!!! 5.1 Create and Manage Course Content

Checklist of Competencies for Designing and Teaching Using Canvas

 Create and Manage Course Content

Course content is the core of the online course and affects student learning outcomes, student retention, and student success. A well-trained instructor spends less time with the technical aspects of the course and more time teaching and interacting with students.

 Understand File Formats

  • Identify compatible (and incompatible) file formats and naming conventions in Canvas.
  • Identify applications that you can use to create graphic, text, and zip files for Canvas.
  • Understand the requirements of students using PCs, Macs, or mobile devices to access your course and content.
  • Name the types of files that can be viewed with a web browser and those that require plug-ins or additional software.

 Manage Files in Your Course

  • Demonstrate the process of uploading a file from your computer to the Canvas Files section for a specific course, to the All My Files section for multiple courses, to Canvas Studio, and when to use each one.
  • Upload, download, and delete various types of files (.gif, .html, .jpg, .zip, .docx, .pdf., txt).

 Creating and Editing Course Content

  • Understand how to change between instructor and student views.
  • Describe when to toggle student view on or off.
  • Edit using the Rich Content Editor (RCE).
  • Edit HTML using the RCE’s Raw HTML Editor.
  • Reposition items in the Course Menu, Home page, and other Canvas Pages.
  • Add Prerequisites and Requirements for releasing content with Modules.
  • Identify other applications that you can use to create media content for Canvas.

 Create Web Pages (HTML Files)

  • Identify the areas within Canvas where HTML can be created and the pros/cons of using HTML.
  • Explain why most designers create files outside of Canvas and then upload them to Canvas Files.
  • Identify principles of quality web page design.
  • Explain how to use the Rich Content Editor and Raw HTML Editor in Canvas.
  • Identify other applications that you can use to create HTML files.

 Adding items into Modules

  • Add, edit, and delete Assignments.
  • Add, edit, and delete Pages.
  • Add, edit, and delete Discussions.
  • Add, edit, and delete Quizzes.
  • Add, edit, and delete Quiz questions and answers.
  • Add, edit, and delete External URLs.
  • Add a link to an External Tool (LTI/app).
  • Add Prerequisites and Requirements for releasing content.

 Know when to use audio and video clips

  • Add, edit, and delete video and audio clips from Canvas Pages, Assignments, Discussions, and Quizzes.
  • Add, edit, and delete video from Canvas Studio.
  • Understand compatible file types for audio and video to be read via the web.

 Important Content Issues

  • Understand size restrictions for files and the impact large files may have on students and the server.
  • Be aware of copyright restrictions and fair use policies.
  • Provide accessibility for students with disabilities.
  • Provide clear directions that will help students navigate through content.