Syllabus Conversion

Description:

Students had previously commented that faculty use Canvas in different ways so it can be difficult for them to know how to interact with their courses each semester. Faculty who mainly use Canvas as a document repository for their face-to-face classes are still using a legacy course design left over from the migration from Moodle. At year two of our Canvas implementation, more faculty are ready to learn how to use more advanced features and students are asking for more standardization between courses.

Screenshot of syllabus template home page

Objectives:

This project was planned during summer 2016 to rollout for fall 2016 with the following objectives:

• Standardization of syllabus elements to provide a consistent experience for students
• Mandatory adoption by 100% of faculty for all fall course shells
• Specialized versions for various programs to account for differences in policies.
• Provide foundation for adherence to Quality Matters Rubric standards
• Convert Word-based syllabus and schedule to Canvas pages
• Provide clear instructions and sample content for faculty

Project Details:

I led cross-functional a team to discuss objectives of the syllabus conversion project. I took the teams suggestions/questions and developed a basic Canvas course syllabus template with two additional pages for extra content. I took the syllabus back to the team for input. Four variations were created, one for each program, which were then uploaded to Canvas Commons. I also worked with the Deans to develop a policy requiring the use to the Canvas syllabus and officially retiring the Word Document template as of Fall 2016. During the Summer and Fall semester, I met with faculty to orient them to Canvas Commons and the new syllabus template to ensure a smooth transition.

The Academic department administrative assistants reviewed courses to ensure that the new templates were used in all courses and that all required elements were present in the correct order that that faculty. They also checked to ensure faculty used the correct course objectives and outcomes listed in the College handbook. I provided the administrative assistants with an orientation to the Canvas learning management system and created a checklist to assist with this process:

• Syllabus Expectations Checklist.pdf (opens in a new window)

Additional Details:

The various syllabi templates were uploaded to Canvas Commons, a repository available to our faculty which allows them to download the template directly into their courses. (screenshot below).

Once the syllabus is imported into a course via Canvas Commons, the Syllabus section can be easily edited by faculty (screenshot below).