Criterion Description
Criterion Overview
An effective online course is organized so learners can quickly find what they need and confidently progress through the course. A logical, consistent course structure allows students to spend less time searching for materials and more time engaging with learning.
Consistency and scaffolding are foundational to effective course design. When modules follow a predictable structure and learning activities build progressively from foundational concepts to more complex applications, students understand both where they are in the course and how each learning experience prepares them for the next. Clear, descriptive titles, current due dates, and organized learning materials reduce confusion and help learners focus on learning rather than navigation.
Course navigation should also be purposeful. The LMS navigation menu should display only the tools students actually use. Removing or hiding unused menu items reduces distractions and creates a cleaner, more intuitive learning environment. Frequently used resources should also be easy to locate from multiple areas of the course, when appropriate, allowing students to access important information without unnecessary searching.
Why It Matters
Students should not have to guess where course materials are located or how to move from one learning activity to the next. When navigation is inconsistent or cluttered, students often spend unnecessary time searching for information instead of engaging with course content. A predictable course structure helps students develop confidence as they progress through the course and allows them to focus their attention on learning.
Scaffolding further supports student success by organizing learning experiences in a logical sequence. Rather than presenting all content and assignments at the same level of complexity, effective courses gradually build knowledge and skills through guided practice, feedback, and increasingly challenging learning activities. This progression helps students develop confidence while preparing them for more complex tasks later in the course.
Well-designed navigation also improves efficiency for both students and instructors. Students spend less time searching for resources, while instructors spend less time answering routine questions about where assignments, readings, or course information are located.
What This Looks Like
A well-designed course presents information in a logical, consistent, and progressively scaffolded manner.
Reviewers should expect to see:
- A consistent module structure throughout the course.
- Learning activities that build progressively from foundational knowledge to more advanced applications.
- Clear, descriptive module and page titles that accurately describe the content.
- Current due dates for assignments, discussions, quizzes, and other activities.
- Related course materials grouped together within each module.
- Frequently used resources that are easy to locate.
- An LMS navigation menu that includes only the tools students need, while unused tools are hidden.
Students can quickly determine where to begin, what to complete next, and how each module builds upon previous learning throughout the semester.
Design Tips
Ask yourself: Can students determine where to begin, what to complete next, and how each module builds upon previous learning without needing additional guidance?
✔ Organize course content into a logical sequence of modules.
✔ Maintain a consistent module structure throughout the course.
✔ Use descriptive, self-explanatory titles for modules, pages, assignments, and discussions.
✔ Scaffold learning by moving from foundational knowledge to increasingly complex skills and applications.
✔ Group related materials together within each module.
✔ Hide unused navigation links to reduce distractions.
✔ Ensure all due dates are accurate and current before publishing the course.
✔ Use Canvas Student View to verify that students can easily locate course materials and follow the intended learning progression.
✔ Periodically review your course to remove outdated links, duplicate content, or unnecessary navigation options.
Criterion in Practice
Examples
Select each tab to view course enhancement examples.
Building
- Organize the course into sequential modules.
- Use clear, descriptive titles such as Module 3: Photosynthesis instead of Week 3 or Content.
- Arrange learning materials before practice activities and assessments.
- Hide unused navigation links such as Chat, Files, Outcomes, Conferences, or Collaborations if they are not used in the course.
- Publish current due dates before the course begins.
Strengthening
- Use the same sequence within every module (Overview → Learning Materials → Practice → Assignment → Assessment).
- Scaffold learning by introducing foundational concepts before more complex applications.
- Add consistent icons, headers, or visual cues that help students recognize common learning activities.
- Place commonly used resources, such as the syllabus or instructor contact information, where students naturally expect to find them.
- Review the course using Student View to ensure navigation is intuitive.
Transforming
- Design every module using a common template that creates a predictable learning experience throughout the course.
- Scaffold major projects through smaller milestones, practice activities, and feedback opportunities before the final submission.
- Include module prerequisites or requirements that guide students through the intended learning sequence when appropriate.
- Periodically review the course from a student's perspective and simplify navigation whenever unnecessary clicks or duplicate pathways are identified.
- Ask a colleague or student to complete a brief navigation review and use their feedback to improve course organization and findability.