you recommend taking my slideshows and putting each slide into its own page? I’m willing to do the work.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Yes, you can embed a google presentation by way of embedding an html code into Canvas. I personally don't like doing this bc it opens up challenges with accessibility for all students. Also, it tends to be confusing to the student bc they are literally just looking at your presentation without your guiding them. I take all of my face to face slides (I use keynote) and I copy and past them into pages so that each page is similar to each page of the slideshow. Then the student clicks the next button on bottom right side and it takes them through the "slidesshow" as an online version. It keeps it consistent as well for them and the don't need to click in and out or understand how to read your google slides. Drop in the photos and vides in canvas and streamline it for online accessibilty. I know it takes time but it is worth it in my opinion. Once you have it, then you can reuse it!

[@shawnzie7184]

Ashlee Espinosa Thank you! I will follow your suggestion. Seriously thank you so much for these videos, I have two weeks to learn canvas and how to teach online. This is so helpful!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

oh my goodnesss that's quick!! If you ever need additional 1:1 time I do offer that service if it's helpful. You can schedule or see details here ashleeespinosa.com/coachings

[@allisonshick545]

I love the suggestion of recording a video of yourself. Is the tool you used in canvas? Or did you have to use a different app and insert onto a page? Curious what you used to mKe this video. and thank you for these great tutorials!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

I've got a video coming out in the next week breaking down how I make these tutorials 😉 When I record quick videos for my students I usually just use my iphone or screencast in canvas bc it's super quick especially for weekly updates or a video that I put into the announcements for the class. I use filmora9 for these tutorials and I"ll show you how I do it all in a video coming soon!

[@petercarini688]

I love it! Great video. How do I copy an entire module from one course and place it in another? As a dyslexic, I need to take the easiest road I can in that regard. It was BRUTAL creating content for Google Classroom last year for one class and then repeating it for another class. I kept messing things up. If there's a way to just copy and paste an entire module, that would be great. It would be even greater if I can create a module and as I edit, it will edit across all the classes. Too much to ask for?

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Yes you can! Check out this video where I touch on that! It does need to be in the same university or school though but you can use content from one class to another t make it easier for you. I do this all the time! kzbin.info/www/bejne/emXCfGiqf6mgsMk

[@petercarini688]

@@VirtualTeachingPro LIFE SAVER! Thank you!

[@allylysiak1339]

Hi! Do you know how to assign a module to specific students? For example, I want only my students who failed 1st quarter to have access to a project that can raise their grade. This project has a LARGE number of pages and assignments and I don’t want students who passed to be able to see them. Any thoughts? Work arounds if I can’t assign a module to select students?

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

I'm not sure how to this exactly in one class. I don't think there is a way to assign an entire module to just certain students. You can assign certain assignments, exams, etc to specific student but at this point it's not that flexible in canvas to pick and choose certain elements for certain students.

[@cynthiamilloy8204]

I teach art to elementary students so I have 5 grades and 4 or 5 classes in each grade , how do I create a home page and module that can be replicated into another grade or class without having to do each one separetly?

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Yes, this is possible! Such a time saver too. Let me make a video on this today because it's a little tricky the first time you do it but after you see the basic steps then it is simple to repeat! Stand by :)

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/emXCfGiqf6mgsMk made this for you!

[@nuavecmoi]

I created my module and published it. Module is enabled in the navigation. When I click on student view, only some of the pages are visible to students.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

make sure every page in the module is published and not set to drafted. You have to publish every single page even once you click publish on the module. hope this helps.

[@nuavecmoi]

@@VirtualTeachingPro It seems that because I created my pages from the Pages menu, they did not show up in the mobile when I published it and them. So I had to delete all of them and create my pages from the Module in which I’m currently working. When I did that, it worked.

[@zerklang]

13:42 FYI, the "hamburger" menu is the one with three horizontal lines in the upper-left of the page. The one you're referring to is actually a "kebab". And now I'm hungry.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Thank you for letting me know! I have no idea when/why I started calling it the "hamburger" 😆 menu. It just worked for me I guess. I love the Kebab name!!! I will def start using it. Time for dinner.

