No matter if your course is asynchronous, synchronous or a hybrid, Canvas will be an important tool in managing the experience for yourself and your students.

Why use an LMS?

Canvas is an LMS-- a learning management system. Its purpose is to connect students and instructors to help facilitate learning. Its power lies in the fact that everyone is using the same system and this can help encourage a two-way communication platform. As the instructor, your Canvas course site should be your go-to tool for nearly any communication, resource or other activity for your students, especially during this period of virtual instruction.

By prioritizing your Canvas site as the main platform for your course:

• You allow students to manage your class in the same location as their other classes.

• Students can easily revisit materials and activities in the context and order you want them presented in.

• You can see how students are engaging with your course and materials.

• You can be more transparent with students as they can see the entire course in context.

Canvas for Synchronous Sessions

Canvas is a critical tool for making the most of synchronous or face-to-face sessions. By using a module setup for a synchronous session, students can see what is expected during the synchronous time, and can easily and immediately access materials that they will need during your course time. This is preferable to sharing links in the chat or sending an email in advance (while you can certainly still do those things: it could just be a link directly to the Canvas module). This will also help make sessions go more smoothly as the students will know where to access materials and can follow along each time you meet. It will also make it easier to facilitate activities such as breakout rooms or other collaborations since everyone can access the materials and not rely on the instructor’s screen or the whole group chat. Furthermore, conducting formative assessment (such as a low-stakes quiz) is easier to facilitate in Canvas since all students are already linked to your course in a secure and private manner.

Canvas for Asynchronous Sessions

When using Canvas for Asynchronous instruction, there are many ways to set up your course in order to support executive functioning of your students so they are primed for learning. Canvas has many tools and activities that you may want to use, but they are most powerful when careful consideration is given to course design and organization. Your course should use a consistent structure with each module/week/unit. This should includes features such as:

• A module overview page with goals, expectations and required materials for that module.

• Clear instructions with each assignment or activity.

• Consideration for multiple means of representation: text, images, video, audio, etc.

• Clear descriptions of how this module connects to the course’s overarching learning goals, and how students will be assessed against them.

• Opportunities for students to interact with the material, the instructor and their peers.

Canvas is for more than just sending emails. The more Canvas serves as the main platform for your course (as opposed to emails, personal website, external links, etc.), the more it can help facilitate deeper learning and engagement.

Self Reflection Jamboard

As you consider managing your course, you need to take stock of everything you include in your course. What 'ingredients' make up your course? Select a Jamboard Frame and add your course ingredients to your hexagons. One ingredient per hexagon.