Step 5 - Add Teaching and Learning Content

Images of computer screen that says "Canvas" and has two folders titled Module 1 and 2. Each has icons representing content including, PDF, website link, video, cameras, and boxes — Place content into the modules you've created in Canvas

Once the modules are setup in Canvas, and you have begun the process of gathering and creating content from your course schedule, you can begin to add it to Canvas. This will include such things as readings, lectures, teaching materials, videos, website links, Zoom meetings, etc.

There are several ways to add items. Below we'll go over how to use Pages and also how to add content using links.

Template
Please note, a template is available to be added to courses that creates a fillable first module that contains pages where you can place your teaching and learning content. All of the items can be duplicated to populate the course.

❗️IMPORTANT❗️--- PROVIDE CONTEXT
Always introduce the content/learning materials provided in the module so students are given a context for what they are reading/reviewing/watching. This can be done in the module overview or by placing learning material on individual pages and providing an introduction to it there. Posting links without any introduction doesn't provide students with the information they need to integrate the materials into their understanding of the subject they are learning. To see an example of how to post information with introductions vs. without view examples below:

Good Example vs. Bad Example

Step 5-1: Add an Overview Page to Each Module

It is helpful for students to have a text based introduction for each topic module in the course. Even if the the instructor is including a lecture for the module, a short written overview provides an opportunity to set students up for what they will be learning and the topics the module will discuss. For each of the modules include an overview or introductory page that covers information such as:

what is being covered in the module
why it is important
how it relates to the rest of the course
a To Do List for the module

MODULE OVERVIEW EXAMPLE

How to Create a Page
View the information in the following link that provides an easy way to add Pages to Modules:
>>> How to Create a Page <<<

Then use the guides below for more information.

How do I add assignment types, pages, and files as module items?
How do I create a new page in a course?
How do I edit a page in a course? (from the Pages tool)
What is the rich content editor?
Made a mistake and need to go back to a previous page version?
How do I view the history of a page in a course?

Step 5-2: Add Content to Modules Using Pages

Use pages to add the rest of your teaching and learning activities. Always introduce each activity or reading before you embed or link to it on a page. The goal of using this method is to avoid posting links, videos, PDFs, etc. in Canvas without explaining them or giving them context.

A general format for a page might look something like the following (see the steps below for more details):

Title

Introduction

Link to Activity or Reading
-or-

Embedded Video

Example Page in Canvas title is Fireside Chats and the Use of Media and has photos of FDR and people listening to radios. Other text is indiscernible. — Example Page in Canvas (Click image to view page)

To add content using pages follow the steps below:

STEP 1 - CREATE A PAGE
View the instructions above titled "How to Create a Page."

STEP 2 - ADD AN INTRODUCTION
Write a short introduction to the item or items you are adding to a page. The introduction can include information on:

why the reading/activity is important
what students should be looking for
how it relates to the topic they are studying
how the course item will be used in the course assessments -->This helps motivate students to view/read/watch it

This introduction should also be something that makes the reading or activity more meaningful and memorable to the students, generates interest, and helps the students understand what they are viewing, reading, etc.

STEP 3 - EMBED OR LINK TO ITEM(S)
Link to outside websites and other resources. When including video, embed the video on the page when possible.

How do I embed a video in a page in a course?
Embedding Video Resources (finding the embed code)
How do I create a file link in a page in a course?
How do I link to other Canvas pages in a course?

STEP 4 - SAVE AND PUBLISH
Save and Publish your page so that students can view it.

For examples of page layouts with teaching and learning activities click the link below.

PAGE EXAMPLES

Step 5-3 Add Items Using Links

Items can also be added to modules using direct links. You can link to anything in your Canvas course that is stored in the files area. You can also link to outside URLs and websites. This method does not provide a space for you to introduce the material as you add it so make sure to provide students with instructions in the overview or somewhere else.

Step 5-4: Add Zoom Meetings

Laptop showing a video conference meeting with multiple small thumbnails of participants on the screen — Include the link to your Zoom Meetings in several prominent places

For those teaching a course that includes Zoom meetings there are several different ways to include these in the course. Most instructors post a link to the course's recurring Zoom meeting in several prominent locations such as on the home page or at the top of the modules page and include information for students about accessing Zoom. List the meetings in the schedule so students know when to sign on. You can also place a reminder in each module on the Overview page or on another Canvas page and include any information you want to discuss during the meeting.

Step 5-5: Publish

Make sure to Publish everything you want students to see. Remember, it must be GREEN to be SEEN.

>> Next we will take a look at adding assignments and assessments.

Zoom Photo by Gabriel Benois on Unsplash