Using Module Requirements and Prerequisites in Canvas

Description

Canvas allows instructors to control the flow of their course content through Requirements and Prerequisites. This functionality is similar to Adaptive Release in Blackboard Original or Conditional Release in Blackboard Ultra. These features may be used to assist instructors with progress tracking, mastery-based learning, or certificate completion awarding.  

• Requirements are the actions students must complete to finish a module in Canvas. Instructors can choose between types of requirements for module completion, such as viewing a page, submitting an assignment, or scoring a certain amount on a quiz. Instructors can also decide if students must complete all or some of the requirements, and if they must complete them sequentially. Requirements are visible at the module level for both students and instructors.   

• Prerequisites are the modules that students must complete before they can access another module in a Canvas course. 

Through the combined use of Requirements and Prerequisites, instructors can manage their course material's progression.  

Environment

Canvas in your web browser 

Solution 

Setting Up Requirements

1. Log into Canvas at canvas.ohio.edu . 

2. Use the Courses tabon the left global navigation menu to find your course. 

3. Navigate to the Modulessection of your course. 

4. Select the Options icon(three dots) for the module you want to edit. 

5. Select Editto set up requirements and prerequisites. 

6. To set up requirements, scroll to the Requirementssection.  

7. Select either Students must complete of all these requirements or Students must complete one of these requirements.

   1. Note:If “Students must complete all of these requirements” is selected, a checkbox will appear to give instructors the option to require that students move through requirements in sequential order.

Adding Requirements

1. Visit the Requirementssection in Canvas (see Setting Up Requirements )

2. Select +Add Requirementand choose the actions students must complete, such as viewing a page or submitting an assignment.  

   1. Note:You cannot add requirements until after you have added module items.  

9. Use the +Add Requirement option to add as many requirements as needed.

Adding a Prerequisite

1. Visit the Requirementssection in Canvas (see Setting Up Requirements )

2. Select Add Prerequisiteand select the required previous module or modules. 

   1. Note:Prerequisites cannot be added to the first module 

3. Select Update Moduleto save your changes. 

4. Review the module to ensure prerequisites and requirements are correctly set. 

5. If using requirements and prerequisites for Certificate Completion Awarding, set up the final module with a requirement to submit a Qualtrics survey, or other survey tool. To learn more about triggering a certificate using a survey tool, please consult with an Instructional Technologist . 

Outcome:Students will experience a structured learning path, ensuring they engage with course content in the intended sequence and meet all learning objectives before progressing through a course.

Get Help From Canvas

• Live chat with Canvas support (Faculty)
• Get 24-hours/7-days a week Canvas support  
  • Dial the  Canvas Support Hotline number located under "Get Help" in the  Canvas  Global Navigation Menu 
  • Contact OIT at  740-593-1222 for questions related to logging in, test courses/manually created courses, or third-party tools (Panopto, VoiceThread, Inclusive Access, etc.) 

Get Help From OIT

• Use the  Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) ticket form  to submit a help ticket 
• Visit the  Technology Resources and Training  page for available training 

Additional Resources

• How do I add Requirements to a Module?
• How do I add Prerequisites to a Module?
• Canvas Basics Guide
• Canvas Instructor Guide
• Canvas Video Guide
• Mobile Guides
• Canvas Course Accessibility Checklist
• Canvas LMS Implementation updates
• Canvas Experts Corner Blog