Wake Forest Law Help Desk

Using the course import tool in Canvas is a quick and easy way to move your course content from one semester to the next without starting from scratch. However, there is still work to be done to keep your course up to date, accurate, and consistent after your import is complete. 

The following are some suggestions on ways to update or revise your course after using the import tool: 

Things you really should do:

• Adjust due dates: Whether you did or did not use the “Adjust due dates” function in your course import, be sure that you review your assignments, syllabus, and calendar to be sure that all dates are accurate and appropriately spaced.

• Make sure your due dates are on the calendar: Check the syllabus, the assignment settings, and the calendar to be sure that due dates are correct.

• Revise your syllabus: especially as you make a transition from the online classroom back to the physical one, you may find that adjustments are needed. You should also be sure that you have included the Honor Code and Accommodations section, as well as appropriate information about your grading policy, availability, and updated attendance policies. 

• Update/revise announcements: Delete old announcements or update them to reflect the correct information for this semester.

• Re-create groups: If you have group assignments, be sure to re-create your groups and re-assign assignments to groups correctly. 

Making the student experience better (Clear the clutter!):

• Delete duplicate resources: Look for duplicate files, links, outdated materials, and anything that students are not actively using. If there is a chance you may use the file later, you can unpublish it and/or move it to a hidden folder or module. 

• Check each page and section, especially the navigation menu, to identify areas where you can streamline your content or condense content. 

• If you used a template, be sure that you have removed all of the optional template language. 

• Validate Links: Use the link validator to make sure that any links you shared in a previous semester are still working correctly. Be aware that links to news articles or other password-protected resources may not be available to all students, or may require that they create an account to gain access.

Streamline:

Consider consolidating module content into pages: Modules that are packed full of resources and assignments are a great indicator of rich content. However, condensing a sprawling module down into a few pages can be helpful. Here are some examples: 

• If you have modules that cover multiple weeks, consider grouping each week’s resources onto a page. You can add links, files, text, video, and more to the page to give an overview of the resources students need to access that week. 

• If you have weekly modules that have multiple resources of the same type, reading assignments, for example, consider creating a page that lists the reading assignments and links. 

Accessibility/Inclusivity:

• Check to be sure that all videos have captions: Captions are often required for meeting accessibility needs, but can benefit all students. Students whose courses had short recorded video lectures report that they use captions for added comprehension and flexibility. For example, if students are sharing their study space, having good captions allows them to access media without sound. 

• Work with the LAC to conduct an accessibility check of your site.

• Adjust text on pages to have clear headings and high contrast color. 

• Make sure your images have fully descriptive alternative text.

• A consistent layout for course components (i.e. using the Syllabus tool, having a similar flow for each module) promotes inclusion and aligns with student feedback.

• Consider adding a rubric for at least one assignment: Clarity of expectations is a major factor in student success. It reduces anxiety for students, reduces the number of questions or clarification you need to address, and provides an unambiguous framework for successful assignment performance. 

Instructional Design & Technology Consultation:

Conduct an instructional design review using this quick checklist. (link to come)

You can also schedule additional assistance by completing our Instructional Technology Consultation form. 

If you have any additional questions regarding Canvas or other technology resources you can reach out to the Help Desk at 336-758-4300 or lawhelp@wfu.edu.