Managing Module Flow with Prerequisites and Requirements in Canvas
Overview
Canvas provides tools to manage the learning flow by requiring students to complete specific activities before accessing the next item or module. Using these features helps maintain consistency and ensures that all essential content is reviewed in the intended order.
This guide also includes an important note about how changes may affect student progress in active courses.
Steps to Enable Controlled Progression in Canvas
Step 1: Open the Canvas Course
Log in to Canvas and navigate to the course where you want to configure module settings.
Step 2: Go to the “Modules” Section
Select Modules from the course’s left-hand navigation menu.
Step 3: Select the Relevant Module
Locate the module that contains the activities you would like learners to complete in sequence.
Step 4: Edit the Module
Click the three dots (⋮) next to the module name and choose Edit.
Step 5 : Add Module Requirements
Under the Requirements section, click Add Requirement.
You may choose one of the following options for each activity:
Must view the item
Must mark as done
Must submit the assignment
Must score at least… (for quizzes, graded items, or SCORM packages)
Apply requirements to each item you want monitored for completion.
Step 6: Enable Sequential Progression
To ensure learners complete items in order, enable:
✔ Students must move through requirements in sequential order
This prevents learners from skipping ahead.
Step 7: Add Prerequisites (Optional)
If you would like students to complete a previous module before starting this one:
Scroll to the Prerequisites section
Click Add Prerequisite
Select the module that must be completed first
Step 8: Save Your Changes
Click Update Module to apply the configuration.
Important Note on Applying Changes to Active Courses
If prerequisites or requirements are added after learners have already begun the module, Canvas may not retroactively recognize activities they previously completed.
As a result, some items may appear incomplete until the learner revisits or reopens them.
