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Canvas Reminders and Resources
Canvas Template
The OTL has created two Canvas templates that can help you get your Canvas courses set-up quickly and easily - the OTL Advanced Canvas Template and the OTL Canvas Basic Template. These templates utilize CIDI Labs Design Tools to create eye-catching, aesthetically streamlined course shells.
Learn more about each template and which one is right for you in our blog Introducing the Basic and Advanced Canvas Templates. Both templates are available to add to your winter courses through the Canvas Commons. To import the templates in your course, please visit our Knowledge Base for step-by-step instructions. Once you import the template, you will find additional resources within the course for how to use the templates.
Having trouble finding your winter courses in Canvas? Visit our Ed-Tech Knowledge Base to learn how to easily access your courses and add them to your dashboard.
UDOIT Tool for Canvas Accessibility
As you prepare for the upcoming term, consider using UDOIT (Universal Design Online content Inspection Tool) to check the digital accessibility of your Canvas courses! Centering digital accessibility allows for all students to have a better experience interacting and engaging with your course. UDOIT prompts faculty to consider elements such as alternative text, style structure, and video captioning. Learn more in the new OTL Blog from Instructional Designers Kellie Ferguson and Jeff Schwartz, Using UDOIT to Make Your Canvas Course More Accessible!
Scanned PDFs
Do you use photocopied scanned PDFs in your course? A common practice to procure additional readings for students is to scan a paper copy of text. Often times, these files are not fully accessible to all students, including students who use assistive technologies, students who need to be able to search for key words, and students who like to use digital tools to highlight content. Throughout the month of December, consider being proactive and reaching out for support via the OTL Accessibility Request form. Don’t know if your scans are accessible? Check out the OTL Knowledge Base article on Top 8 Characteristics of an Accessible PDF to learn more!
Don't forget to publish!
Once your winter course is ready, don't forget to publish your Canvas course to provide access to your students. You have the capability to publish your course at any time between now and the start of the term. Publishing your course before the first day of classes gives your students a chance to start the term prepared!
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