[ARCHIVED] Canvas FastTrack Ep. 6- Homepage

[lstark]

The Canvas FastTrack Video series is a collection of quick videos aligning Canvas with Dr. Puentedura’s SAMR Model of Technology Integration.  This model has been used by many institutions as a framework for infusing technology into teaching and learning activities.  In the video collection we will dive into the various tools in Canvas and how they align with the SAMR Model of Technology.  Watch this four-minute video introduction to SAMR if you aren’t already familiar with the model.

Episode 6 is a 2 1/2 minute video about Canvas Homepages; at the Substitution level of Technology integration how a teacher can quickly design or import a homepage to a course that is friendly, welcoming and points students in the direction of what they need to be successful in school. 

Thanks for watching and please feel free to leave feedback, requests, and suggestions in the comments below!

[tankovpa]

Nice quick introduction to Canvas Course Home Pages. It would have been nice to briefly mention and show the syllabus option for as a Home Page. I have found that for teachers who start off their Canvas journey by utilizing the Calendar, opting to use the Syllabus Option as a Home Page works very well as the learn to use other features.

If you are just getting started in Canvas you may want to take a look at Sample Course Templates​ for ideas of what you can do with your Home Page.

[ssimpso4]

We kind of pushed this idea (Syllabus as simple website) option this school year and, while we're not abandoning it, there are some Syllabus improvements that I'm hoping will develop over time to make it more ready option. These include the ability to sort, categorize, remove items in the assignments/events list as it can get very unwieldy as a term progresses, yet teachers don't want to remove items from their course calendar in order to make the list more manageable for end users like parents and students. For more discussion, please see this archived feature request: https://community.canvaslms.com/ideas/6832-syllabus-assignment-list-option-to-sort-with-most-current....  @ehill1 

[Sylvia_Ami]

Our college uses a course template at it has the Canvas Syllabus tool set as the Home page. On this page is the course name and image, instructor info, links to all the modules, and a big “Start Here” button.  Then at the bottom is the “Course Summary.” 

We have the course syllabus in the Course Orientation module. It’s broken up into several pages. We’ve found that students are more apt to read a syllabus in chunks rather than a looooong page.

[jayoder]

 @Sylvia_Ami ‌

I love the idea of putting the syllabus in chunks as modules/pages! Thanks for sharing!

[wwolf]

 @lstark ‌, I never thought of using the Home Page as such a dynamic resource.  Thanks again for another terrific video!

[jayoder]

I also like laurakgibbs‌ idea of doing a daily or weekly blog via Blogger ; especially for my Hybrid or Online courses. It can help keep everyone on the same page (pun intended) and it can be a great way to also do extension activities and show your own personality!