User Guide Best Practices for Online Course Design with DesignPLUS

DesignPLUS is a time-saving, game-changing set of tools that help you rapidly build and style eye-popping Canvas courses that make learning engaging and accessible for all students. On this page, you'll find best practices for using DesignPLUS to optimize your online course design.

Did you start using DesignPLUS prior to August 2023?

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Create Your Course Structure

A well-organized course provides clarity and direction for students, ensuring smooth navigation and comprehension. Use the Multi-Tool to create a home page as well as template assignments, discussions, pages, and quizzes, and then create your module pattern. You can also use the Multi-Tool to modify due dates and adjust announcement posting dates.

Establish Consistency

A cohesive design reduces distractions and helps students focus on the content. Apply consistent styling to your course by using Themes and Template Content. Organize material into manageable chunks with Content Blocks that can be easily rearranged. Reuse the same Icons throughout the course to create a sense of predictability and improve navigation for students.

Align Course Materials and Activities

Use specific and measurable Objectives to help students understand what they are expected to achieve. Create a cohesive learning experience by ensuring that every reading, video, discussion, and assignment directly supports the objectives. Use a mix of engaging and accessible resources to reinforce key concepts and skills. Incorporate active learning strategies to deepen understanding and keep students engaged.

Reduce Cognitive Overload

Students can focus better on learning when content is broken down into digestible parts. Use Content Blocks to segment and label sections, and the Text tool to create headings with icons for clear section demarcation. Separate the essential from the optional by placing extra resources inside Tooltips, Popovers, or Dialog Boxes. Reduce the amount of information that students must take in all at once with Accordions, Expanders, and Tabs. Use Columns to display text and images side-by-side for better visual alignment.

Enhance the Navigation Experience

Clear and intuitive navigation helps students locate resources quickly and minimizes frustration, boosting engagement. Use Link Grids and Module Lists on your home page to provide quick access to key course materials. Add Progress Indicators to content inside modules so students can track their completion status. Include a Side Navigation menu so it is easy to find the contents of the page, module, or course. Consider adding Content Shortcuts for commonly used course functions, like messaging the instructor or displaying a discussion rubric.

Leverage Interactivity

Interactive elements enhance student engagement and reinforce learning. Add ungraded self-assessment Quick Checks with instant feedback to help students test their comprehension of the content. Use the Upload/Embed Image Tool to add visual interest and cater to different learning styles. Rely on the Embed tool to share multimedia like videos or simulations to provide students with multiple avenues to learn.

Ensure Accessibility

Making your course accessible ensures all students have equitable access to the material. Use the Accessibility and Usability tab of the sidebar to identify and resolve issues including insufficient color contrast, incorrect heading structure, or missing alternative text. Preview content to ensure it is optimized for students accessing Canvas on small devices. Use the External Assets element to validate links and import files or images from other courses or external sources into your course files.

Streamline Your Process

Take advantage of Course-Level Customizations to create templates, content blocks, snippets, color palettes, and more. Course-Level Customizations pages give you access to the DesignPLUS Library, where you can find content to import and personalize. Easily reuse these designs to speed up future course building!

Keep Up with Design Matters Series

The Design Matters Digest is a monthly newsletter in which we explore various elements of online course design and share research along with actions you can take to improve your Canvas courses. Past topics have included the impact of visual design, learners' mental models, and promoting a sense of belonging. Read past posts on our website and sign up to receive future editions.

Design Matters Live is a monthly webinar that goes hand-in-hand with the Digest. Watch past sessions and register for upcoming ones on our Webinars page.

Considerations for Legacy Users