Instructions for teachers

Edit the Home Page (it's named "Front Page" in Canvas)

  • Edit/delete all text in red to match your course.
  • Replace the generic image with an image corresponding to your course.  Be sure to credit the image.
  • Adjust the number of modules and the course description to suit your course.
  • Link the Module buttons to the modules in your course including the orientation module.
  • Delete any extra Module buttons.
    • If you need more buttons than are available in Files, you can create you own at dabuttonfactory.com Links to an external site.
      • Blue buttons
        • Font - Sans serif,  size - 18
        • Background - Gradient, Top color - #3E779D, Bottom color - #65A9D7
        • Size - Fixed, Width=120, Height=40
      • Gray buttons
        • Font - Sans serif,  size - 18
        • Background - Gradient, Top color - #959A9E, Bottom color - #B5BCC0
        • Size - Fixed, Width=180, Height=40
  • Add your picture and contact information at the bottom of the page

Edit the Syllabus

  • Visit the Syllabus page in Canvas.
  • Alter all the information shown in red to match your course
  • Change the course title and contact information
  • Insert a picture appropriate for your course. Be sure to assign the appropriate credit.
  • Identify the number of modules in the course
  • Upload and link to the pacing guide document 
  • Add important course dates
  • Add your grading policy
  • List options for tutoring
  • List/link to any needed course resources
  • Upload and link the course expectations
  • Add your picture and contact information

Discussions

  • An ungraded discussion (Community Forum) exists for students/teachers as a location for general course questions and answers. Teachers may want to give more specific instructions but the discussion area should remain in place.
  • The default discussion settings have been set so that students CANNOT
    • start their own discussions
    • edit or delete their discussion posts
  • Adjust the discussion settings to best suit your course.

Add Content to Modules

  • Set prerequisites/requirements for the modules depending on the needs of the course.
  • Use the Sample Module as a guide for creating Module content.
  • The template module contains:

    • A lesson overview page
      • Adjust the title of the page as needed
      • Change/delete all items in red to match the course
      • Add the learning goal for the lesson (This can generally be found on the Course Scope and Goals in Curriculum Engine.)
      • Add the tasks to be completed: journal, assignments, quiz
      • Add the approximate amount of time the lesson is expected to take
      • Add the CCSS, State Standards, or District Standards applicable to your lesson.

    • An intoduction page
      • Adjust the title of the page as needed
      • Change/delete all items in red to match the course
      • Add the essential question
      • Add the introduction. This is the "hook" to engage students.
      • Add the explanation of why the lesson is important.

    • Lesson Content Page(s)
      • Adjust the title of the lesson as needed
      • Delete the Lorem Ipsum text
      • Change/delete all items in red to match the course
      • Review these design tips. These tips can help you create a well designed page that will maximize your students' learning potential.
        • Use COLOR strategically.  Keep it simple and choose a neutral color palette to project a "clean" and modern appearance.  You may want to use an accent color that is used throughout your entire course or throughout a particular module.  
        • Choose a FONT that is easy to read and no smaller than size 11 pt. Try to use no more than 2 -3  different types in one course.
        • Limit Scrolling, create pages that fit on a computer monitor.  Create a second page for additional text.
        • Add Buttons, we suggest you use the website: Da Button Factory. Links to an external site.
        • Use White Space, it is a function of the layout and affects how the content is viewed.
        • Less is More - Keep it simple and get straight to the point.
        • Make sure it is Easy to Navigate. 
        • Avoid Animations (no blinking, flashing, or moving images) because they interfere with the learners ability to read the text.
        • Test your Canvas course in multiple browsers and operating systems.
        • Click on the link for more information about Instructional Design. Links to an external site.
      • Change the picture to match your course.  Be sure to assign the appropriate credit.

    • Journal assignment page
      • Adjust the title of the journal assignment as needed
      • Change/delete all items in red to match the course
      • Delete or adjust the attached rubric to match the course
      • Change the points available to match your rubric
      • Add the assignment due date

    • Generic Assignment page
      • Adjust the title of the assignment as needed
      • Change/delete all items in red to match the course
      • Add assignment instructions
      • Add assignment submission directions
      • Add an assignment rubric if applicable
      • Adjust assignment point value
      • Select appropriate assignment submission type(s)
      • Add the assignment due date

    • Discussion topic
      • Adjust the title of the discussion topic as needed
      • Change/delete all items in red to match the course
      • Alter the discussion instructions to meet the needs of the course
      • Adjust the total points possible and the requirements for peer review (if applicable) to fit the needs of the course 
      • Add the discussion due date
      • Add the peer review due date (if applicable)

    • Quiz outline
      • Adjust the title of the quiz as needed
      • Add quiz instructions
      • Add quiz questions
      • Set minimum score if needed
      • Add the quiz due date
      • Publish the quiz

    • Module Summary page
      • Adjust the title of the page as needed
      • Change/delete all items in red to match the course
      • The module summary page should mimic the module overview page

Orientation

  • An orientation module is included in the template.  This module will guide students through the most common features of Canvas LMS. 
  • Add Module 0 as a prerequisite for every module.  This will ensure each student completes the orientation prior to working on the course.
  • Customize the Module 0: Meet Your Teacher page.
  • Customize the Module 0: About Your Course page.
  • Customize the Module 0: Code of Honor page with specific district/school honor policies.
  • Customize the Module 0: Login & Password page to include specific school/district policies regarding login ID's and passwords.
  • An optional orientation quiz has been written and included in this module. If you do not wish to assign the quiz, you will need to delete the quiz along with the mention of the quiz on the summary page.
  • An optional introduction discussion has been included in this module.  If you do not wish to assign the discussion, you will need to delete the discussion along with the mention of the discussion on the summary page.


 

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