Canvas Organization Strategies

CANVAS ORGANIZATION STRATEGIES

On this page, we will cover:

Strategies

Having a well-organized Canvas page not only directs students to the relevant course materials and assessments for your class (CSU QLT Criterion 1.1 and 4.3), but it is also an important pedagogical tool that is often overlooked in conversations about equity-minded practices. Your Canvas page is often the first place your students will interact with you and your class and this first impression is important in setting a welcoming and inclusive tone (Down & Bensimon, 2015).

Strategies

Use the CSUN Canvas Template

If you’re new to Canvas, want to start with a tested template, or just want to see some new ways to organize your Canvas course, try the Canvas template. The CSUN Canvas template was developed by Academic Technology, Faculty Development, and a group of CSUN faculty using best practices to help set up your Canvas course. This includes keeping the following principles in mind: CSU’s Quality Learning and Teaching (QLT) Framework, equity-minded teaching, and universal design and accessibility.

Visit this CSUN website to learn how to download Canvas Template from the Canvas Commons.

Reduce Items in the Navigation Menu

To reduce confusion for your students when they enter your Canvas course page, consider limiting the number of items seen in the Course Navigation menu (the left side of your Canvas course). The navigation menu is also the first screen that students see if they are accessing the Canvas app on their phones, so streamlining the menu can reduce scrolling and direct students to the important links. Remember students can still access discussions, assignments, quizzes, etc. from individual Modules, even if the tools are hidden from the Course Navigation menu. Be sure to check your changes by using the Student View Links to an external site..

Sequence Content using Modules

Consider organizing your content and activities in “Modules” on Canvas. This allows students to go to Modules to find everything, rather than accessing files and assignments through Files/Assignments/Quizzes/Discussions in the Course Navigation menu. Some instructors like to create a module for each course topic or for each week of the course. Consider titling the first module “Start Here” so students know exactly where to go to access the information needed for the first class.

You might also want to consider using text headers Links to an external site. to create a logical and consistent organization to each module. For example, you could use the following headers for each module: Complete before Lecture, Lecture and Class Activities, and Homework. Being as transparent as possible helps students understand how to be successful in the course.

picture of organize Module in Canvas

Organize Content using Canvas Pages

Consider using Canvas pages rather than uploading individual Word or PDF documents when you have a lot of text, are using lists, or presenting multiple items for the same purpose (assignment instructions, course policies, resources, etc.) This will save students time because they won’t have to download files to read them and they can easily return to them when they need to. It can also help you because you won’t have to re-upload files each time you make updates to your materials. Using pages can also help ensure accessibility.

Some instructors opt to create their own Home Page Links to an external site. rather than use the default, which opens to Modules. You can customize the Home Page to include text or graphics, and/or it can also serve as a repository for links to frequently used content (like Instructor Contact Information) or information that is not directly related to course content (Campus Resources, for example). Separating out this information from the course content and assignments can help declutter the Modules.

picture of an Introductory Module that is well- designed, showing helpful links

Create an Introductory Module

Creating an Introductory Module prior to the start of the semester can help students get engaged with your course right away and get practical questions resolved as soon as possible.

Creating a video tour of your Canvas page which includes this introduction helps orient students to your course and shows them how to access what they need to start the class off strong. Consider beginning by showing students where they can find the syllabus and your contact information. Then, demonstrate how you would like them to progress through the Module each week. You can also direct students to information they may need down the line like Campus Resources or IT support. Creating a standalone Course Video Tour is not only helpful for students at the beginning of the semester, but it can serve as a resource for students to return to if they have questions or need assistance.

In addition to the Course Video Tour, consider assigning an ice-breaker in an Introductory Module. This can double as a community-building exercise and can serve as an opportunity for students to practice ways they will use your Canvas page throughout the semester.

Additional Resources

For more information about how to use Canvas, visit the CSUN Canvas and Faculty Canvas Support pages. You can also check out the training and workshops offered by the Faculty Technology Center.