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Blueprint: Sample Module Overview

Last updated on June 3, 2026

The Sample Module is a template module included in every Canvas Course Shell as part of the MSU Denver Canvas Blueprint. The module provides a foundation or organizational structure to customize and use in your course. 

The Sample Module includes Canvas pages designed with instructional design principles in mind, such as priming, chunking, and alignment. Instead of editing the pages directly, the sample module and pages are meant to be duplicated, allowing you to keep the original templates for future use. You can then edit the duplicated pages by replacing the bracketed description text with your specific course information.

For more information about what else is included in the Canvas Blueprint and the instructional design principles behind it, see our spotlight, MSU Denver Canvas Blueprint.

Directions

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What is Included in the Sample Module

  • Module # Overview (rename with actual module number): Use this page to prime your students for what they will learn in the module by including a module overview, Module Learning Objectives, and any tasks/assessments the students will be expected to complete within the module.
Module Overview Page template with sections for a module description, Module Objectives, Module Tasks, and Next Steps.
  • Content Pages (rename with title of lecture, reading, video, etc.): There are two Content Pages included in the sample module, designed with organizational prompts to keep in mind as you add your own course content.
Content Page 1 Page template with sections: gain attention, inform the student, recall prior learning, present new information, provide guidance, and next steps.
  • Video: [Title]: This page template includes prompts to help you provide context for an embedded video and clarify the video’s relevance.
Video Page Template with sections for an overview of the video, additional information, and next steps.
  • Third-Party Resource (rename with title of article, website, etc.): This page provides a template to help provide context and guidance on using third-party content, such as an external website.
Third-Party Resource page template with a section for an overview and one for next steps.
  • Module # Review (rename with actual module number): Use this page template to provide a review of the core lessons provided in the module, as well as the Module Learning Objectives met.
Module Review page template with sections to recall lessons learned, module objectives, and next steps.

Duplicate and Edit the Sample Module and Pages

  1. Go to MSU Denver’s Faculty and Staff Hub.
  2. Click Quick Links on the top right of the page.
  3. Click Canvas from the menu options that appear.
  4. Log in to your Canvas Account.
  5. Select the Course you’d like to work in.
  6. Click Modules from the course navigation menu on the left. 
  7. Scroll down to the module called Sample Module (Copy Me).

Duplicate Sample Module

  1. Click on the three dots (more options) icon to the far right of the module title.
    1. Note: You can also duplicate a single page by clicking the three dots to the right of the page title instead and following the same steps as below.
  2. Select Duplicate from the dropdown menu.
  3. Click the three dots (more options) icon to the right of the duplicated module.
    1. It will be titled Sample Module (Copy Me) Copy.
  4. Select Edit from the dropdown menu.
  5. Enter a new name for the module in the Module Name text field.
  6. Click Save.
  7. To move the module to a new location:
    1. Click the three dots (more options) icon to the right of the module.
    2. Select Move Module from the dropdown menu.
    3. Select an option from the Place [Module Title] dropdown menu.
      1. If you choose after, select a module from the Item Select dropdown menu to place the module after.
    4. Click Move.
      1. Alternatively, click the 8 dot array to the left of the module name to drag and drop the module to a new location.
  8. To publish the module once it’s ready for students:
    1. Click the publish icon (circle with slash) to the right of the module name.
    2. Select Publish module and all items from the options.

Edit the Duplicated Sample Module

  1. Click on the name of the Page that you wish to edit in the duplicated Sample Module.
  2. Click Edit on the top right. 
  3. Replace the bracketed text with your course content.
    • Take note of what the text says before deleting, as it will provide a description of what to include.
    • Note: For more details on how to edit pages, please refer to the Edit an Existing Page in Canvas” tutorial.
  4. Click Save or Save and Publish.

Have Questions?

Need additional support on this or other teaching and learning topics? Please visit us for drop-in support (10am-3pm, M-F) or try one of our self-help tutorials.

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