Canvas Instructional Support | Design, Technology, and Pedagogy | Explore | Digital Futures Institute (DFI) | Teachers College, Columbia University

Canvas Instructional Support

Canvas Course Assistance

Assistance with Summer 2022 Canvas courses
Canvas QuickStart Guide

Faculty/Instructional staff needing assistance with their Canvas courses should complete our DFI Course Development Support Form to provide us with basic information about your course.

Fill out the Course Development Support Form

Canvas QuickStart Guide

Step	Description
1	Find your Canvas course site & Upload your updated syllabus and course description
2	Add your course content: For courses without existing content: Add new course modules Upload/Add course content to the modules For courses with content from previous terms: Import content Edit existing course modules (include prerequisites, requirements, assignments, and other links as needed) Publish course modules when they are ready
3	Check course navigation links (Note: Select only those items that you are using.)
4	Set up Zoom meetings within Canvas
5	Set up calendar and office hours (in Canvas, Google Calendar or your calendar app of choice)
6	Create/update assignments (assignment type, availability dates, due dates, groups, etc.)
7	Create discussion forums (as needed)
8	Add an image for your course card
9	Publish course site & add an announcement for your students.
10	Open a Media Services Request to request Media Service assistance for your first class.

Do a little more...

Step	Description
11	If needed, create quizzes for self-checks or assessment.
12	Weight final grade by assignment type and create grade posting policies.
13	Access the Gradebook to ensure all required assignments and point values are listed.
14	Set personal notification preferences
15	Find and add library resources to a module or page Request readings through the Gottesman Libraries Add resources to a Canvas page Add resources to a module
16	Test out course site on the Canvas mobile app

Canvas Course Templates

At DFI we have several Canvas course templates to choose from. Take a look at our template examples below to learn more.

Level 1: Universal template

Schedule: Instructors can request this template at any time.

Minor customization required
DIY approach

See this template

Level 2: Entry level

Schedule: Instructors need to request this template at least 2 weeks before the semester starts.

Requires more extensive customization
Homepage icon cards that link to individual modules.

View Template

Level 3: Intermediate

Schedule: Instructors need to request this template at least 3 weeks before the start of the semester.

Approximate work time for a brand new course: 15 - 25 hours
Advanced homepage slide show
Homepage icon cards that link to individual modules.

View Template

Level 4: Advanced

Schedule: Instructors need to request this template at least 2 months before the start of the course.

NOTE: This template is available to a limited number of courses each semester based on DFI staff availability.

Approximate work time for a brand new course: 30 - 40 hours
Advanced homepage slide show
Homepage icon cards that link to individual modules.
Detailed overview page for each module

View Template

Level 5: Customized

Schedule: Instructors need to request customized templates at least 3 months before the start of the course.

This option is best for someone looking to completely revamp their online course using specialized features and tools.
Includes one on one assistance and collaboration from an Instructional Designer at The Digital Futures Institute