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Create structure

Best practices for structuring VIULearn content 

There is no right way to arrange your online course. However, there are a few things we recommend to get the most out of the tools in VIULearn that help students know what they need to do in your course. 

Don't use the module description as a content repository

The module description field has its own page, but is not included in content tracking. 

Consider using module descriptions for:

  • a brief summary of what students will see in the topics within your module 
  • reminders about upcoming assignments or class sessions

We do not recommend putting important links, videos, or course content in this field. Students cannot track their progress on material in module descriptions or print this content. 

Set up your course to be searchable

Module titles and descriptions and topic titles can be searched using the search option in the upper left of the table of contents view. Including key words or brief descriptions can help students find a specific resource in your course. 

Use sub-modules strategically

Sub-modules can help organize modules with a lot of topics or to create a predictable structure within each module. The new Content experience makes module relationships easier for students to see. However, we still recommend not using more than one layer of sub-modules in your course. Too many nested modules can introduce confusion for students when they try to find important information in your course. 

If you want to talk about ways to organize your course to maximize the student experience, we would be happy to meet with you. Request a consultation by emailing learnsupport@viu.ca. 

Structure content with modules and sub-modules

Content in VIULearn is organized into folders called Modules and Sub-Modules. In order to add any files (called Topics) to your course, you first need to create at least one Module. 

  1. Click Content in the Course Navigation bar.
  2. From the Content tool, click + New Module.
  3. Type the title of your Module and enter your module description 
  4. Click Save and Close to save your changes and return to the table of contents 

  1. Navigate to any content page inside the Module where you want to add the Sub-Module.
  2. From the Content tool, click + New Module.
  3. Type the title of your Module and enter your module description 
  4. Click Save and Close to save your changes and return to the table of contents 

Create modules in the classic content experience

The classic content experience will be available for courses up to the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. Courses for Fall 2026 and onward will use the New Content Experience. 

Content in VIULearn is organized into folders called modules and sub-modules. In order to add any files (called topics) to your course, you first need to create at least one module. 

  1. Click Content in the Course Navigation bar.
  2. From the Content tool, click Add a Module.
  3. Type the title of your Module and press the enter key. 
  4. You will get a notification that your module has been created successfully.

  1. Navigate to the module where you want to add the sub-module.
  2. Click Add a sub-module. 
  3. Enter the title for your sub-module and press the enter key.
  4. You will see a notification that your sub-module has been successfully created.