Creating a Course in Canvas Overview (**Start Here**)
Creating a Course in Canvas Overview
Follow the steps below to get started on designing and developing your online course. Each step has a link to additional information that explains and explores the topic further.
➜ Ideally it is best to go through each of the pages that follows this overview for more in depth information and help.
** Before teaching your course, make sure to also view the section on Teaching Online . **
Step 1 - Create or Update your Course Syllabus
- Create a syllabus using the example provided as a place to start
- Be as clear and consistent as possible when writing or rewriting your syllabus (in online learning clarity is key!)
- Create a syllabus quiz to encourage students to read your syllabus
- Add your syllabus to an easily accessible module (usually toward the top) using a Canvas page or by uploading a document (see Step 3 and Step 5)
- Syllabus Example
Step 2 - Plan Your Course Layout and Content (Course Schedule)
- Create a course schedule to plan and map out your course
- Ensure your learning outcomes, content, and assessments are aligned
- Students tend to focus on content tied to assignments
- Add Modules to your schedule and set your dates:
- In a traditional 16 week course layout, each week of the course is a module in the schedule
- A module typically has one main theme and contains all the items students will be completing for that week
- In condensed semesters students can complete multiple modules each week (e.g., 2 modules/week in an 8 week course ---- and 4 modules/week in a 4 week course)
- Select your course content and add it to the schedule
- Upload your schedule to a course module or add it using a Canvas page (see Step 3 and 5)
- Course Schedule Template
Step 3 - Add Course Modules in Canvas
- Create a module in Canvas for each of the modules in the schedule (Modules in Canvas act as folders in the course to enable you to post and organize content....Module Example)
- A template is available to be added to courses that creates a fillable first module with pages that can then be duplicated. To view click here
- Publish modules you want students to see (it must be GREEN to be SEEN)
Step 4 - Gather and Create Content
- Once the modules have been added to Canvas you can begin to gather and create any items from your course schedule that you don't currently have.
- Recorded lectures or mini-lectures are recommended for fully online or blended courses (WEB, WEBX, BLEND)
- Zoom works well for the TRAD-VIDC and BLEND course designations
- Online lectures do not need to replicate what you do in a traditional face-to-face course
- Locate other resources online and through contacting OU libraries
For more information on gathering and creating content click here
Step 5 - Add Teaching and Learning Content
- After the modules are created in Canvas and you have begun the process of gathering resources, you can begin adding content to your course:
- Add an introduction page to each module that introduces the topic and why it is important and include a to do list
- Add course and teaching content to each module (readings, articles, lectures, learning activities, etc.)
- Each item added can be placed on a Canvas Page with an introduction
- Make use of the Pages feature in Canvas to add text, images, and embed video
- Don't forget to Publish modules and content that you want students to see (remember it must be GREEN to be SEEN)
Step 6 - Add Assignments and Assessments (this will set up your Gradebook)
- Create or update your assessments and assignments in Canvas and add them to the modules
- Discussions: If possible include at least one discussion or interactive assignment in each module and have students respond to one another
- Use Submission Assignments and Quizzes for a variety of assessments
- Add a link to each Assignment in the Module in which they are due
- The Gradebook in Canvas is managed through the Assignments tool and can be setup for points or weighted grades
Step 7 - Set Course and Canvas Settings
- Simplify your course navigation by hiding unnecessary navigation links
- Make sure to publish your course and content you would like students to see
- To ensure you receive communication from Canvas, set up your Notification Preferences and contact method in your Canvas Account
- You must include your OU Alias Email as the default contact method so that you can directly reply to Canvas messages from your OU Email account
>> After reading this overview click through the more detailed pages that follow. (To access the pages click the images above or the links in the text. You can also click the "Next" button below.)
This page and this section only cover setting up your course. For information on teaching in Canvas and helpful tips to make Canvas work better for you, view the section Teaching in Canvas.