Adding and Editing Content including Assignments

Table of Contents 

• Introduction
• Solution Steps
• Common Issues & Troubleshooting
• Additional Resources / Related Articles 
• Contact / Escalation Information 

Introduction 

This article explains how to add and manage course content, including assignments, in Canvas. 

This guide is for Faculty that wants to:

• Add and organize course content  
• Create and manage modules  
• Create assignments and configure grading options  

Before proceeding, ensure that: 

• You have instructor access to a Canvas course  
• Your course content structure has been planned (optional but recommended)  

Solution Steps 

How to Add Content to Canvas (Modules) 

1. Create a Module
   1. Open your course in Canvas  
   2. Click Modules in the course navigation  
   3. Click + Module  
   4. Enter a module name (e.g., Week 1, Unit 1)  
   5. Click Add Module  
2. Add Content to a Module 
   1. Click the + icon within a module  
   2. Add new or existing items such as: 
      • Files  
      • Assignments  
      • Quizzes  
      • External links  
   3. Select the item and click Add Item  

Key Features: 

• Modules organize content in a structured, linear flow  
• Items can be added to multiple modules  
• Content can be reordered using drag-and-drop 

Managing Module Settings 

• Modules must be published for students to access content  
• A module’s published status overrides the status of its items  

You can:  

• Set availability dates (lock/unlock modules)  
• Add requirements (e.g., view, submit, score)  
• Enforce sequential progression or allow flexible access  

How to Create an Assignment 

1. Click Assignments in the course navigation  
2. Click + Assignment  
3. Enter assignment details (name, instructions, points)  
4. Select submission type (e.g., online, on paper, no submission) 
5. Assign to:  
   • Entire class  
   • Specific sections or groups  
   • Individual students (for accommodation)   
6. Set:  
   • Due date (indicates late submissions)  
   • Availability dates (submission window)  
   • Click Save & Publish  

Key Notes: Assignments include graded activities such as:  

• Quizzes  

• Graded discussions  
• File submissions (documents, images, etc.)  

Common Issues & Troubleshooting 

Students cannot see module content  

• Ensure the module is published  
• Check module availability dates  

Assignment not visible to students  

• Confirm the assignment is published  
• Verify “Assign To” settings and dates  

Students unable to access content in order  

• Review module requirements and prerequisites  

Additional Resources / Related Articles 

• How do I add a module? 
• How do I add course content as module items? 
• How do I add an external URL as a module item? 
• How do I add a quiz as a module item? 
• How do I publish or unpublish a module as an instructor? 
• How do I lock a module? 
• How do I add requirements to a module? 
• Assignments Guide 

Contact

For Canvas-related support, contact Kean IT Help Desk: https://helpdesk.kean.edu/support/catalog/items/47