Feature Request: Add Assignment-Level Prerequisites in Canvas
I would like to request the ability to set prerequisites at the assignment level, rather than only at the module level.
Currently, prerequisites and requirements are managed primarily through modules, which works well for controlling larger learning sequences. However, there are many situations where instructors need more precise control over individual assignments, quizzes, discussions, or pages without restructuring an entire module.
However, courses may have multi-part assignments, where each part is a prerequisite for the next, but may not want to restrict student access to any other content. At the moment, achieving this often requires creating extra modules, reorganizing course content in ways that may not be pedagogically ideal, or using workarounds, such as making a module with only one assignment in it, that can be confusing for both instructors and students.
Adding assignment-level prerequisites would be helpful because it would:
- Give instructors more flexibility in designing learning pathways.
- Reduce the need for unnecessary module restructuring.
- Make it easier to scaffold assignments, drafts, revisions, and assessments.
- Support mastery-based or competency-based course design.
- Create clearer student workflows by unlocking individual activities only when students are ready for them.
- Help instructors manage complex course designs without making the Modules page overly long or difficult to navigate.
This feature would be especially useful in courses where students move through content at different paces, where assignments build directly on one another, or where instructors want to encourage completion of preparatory work before students access the next task.
Ideally, Canvas would allow instructors to set prerequisites directly in an assignment’s settings, such as “Students must complete Assignment A before accessing Assignment B.” This could mirror existing module requirement options, including viewing an item, submitting an assignment, scoring at least a certain amount, or marking an item as done.
