Everything in one place

Students often complain that they can't find information on Canvas. This is often because the information is scattered in different places. Some information can only be found in an announcement, assignments can only be found under Assignments, some files can only under Files. This way Canvas is slowly becoming a maze for students and the chance that they miss something becomes high. Therefore put all information in just 1 place: Modules.

Earlier, at Canvastip #2, we told you how to set up Modules in the best way, namely thematically or chronologically. When you use these layouts, be complete. For example: in a chronological layout, place everything the student needs to know and do for that week under that week. All assignments, pages, preparations, discussion, literature, etc. This way, students can see at a glance what they need to do for that week.

You can make it even clearer as a teacher to show at a glance what needs to be done. For example, give files and links a clear name for the student. Canvas uses the name you gave the file yourself, but what is a good name for you is usually not for the student. For example, name lecture slides very simple: Slides lecture 1. The student immediately knows what this file contains with this naming.

But modules can be set up even more clearly with a Text Header. An example of the usage of Text Headers is shown in the image above. The module 'Week 1' contains 3 Text Headers, namely: Literature, Preparation and Presentation. By using these you can immediately see how many files and links each Header contains and so students can immediately see how much work they will have. By making it even more clear all documents are placed 1 step to the right. Do you want to know how to create a Text Header? You can see it here: