Dynamic Study Modules

Updated 29 Jan 2024

Dynamic Study Modules (DSM) are homework assignments that adjust to each student's needs for independent study. Based on cognitive research, DSM work can reduce learning time while improving test scores and retention.

Watch: Dynamic Study Modules overview

If available in your course, you and your students see a Dynamic Study Modules option, usually in the course menu.

See the student help for details on how students use DSM.

To create a DSM assignment:

  1. From the Assignment Manager, create a homework assignment.
  2. On step 2, the Select Media and Questions tab, under Question Source select Show Dynamic Study Modules questions.
  3. Add the modules to your homework assignment and finish creating the assignment.
  4. Open the Assignment Manager and locate the DSM assignment.
  5. Select Additional settings from the 3-dot Options menu the three dot options menu or the Actions menu.
  6. Choose the settings for the assignment, including removing or including questions.

To edit a DSM assignment:

  1. Open the Assignment Manager and locate the DSM assignment.
  2. Select Additional settings from the 3-dot Options the three dot options menu menu or the Actions menu.
  3. Edit the settings for the assignment, including removing or including questions.

    Existing results might be lost if you remove questions for assignments that students have worked on.

  4. If needed, select Reset to restore any removed questions to the module.

When you copy a course, modifications to Dynamic Study Modules are included. If you removed questions, those questions remain removed in the new course. When you import an assignment to another course, modifications to Dynamic Study Modules are not included. The modules reset.

  1. In the course menu, select Dynamic Study Modules > Dynamic Study Modules Reporting > Access Dynamic Study Modules Reporting.
  2. Select your report from the left menu:
    • Overview - shows overall student performance and progress.
    • Remediation Report - shows how well students answered questions and identifies students who are struggling.
    • Progress to Completion - shows time spent and modules completed, started, and not started.
  3. Select the information icon In i in a circle, which opens report information next to a report name to get details on the contents of the report.

See A Guide to Dynamic Study Modules Reporting (PDF) for more information.