Canvas Course Design Toolkit
ABOUT
Start
8 Minimum Standards for Canvas Course Design
4. Structure
2. Important Course Information
1. Homepage
3. Navigation
6. Recorded Video Content
8. Assignments
5. Key Learning Content
7. Accessibility
PDF version of Toolkit
Help & Support
1. Homepage
Step by step instuctions
A Homepage is included with links to key content within the course
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
The main function of the course homepage is to direct learners to key areas of the course. Engagement is the obvious first step, closely followed by easy navigation. It has to be quick and simple for learners to find what they want. The ability to pin recent announcements at the top of the homepage is another benefit. A consistent homepage layout across modules within a programme is key.
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
2. Important course information
Step by step instuctions
Ensure important course information is presented upfront
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
This standard seeks to ensure that students can quickly and easily locate the important information about their course, such as learning outcomes, contact details of the teaching team, information on how the module will be assessed as well as details of where to get help.
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
3. Navigation
Step by step instuctions
Course Navigation is clear and consistent. Unused menu items are hidden
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
With course navigation, it is essential to keep it simple and to maintain a consistent order of menu options across modules within a programme of study. Up to 72% of QUB students frequently access their courses via the Canvas mobile app (some use the app exclusively).
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
4. Structure
Step by step instuctions
Course Structure has been created using the ‘Module’ feature with course content organised by weeks, themes or topics
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
Why is this important?
Course content should be organised into manageable units of study, with each unit providing a brief introduction that contextualises the learning materials within. Inconsistency can arise when there are several lecturers, each delivering a part of the module, with each taking a different approach to the presentation of their content.
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
5. key learning content
Step by step instuctions
Key learning content is populated within the course, including information on how module learning outcomes will be assessed
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
Why is this important?
This standard aims to make sure that important learning content is available, including course materials, multimedia resources, assessment information, supplemental textbooks, reading lists, and details on how learning activities relate to learning outcomes.
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
6. Recorded video content
Step by step instuctions
Ensure that any recorded video content is available within the course
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
Why is this important?
Students place a high value on recorded content because it enables them to develop a thorough understanding of the topics taught. Students with learning disabilities and non-native speakers in particular benefit greatly from video recorded content.
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
7. Accessibility
Step by step instuctions
Compliance with Accessibility legislation for developed resources (including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, videos, etc.)
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
Accessibility is a core part of making teaching and learning inclusive for all learners. Inclusive practice benefits everyone, and this is particularly true in a digital learning environment.
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
8. ASSIGNments
Step by step instuctions
Any Assignment released through Canvas which contributes to the final mark should be set up in line with the official QUB guidance and regulations
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
All assignments need to be set up in line with official QUB guidance and regulations. Important aspects include weighting of assignment groups, marking out of 100 points, setting appropriate dates. Students also require clear, concise, and helpful information associated with any assignments included in the course.
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
Canvas Course Design Toolkit
Andrew Gray
Created on August 16, 2022
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Transcript
Canvas Course Design Toolkit
ABOUT
Start
8 Minimum Standards for Canvas Course Design
4. Structure
2. Important Course Information
1. Homepage
3. Navigation
6. Recorded Video Content
8. Assignments
5. Key Learning Content
7. Accessibility
PDF version of Toolkit
Help & Support
1. Homepage
Step by step instuctions
A Homepage is included with links to key content within the course
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
The main function of the course homepage is to direct learners to key areas of the course. Engagement is the obvious first step, closely followed by easy navigation. It has to be quick and simple for learners to find what they want. The ability to pin recent announcements at the top of the homepage is another benefit. A consistent homepage layout across modules within a programme is key.
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
2. Important course information
Step by step instuctions
Ensure important course information is presented upfront
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
This standard seeks to ensure that students can quickly and easily locate the important information about their course, such as learning outcomes, contact details of the teaching team, information on how the module will be assessed as well as details of where to get help.
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
3. Navigation
Step by step instuctions
Course Navigation is clear and consistent. Unused menu items are hidden
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
With course navigation, it is essential to keep it simple and to maintain a consistent order of menu options across modules within a programme of study. Up to 72% of QUB students frequently access their courses via the Canvas mobile app (some use the app exclusively).
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
4. Structure
Step by step instuctions
Course Structure has been created using the ‘Module’ feature with course content organised by weeks, themes or topics
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
Why is this important?
Course content should be organised into manageable units of study, with each unit providing a brief introduction that contextualises the learning materials within. Inconsistency can arise when there are several lecturers, each delivering a part of the module, with each taking a different approach to the presentation of their content.
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
5. key learning content
Step by step instuctions
Key learning content is populated within the course, including information on how module learning outcomes will be assessed
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
Why is this important?
This standard aims to make sure that important learning content is available, including course materials, multimedia resources, assessment information, supplemental textbooks, reading lists, and details on how learning activities relate to learning outcomes.
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
6. Recorded video content
Step by step instuctions
Ensure that any recorded video content is available within the course
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
Why is this important?
Students place a high value on recorded content because it enables them to develop a thorough understanding of the topics taught. Students with learning disabilities and non-native speakers in particular benefit greatly from video recorded content.
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
7. Accessibility
Step by step instuctions
Compliance with Accessibility legislation for developed resources (including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, videos, etc.)
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
Accessibility is a core part of making teaching and learning inclusive for all learners. Inclusive practice benefits everyone, and this is particularly true in a digital learning environment.
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back
8. ASSIGNments
Step by step instuctions
Any Assignment released through Canvas which contributes to the final mark should be set up in line with the official QUB guidance and regulations
Example of how this could look
Why is this important?
All assignments need to be set up in line with official QUB guidance and regulations. Important aspects include weighting of assignment groups, marking out of 100 points, setting appropriate dates. Students also require clear, concise, and helpful information associated with any assignments included in the course.
Additional guidance and resources
Key things to remember
Back