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Canvas Course Setup Checklist

This guide is for faculty new to Canvas or faculty who want a refresher on the key components of a good Canvas course.

Basic Canvas Course Checklist

  1. Put a welcome message on your home page
  2. Create and upload your syllabus (consult the official syllabus guidelines here)
    • Basics: Course name and number, meeting times and location, instructor contact information, office hours, etc
    • Course description
    • Required texts
    • Learning outcomes
    • Assignments and grading scheme (methods of assessment)
    • Semester calendar or overview
    • DEI statement
    • Classroom policies on attendance, late assignments, technology, etc
  3. Set up the Gradebook
    • Use the headings or assignment types in your grading scheme (in the syllabus) to create groups in Assignments, making sure that language and weighted percentage values match exactly
    • Create all graded exercises–assignments, quizzes, and discussions–with due dates and point values. Add all items to the appropriate assignment groups. (Try to create and publish all of these in advance even if you have not completed the descriptions; see more on the visibility of published items.)
  4. Set up Modules
    • Decide whether to set up your own modules or import one of the pre-constructed module templates (read more here and use the gold buttons on the homepage of your course to import)
    • Decide the best pedagogical use of modules for your course
    • Set up one module per week. Include
      • Message/overview of the week
      • Goals of the week
      • Tasks for the week
    • You should have at least two modules set up before the semester starts
    • Consider a module dedicated to student success/overview of potential issues
  5. Set up a communication plan: email through Canvas (Inbox), Announcements, etc.

 

Useful Resources

in Canvas for Faculty, Course Design Tags: Canvas shells, gradebook, modules, new faculty, syllabus