Module 5

male teacher explaining something to student on computer

Using Canvas tools effectively can make all the difference in how your course runs and how students engage with the content. When set up correctly, Canvas provides a range of features that not only streamline the organization of your course but also enhance the student experience, making it easier for them to navigate, stay informed, and stay on top of their assignments. In this module, we’ll explore how to use Canvas tools to create a well-structured, engaging course and provide some best practices to help you make the most of what the LMS has to offer.

Tools to Enhance Organization and Student Experience

One of the great things about Canvas is how customizable it is. You have the flexibility to set up your course in a way that works best for your teaching style and your students' needs. But with so many tools available, it’s important to focus on those that have the most impact. Here are a few key tools to enhance both the organization of your course and the student experience:

Utilizing Canvas’s “Modules” to Guide Students Step-by-Step

Modules are one of the most powerful tools in Canvas. They allow you to organize your course content into logical sections, such as by week, unit, or topic. Modules guide students step-by-step through the course, ensuring that they access materials in the correct order. This method can help students stay on track and prevent them from skipping ahead or missing important information.

For instance, Arizona State University uses modules extensively to structure its online courses, creating a smooth flow from one week to the next. Each module begins with a brief overview, followed by readings, videos, assignments, and discussions, all neatly organized so that students know exactly what to expect. This kind of structured approach reduces student confusion and keeps them focused on the learning objectives.

Setting Up a Gradebook That Aligns with Course Assignments

A well-organized gradebook is essential for transparency. When students can easily track their progress and see how each assignment contributes to their final grade, they feel more in control of their learning. Canvas allows you to set up your gradebook so that each assignment category is clearly defined, and points or percentages are aligned with your grading scheme. This transparency helps avoid any misunderstandings about how grades are calculated.

University of Michigan emphasizes the importance of aligning the gradebook with the syllabus. In their online courses, faculty set up the gradebook so that every assignment, quiz, and participation activity is weighted appropriately, reflecting the syllabus. This approach helps students see at a glance what’s expected and how much each task contributes to their overall grade, leading to fewer questions and greater clarity.

Using Announcements, Discussion Boards, and Assignment Groups to Foster Engagement

Canvas also offers several tools that encourage student engagement, such as announcements, discussion boards, and assignment groups. Weekly announcements can serve as reminders for upcoming deadlines or as check-ins to keep students motivated. Discussion boards foster a sense of community, allowing students to interact with each other and the course content.

Penn State University uses announcements and discussion boards strategically to create a sense of connection between the instructor and students in their online programs. Weekly announcements not only provide updates but also offer encouragement or highlight key insights from the previous week. These simple touches make students feel more engaged with the course and more connected to their instructor.

Best Practices for Using Canvas Tools

Best Practices for Using Canvas Tools

While there are many ways to use Canvas tools, here are some best practices to ensure you’re getting the most out of the platform:

Set Up Your Gradebook with Clear Categories

Before the course begins, make sure your gradebook reflects the assignments and evaluations that students will be completing throughout the semester. Each category—whether it's quizzes, assignments, participation, or exams—should be clearly labeled, with the appropriate weight assigned to each. This alignment prevents confusion and helps students track their progress.

For example, Harvard University recommends creating clear grade categories that match the syllabus. By organizing the gradebook to mirror the structure of the course, students can easily see how each assignment fits into the overall grading scheme. This reduces misunderstandings and helps students prioritize their efforts throughout the course.

Create Module Prerequisites and Requirements

One of the most effective ways to ensure students complete coursework in the right order is by setting up module prerequisites and requirements in Canvas. This feature allows you to control how students move through the course, making sure they can’t access later materials without completing earlier assignments. It also helps students focus on the right tasks at the right time, preventing them from skipping ahead and missing key content.

University of Central Florida uses module prerequisites to ensure that students engage with foundational material before moving on to more advanced topics. This feature is particularly helpful in courses that build on cumulative knowledge, such as mathematics or language learning. Students benefit from the structured progression, and instructors can feel confident that students are mastering each step before moving forward.

Use Weekly or Module-Based Announcements to Keep Students Informed

Announcements are a simple yet effective tool for keeping students informed and engaged. By posting weekly or module-based announcements, you can remind students of upcoming deadlines, clarify any common questions, or provide extra resources to help them succeed. These announcements create a consistent touchpoint between you and your students, helping them stay on track throughout the course.

Indiana University incorporates weekly announcements in all of its online courses to foster a sense of continuity. Instructors use this space to provide updates, respond to common student concerns, and even offer encouragement as students move through the course. This regular communication reduces confusion and makes students feel more connected to the instructor.

Examples: Before and After

Let’s look at a practical example of how these tools can improve the student experience:

Before: A Disorganized Gradebook and Confusing Communication
Professor Johnson’s gradebook is a mess. Assignments don’t match the syllabus categories, and due dates are inconsistent. Students are constantly emailing her to ask where they stand in the course. On top of that, she only posts announcements sporadically, so students miss key updates and deadlines. The result is a lot of confusion, frustration, and disengagement.

After: A Well-Organized Gradebook and Clear, Weekly Communication
Professor Johnson revamps her course. She sets up her gradebook with clear categories that align perfectly with the syllabus. Each assignment, quiz, and participation score is easy to track, and students can instantly see how they’re doing. She also starts posting weekly announcements to keep students informed about what’s coming up and what they should focus on. The result? Students feel confident, well-informed, and engaged throughout the course.

Case Study: Gradebook Best Practices

At University of Michigan, faculty members found that setting up a well-organized gradebook in Canvas drastically reduced student confusion about grading. By aligning the gradebook with the syllabus and clearly categorizing each assignment, they made it easy for students to track their progress. Students no longer had to email their instructors to ask how much a specific assignment was worth or why their grades didn’t match their expectations. This transparency has improved student satisfaction and reduced the workload for instructors.