Canvas Course Design Checklist
This Canvas course design checklist is designed to help instructors design and review their courses in Canvas by following best practices.
The main components of this research-based checklist include Course Overview and Introduction, Learning Objectives, Instructional Materials and Activities, Assessment, Student Support, Accessibility and Usability, and Course Technology. This checklist is designed based on nationally recognized Quality Matters (QM) Standards and the Canvas Course Evaluation Checklist. We recommend using our new modifiable research-based Canvas course template in your course. The new Canvas course template provides instructors a base for new course design or improving existing course design.
Course Overview and Introduction
The overall design of the course is made clear to the learner at the beginning of the course. The course overview and introduction set the tone for the course, let learners know what to expect, and provide other guidance to help learners succeed from the outset.
Included in Your Course?
Criteria
Included in Canvas Course Template?
Instructions make clear how to get started and where to find various course components. Course includes Getting Started content.
X
Home Page provides a visual representation of the course; a brief course description or introduction; quick and easy navigation to course content.
X
Stevens course syllabus template is used and the syllabus is easy to find in the course.
X
Instructor self-introduction is professional and is available in the course. It presents the instructor as professional as well as approachable and includes basic information.
X
“Welcome” message/page is listed on the course site.
X
Instructor has created a discussion where students can introduce themselves.
X
“Q&A” discussion is designed to build a sense of community and establish rapport.
X
Course card provides a visual representation of the subject by adding an image in Course Settings. Canvas Guide – Add Image to Course Card
N/A
Learning Objectives
Learning objectives describe what learners will be able to do upon completion of the course. The learning objectives establish a foundation upon which the rest of the course is based.
Course learning objectives are listed prominently in the syllabus and on the course site.
X
Learning Objectives are measurable. Knowledge Base – Developing Learning Objectives
X
Module/weekly/unit learning objectives describe outcomes that are consistent with the course-level objectives. The module/weekly/unit learning objectives are listed prominently on the course site.
X
Instructional Materials and Activities
Instructional materials and activities enable learners to achieve stated learning objectives. Learning activities facilitate and support learner interaction and engagement.
The instructional materials and activities support the stated learning objectives.
X
The relationship between learning objectives and learning materials is clearly stated.
X
The course content is clearly presented and structured in a logical and consistent manner.
X
Content is chucked into manageable pieces by leveraging modules (e.g., organized by weeks, chapters, or topics). Canvas Guide - Modules
X
Modules and items within modules have a thoughtful naming convention (e.g., name the module “Chapter 1: Structural Analysis in SolidWorks,” not just “Chapter 1”).
X
Modules begin with an Introduction/Overview page and end with a Conclusion/Summary page in each module.
X
All links, files, videos and URLs are active and working. Canvas Guide - Link Validation
X
Learning activities include student-student interaction to foster a sense of community (e.g., discussions, group work and peer reviews).
X
Learning activities include student-teacher interaction (e.g., instructor is actively engaged in discussions and provides quality and timely feedback).
N/A
Learning activities include student-content interaction (e.g., use a range of media to enhance learning including text, images, videos, etc.).
X
Assessment
Assessment is implemented in a manner that corresponds to the course learning objectives and not only allows the instructor a broad perspective on the learners’ mastery of content, but also allows learners to track their learning progress throughout the course.
The assessments measure the achievement of the stated learning objectives or competencies. The relationship between learning objectives and learning activities is clearly stated.
X
Various assessments are used (e.g., discussions, individual and/or group assignments and quizzes) to increase learner engagement and promote active learning.
X
Opportunities for student self-assessment are provided.
N/A
Detailed instructions are provided to students that clarify how assessments are to be completed.
X
The course grading policy is stated clearly at the beginning of the course. The points, percentages, and weights for each component of the course grade are clearly stated.
X
Rubrics are used to evaluate assignments and/or discussions. Canvas Guide - Rubrics
N/A
Student Support
The course facilitates learner access to institutional support services essential to learner success.
Course instructions articulate or link to the institution’s technology support services and resources that can help learners succeed in the course.
X
Course instructions articulate or link to the institution’s academic support services and resources that can help learners succeed in the course.
X
Accessibly and Usability
The course design reflects a commitment to accessibility and usability for all learners.
Course navigation facilitates ease of use. Navigation throughout the course is consistent, logical, and efficient. Unused links are hidden in the course navigation. Canvas Guide - Navigation Links
X
Color enhances the aesthetic appeal and effectiveness of the course; sufficient contrast between text and background makes information easy to read, and color is not used in isolation to convey meaning. Canvas Guide - Accessibility Checker
X
Images are used to support course content (e.g., banners, headings and icons) and accompanied by text descriptions (Alt text) or captions for more complex descriptions. Canvas Guide - General Accessibility Design Guidelines
X
Heading and Styles are consistent throughout the course. Styles (e.g., Paragraph, Heading 2, etc.) are used to format text. Canvas Guide - General Accessibility Design Guidelines
X
Hyperlink text incorporates the hyperlink destination/purpose (avoid raw URLs, e.g., https://www.canvaslms.com) and includes words and phrases to provide context for screen-readers (e.g., use “Canvas Guide - Hyperlink” rather than “Canvas Guide”) Canvas Guide - General Accessibility Design Guidelines
X
Video and Audio materials include transcripts and/or captions. Canvas Guide - General Accessibility Design Guidelines
Zoom provides automatic closed captioning and live transcription.
X
Tables are used appropriately and are accessible. Canvas Guide - General Accessibility Design Guidelines
X
Course Technology
Course technologies support learners’ achievement of course objectives.
Course tools used in the course support the learning objectives.
X
Course tools promote learner engagement and active learning.
X
Minimum technology requirements are clearly stated.
X
The course provides learners with information on protecting their data and privacy.
X
Vendor accessibility statements are provided for all technologies required in the course.
X
Experiencing an issue or need additional support?
Contact our OneIT Team by