Essential Differences Between "Files", "Modules" and "Pages" Tools

[degloria]

What are the basic differences between these three tools?  

[Stef_retired · Accepted solution]

Hello,  @degloria  Welcome to the Canvas Community! Please read through this excellent discussion discussing the difference between modules and pages: how do pages and modules either differ or relate  You can also review our documentation: What are Modules? 

"Files" mainly consist of documents and images the instructor or designer has uploaded to the course for use elsewhere. Many, if not most, instructors hide this navigation link from students; it's more of a back-end storage area that can be used to position resources in...modules and pages. 

Hope this helps!

[degloria]

Thank you for the help, Stephanie. I appreciate it! lori

[Stef_retired]

You're welcome,  @degloria . Come back any time.  

[Bobby2]

Hi  @degloria  Welcome o the Canvas Community.

It took me a little while to get my head around things like that too. So I will do my best to explain. 

• I see the Canvas course is like a book. The Homepage is like the Index page of the book which links to either modules, pages, assignments, discussions, files depending on what the author/teacher wants. How do I set a Front Page in a course?
• Modules are like chapters in the book. They can be put together with pages, assignments, discussions, quizzes. They have a deliberate sequence just like a book chapter. Modules can be based around a deliberate sequence of activities or information. How do I add a module? 
• There can be many modules in a course. Each module will contain different information. Just like chapters in a book. How do I add assignment types, pages, and files as module items?
• Pages can be linked from the home page and just stand alone. Just like a book that doesn't have chapters. Just pages that are navigated to via the Homepage. How do I create a new page in a course?
• Files can be linked to from a page, an assignment, a discussion etc How do I use Files as an instructor?

It all depends on what you the author/teacher want. Your purpose.

I hope that helps. 

Sing out if you need a hand.  

[degloria]

Thank you, Bobby. The analogy to a book was helpful!

Lori

[Bobby2]

No problem  @degloria e. Glad it helped.

Funny how stefaniesanders and I replied to you at exactly the same time.