Canvas Outcomes (Academic Units)

Canvas Outcomes (Academic Units)

Use Canvas Outcomes to facilitate reporting for a degree program using a defined set of competencies/outcomes. Instructors assess students in their courses on these competencies as outcomes using Rubrics to provide feedback and ratings on their program progress. Program-level data exports summarize student competencies/outcomes for reporting to the accreditation body.

This article outlines the process of applying Canvas Outcomes and Rubrics to the academic courses for a degree program. Academic Unit Leadership or their degree program assignee works with the Canvas Administrator to define Outcomes and Rubrics to facilitate reporting to the accreditation body. 

Get Started Using Canvas Outcomes

The procedure to get started includes: 

1. Discuss Canvas Outcomes Requirements - Contact The Center for Faculty Success (CFS) to be assigned a project manager to help configure Canvas Outcomes for your degree program. The first step will be to define the Program Learning Competencies (identifying competencies, mapping competencies).

2. Outcomes - The Canvas Administrator will create an Outcomes sub-account named after the accreditation/certification. The outcomes (competencies) will need to be imported into Canvas. In the Outcomes sub-account.

3. Outcomes Sub-Account Setup - Outcome Administrators (identified by Academic Unit Leadership) will be added to the Outcomes sub-account to create a collection of Shared Rubrics that are aligned with the imported outcomes.

4. Blueprint Course Development - In the Outcomes sub-account Blueprint Course Developers (identified by Academic Unit Leadership) will request Blueprint Course shells for each Degree Program Course. In each Blueprint course, an Outcomes (Competencies) Module will be developed. Each Degree Program Course has a defined set of outcomes (competencies) that are measured. Blueprint Course Developers are responsible for ensuring the required Outcome Assignments are included in the course material and locked to ensure program consistency and accreditation compliance.

5. Semester Start Procedures - Before the start of the semester the Canvas Administrator will move the Degree Program courses into the Outcomes sub-account and synchronize with the appropriate Blueprint course.

6. Semester End Procedures - At the end of the semester the Canvas Administrator will run and export the Outcome Results CSV file from the Outcomes sub-account. These export files will be sent to the Academic Unit Leadership or their degree program assignee to format and send to the accreditation body. The Canvas Administrator will create a visual dashboard from exported data for the Academic Unit Leadership.

To effectively manage and enhance academic programs, TWU can start by defining program learning competencies, which involves identifying and mapping the specific competencies students need to master within academic courses. Once competencies are established, Canvas Outcomes are set up by creating and aligning these competencies within Canvas. Creating shared rubrics is crucial for this process and involves designing and attaching rubrics to various assignments and assessments to ensure consistent and objective evaluation. To measure and track competencies, leveraging tools like assessment data and the Student Learning Mastery Gradebook within Canvas can provide valuable insights. Reporting and analysis through Outcome Reports enable continuous improvement by highlighting areas of success and those needing enhancement. Communication and accountability play a vital role in this process by ensuring transparency, facilitating feedback mechanisms, and maintaining instructor accountability. For successful implementation, it is important to follow practical tips such as investing in professional development, continuously monitoring progress, and involving all stakeholders throughout the process. 

Support Options

1. Contact facultysuccess@twu.edu to request a Canvas Outcomes project manager. 

2. Canvas Support will be available 24/7 by phone, live chat, or email through the Help menu within Canvas after you have logged in. For more information see How to Contact Canvas Support.

3. If you are unable to log in, please contact the Technology Service Desk at 940-898-3971 or servicedesk@twu.edu for assistance.