Instructors have access to a wealth of resources in Canvas to enhance student engagement, improve course accessibility, and manage large courses effectively. Whether you’re refining your course design, making content more inclusive, or seeking support, there are key tools and consultations available to you.
Engagement and persistence
Creating an organized and engaging learning experience is crucial for student success. To help you design and manage your Canvas courses effectively, start by structuring your content using Northeastern’s Standard Template. This helps ensure a clear and consistent layout to help students understand the flow of the course.
You can also explore Canvas tools that support active learning, encouraging student participation and collaboration. When you use tools like course calendar, the Canvas app, and Microsoft Teams, students can engage with the content seamlessly. Keep students informed by sending announcements directly through Canvas, making it easy to share updates and reminders for the entire course or specific sections.
For more personalized guidance, consider scheduling a Canvas Course Design Consultation to refine your course structure and enhance student engagement.
Inclusion and universal design for learning
Digital accessibility refers to the ability for content to be accessed by people with diverse needs and technologies, including those who may have a disability. Creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment benefits all students by supporting their ability to view content using alternative or more focused formats. Review the following tools and resources to create a more inclusive learning environment so your students can succeed:
- Read the knowledge base article How do I create accessible learning experiences? to ensure that the content you create in Canvas is accessible to your learners
- Find solutions for common accessibility issues in Canvas.
- Use Namecoach to ensure accurate pronunciation of student names, fostering a more inclusive classroom.
- Take the 30-minute, on-demand training Creating Accessible Courses in Canvas Using UDOIT.
- Get tailored support by requesting an Accessibility in Canvas Consultation.
Managing large courses
Teaching large classes presents unique challenges. Did you know there are tools and resources available to streamline your approach in and out of the classroom? Instructors have access to a powerful tool designed for effective group assignments called Feedback Fruits. The Group Member Evaluation tool provides instructors with transparent insights into the collaborative process and encourages critical thinking among students by assessing both their own and their peers’ contributions to group assignments.
Additionally, there are strategies for effectively building a sense of community within the classroom and fostering collaboration among students despite a large class size. In the on-demand training, Teaching Large Classes in Canvas, you can learn valuable skills to improve your effectiveness and create a more cohesive learning environment.
One professor developed an inclusive, three-tiered approach to teaching that effectively shrinks the class size while promoting metacognition and active learning. By leveraging Canvas and integrated tools, the large class was able to develop deeper levels of critical thinking, learning, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving. Read more about the technical toolkit for teaching large classes.
Support is available
Whether you’re looking to improve course design, integrate accessibility best practices, or streamline large-class instruction, Northeastern’s Canvas resources are here to support you. Have a quick question or need in-depth support?
- Drop-in hours: Join virtual drop-in hours from 1-4 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
- 1:1 consultations: Schedule a personalized consultation to address specific needs.