[@tracyhetman9238]

You can correct them yourself. Yes takes time. And we can continue pushing youtube to use better more accurate captioning software.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Wow. What a nice response. Well, hope these free tutorials helped. Best wishes to you and your online teaching with Canvas. Cheers!

[@emmaperez1210]

I followed the steps on deleting the cards that I don't need any more from the dashboard but they are still there. I don't know what I am doing wrong.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Hi there. I'm not sure what you mean by "cards." if you mean classes/courses then you can select favorites to keep on your dashboard of the courses you are working on right now.

[@pierretteritchie5556]

How do you add assignments to your modules?

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

video coming out on this tomorrow 👏

[@kennethgaleno2607]

it is okay to put many modules or subjects?

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

It really depends upon how you would like to organize your course. Think of modules as units or weeks or months so you can make it easy for the students to understand what to do next.

[@brendapaint]

how do upload google doc?

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

video coming out on this tomorrow 😉 regarding the new updates with google integration.

[@brendapaint]

@@VirtualTeachingPro thank you kindly. Thanks for these great clear videos.

[@maherahmed1977]

Hello, thank you for your email, can you please tell me how you seperate units, when I use it it looks one below the other with no space as yours, best regards

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJSVZnd3ppqehcU

[@lindapitts3738]

How do I take a PDF and embed it to Canvas?

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Upload it as a file on that right column section where you can upload files, images, etc.

[@wizzybebop]

Hi. Our school is all about proper subtitleing with videos. You don't have that problem?

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Hi there. Yes, this is something that has been on my mind for a while now. Even my youtube videos I'm working hard to make sure they are all getting proper sub titling. It does take a lot of time unless you choose to pay for the service for someone to subtitlle videos for you. I like to use youtube videos because many times the auto cc are available. I don't think I've discovered a clear solution to this as many people I've spoken to say as well they are still trying to find the best route. I'll keep you posted as I discover and learn more ways to further accessibility with videos.

[@wizzybebop]

@@VirtualTeachingPro Thank you for your reply. Your videos are the best out there for Canvas I feel.

[@sylviaburts2324]

Can you drag and drop things into modules?

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Depends on what you mean by "things". You can move pages, assignments, discussions, etc that you've created in one module and drag it into another one by using the dots on the left side of the title header. Looks like a rectangle made of square dots. Other than that I'm not aware of anything else you can drag and drop into modules. You can duplicate pages, assignments, discussions, etc and then edit them for diff modules.

[@flagshipbuilds]

How to create a module at 5:52

[@David-iv6je]

With all due respect, this is nowt how to add a module. This is how to DESIGN a module. I just came to figure out how to add a module to my course. For example, I have to watch for 20 minutes just to figure out where it gets published. Look, the people who come here are teachers. We want to learn about CANVAS. And this says "create" not "design"

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

With all due respect, this information was free. You paid nothing to consume it and I make little to nothing from producing it. I’m also not sure why you need to comment with anger and frustration when I’m a teacher just like you who created this video series to help fellow educators navigate online teaching during 2020. If you don’t like the video, just scroll onto another one out there that does help you. There is so much hate and toxicity in academia already. Let’s not bring that here, okay? Life is short. Consume free content and if you don’t like it just move on.

[@DrPhilby]

So, nobody is reading textbooks these days ?

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

More Like… students can’t afford the ridiculous price of textbooks these days.

[@tracyhetman9238]

Correct your captions. No punctuation, no capitalization. A twenty minute long sentence. Disrespectful.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Captions are auto generation here on YT unless I pay for professional captions to be created. If you'd like to pay for the captions to be corrected I'm happy to accept your donation and I'll have that updated with 24 hours. It's $1.50 per minute.

[@astagikkalashnikova43]

You are talking too much

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

you could always turn off the sound and just watch the video if that's a better way for you to learn

[@normaz2708]

This was so helpful, thank you!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

You're so welcome!