How to build this course from scratch

How I build a streamlined canvas course to reduce student cognitive overload and release attention for course content. 

Basic Canvas Course Structure 


Prune Navigation Links 

Include only necessary links in the navigation bar (to the left of the homepage screen). 

Go to Settings (at the bottom of the navigation bar) -> Navigation 

 Drag everything but: 

  • Home 
  • Modules 
  • Syllabus 
  • Grades 
  • STW LASSO (tutoring info) 
  • Course Evaluations 
  • Zoom 
  • Library Resources 

 To the bottom section titled Drag items here to hide them from students. 

 This removes the items you dragged down from the student’s view. 


Set Up Modules 

Create a module called Important Links and one called Weekly Objectives and Tasks 


In Important Links 

Click the ‘+’ at the top right. 

 Select ‘Add Page’ 

Name your page (e.g. Texbook link, Course Syllabus Website) 

Click on the newly added page 

Click ‘edit’ on the top right to add content to the page 

Repeat for all of the important links/pages students will use repeatedly in the course 


 In Weekly Objectives and Tasks 

Click the ‘+’ at the top right. 

Select ‘Add Page’ 

Name your page Week 1 Date (I use the Monday of the week) 

Click on the newly added page 

Click ‘edit’ on the top right to add content to the page 


Structuring your Weekly Objectives and Tasks Page 

Create a consistent structure that will be reused for every week. 

Make the headings obvious and distinct 

Keep the days and time when assignments open and close consistent. (e.g. Homework always opens on Monday morning at 8:00am and is always due Friday night at 11:59). 

Find a Template and Examples below. 

Once you have customized your Week 1 template click the three vertical dots at the far right of its line and select ‘duplicate.’ You now have a template ready to go for Week 2. 


Templates and Examples

Week 1 Template 

Week 1 Example (introductory) 

Week 2 Example (this is a more typical week) 


Next: How to make your homepage a blog

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Course Structure Rationale

Hi

How to replace my blog with your course blog (or whatever website you wish to use)