Award Recipients for Canvas Course Site Hall of Fame

Dr. Sarah Eilefson

Assistant Professor; English, Linguistics, and Writing Studies

WRIT 3121: Advanced Writing - Business and Organizations 

Class Size: 61 students

Duluth

Highlights from Student Nominations

"Extremely motivating…easy to navigate…well-structured modules…simple to find due dates, instructions, and necessary resources….site was inclusive, ensuring that all students could easily access materials and understand expectations….clear labeling and consistent formatting."

Instructor Interview

What are you most proud of in your Canvas course site?

"I’m proud of how much of my Canvas course design reflects accessibility, inclusivity, and learning best practices. Throughout the years, I’ve received feedback from students that has shaped my course design and helped me see opportunities to improve. I’m especially pleased with how the work I do setting up my Canvas sites before the semester begins helps keep me organized throughout the term and frees up time to focus on more important aspects of teaching."

What is one lesson you learned while building or using your course site that might help other instructors who want to improve their use of Canvas?

"Using a Canvas shell to build and maintain a template and library of resources has helped me quickly adapt course material to different course delivery methods (online, hybrid, in-person) and prepare for each semester. I’d add that Canvas makes it fairly easy to move resources from site to site or course to course."

How have you noticed your Canvas site supporting student success? What does student success look like in your course?

“To me, a successful course is one where students are engaged, challenged, and feel like their contributions make a difference. This means course design that is accessible from the outset, values different points of view, and facilitates a meaningful learning community. To achieve this, I’ve designed my Canvas page to employ multiple modes of teaching and learning (for example, pairing written guidelines with a video walkthrough of those expectations). I’ve also worked to be consistent and transparent in my expectations, explicitly articulating those norms that tend to 'go without saying' and providing rubrics or other explanations of my grading philosophy from the outset. Finally, I welcome and encourage feedback and student perspectives to help me improve the sites and understand the learning experience from their point of view."

How did you build your Canvas course site? Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge that you collaborated with or who helped you on your course site?

"During my time at UMD, I've had the opportunity to take several training courses. These have ranged from using Canvas design tools and facilitating engaging discussions to practicing inclusive teaching and designing courses to support student mental health. I'm proud to be a mental health advocate at UMD.

I've also had the support of many incredible colleagues including my Writing Program Administrator, Avesa Rockwell; our Assistant Writing Program Administrator, Lindsey Jungman; the incomparable Karen Jeannette, Instructional Designer; and Adam Brisk, Academic Technologist III. Karen and Adam have been incredibly supportive, helping me figure out how to do just about everything I could dream up."

Krystina Sorwell, PhD

Assistant Professor, Psychology; Psychology Discipline, Division of Social Sciences

PSY2201: Magical Neuroscience

Class size: 11 students

Morris

Highlights from Student Nominations

“Every part of the site is used from the homepage to the grade book which is always updated... The discussion boards are always active with student and teacher engagements... This course site does an exceptional job communicating information, organizing tasks, and creating an interactive community.”

Instructor Interview

What are you most proud of in your Canvas course site?

"I'm proud of how [online] Weekly Reflections have helped turn our class sessions into an ongoing conversation instead of a series of independent classes. Students bounce ideas off of each other in our discussion boards that then spill over into our next conversations and often change how we approach new concepts.

I'm proud that these techniques, in addition to focusing on thoughtful preparation of in-person discussion materials, have resulted in a vibrant and respectful online & in-class dynamic."

What is one lesson you learned while building or using your course site that might help other instructors who want to improve their use of Canvas?

"Having a lot of information on Canvas can be overwhelming, so it has been important to be consistent and predictable. The schedule on the Front Page is updated in a consistent format each week, lecture videos follow a predictable structure and weekly reflections always use the same three questions."

How have you noticed your Canvas site supporting student success? What does student success look like in your course?

"The [online] Weekly Reflections have been key. I could very easily make these reflections just a typical assignment, but the discussion board format adds more interaction, as well as more accountability. In this course, student success is being able to communicate fluently about the complex topics we cover. Online interactions give an opportunity to rehearse this ability, practice even more in class, and solidify in written work."

How did you build your Canvas course site? Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge that you collaborated with or who helped you on your course site?

"I developed the Canvas site in tandem with developing the course itself, having Canvas tools in mind while creating the course was helpful in making sure these tools fit into the learning objectives rather than being an unnecessary flashy toy. 

I created this Canvas site on my own, though I have really appreciated the tools, contacts, and workshops that are available! Workshops on accessibility have been especially vital as I've relied heavily on digital tools!"

Emily Tepe

Researcher; Department of Horticultural Science

HORT 1003: Organic Gardening - From Balconies to Backyards

Class Size: 80 students

Twin Cities

Highlights from Student Nominations

“Best asynchronous class I have ever taken....This course has raised the standard for what asynchronous classes can be....learning all the information wasn't as overwhelming with the innovative way Professor Tepe structured her Canvas site! Canvas site was perfect for learning the material in an easy and fun way...intuitively organized, providing clear instructions and easy access to lecture materials, videos, and interactive quizzes that reinforced key concepts effectively.”

Instructor Interview

What are you most proud of in your Canvas course site?

"I'm most proud of the consistency and ease of navigation in my Canvas course site."

What is one lesson you learned while building or using your course site that might help other instructors who want to improve their use of Canvas?

"Mix it up...within reason. A mix of content types and learning activities keeps things fresh and interesting for students. But too much variety can cause the course to feel scattered and confusing. Pick a few tools that support learning objectives and encourage engagement, and use them consistently."

How have you noticed your Canvas site supporting student success? What does student success look like in your course?

"Put simply, student success in my course is students being able to engage with the course content and apply what they've learned in a lighthearted atmosphere with minimal stress. My Canvas site supports student success by presenting content in digestible chunks, incorporating images and videos to break up readings, offering many opportunities to practice what they've learned, reducing stress associated with testing, offering immediate feedback as well as personalized feedback, posting grades on a consistent time frame, and making the site highly organized so students know what to expect from week to week."

How did you build your Canvas course site? Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge that you collaborated with or who helped you on your course site?

"I designed HORT 1003 as an asynchronous course from the ground up, so logical structure and clear navigation have always been key factors. I originally built the course in collaboration with CCAPS, and their focus on organization was extremely helpful as I was getting started. Beginning with course learning objectives and a course topic outline, I created a standard framework for each weekly module …[making] it easy to update and refresh content, and makes the transition from one semester to the next very efficient."

Instructors receiving this prestigious award were nominated in the other two categories. The recipients of this award demonstrated a creative and holistic use of Canvas that seamlessly integrates interactive elements, innovative ways of using Canvas and other academic technologies, and community-building strategies. These recognized courses stand out as a model of excellence, showcasing best practices in course site design, and setting a high standard for others to follow.

Bennett McNulty

Associate Professor; Department of Philosophy

PHIL 3601W: Scientific Thought

Class Size: 40 students

Twin Cities

Highlights from Student Nominations

“There is an image of a map clearly illustrating the flow of units, assignments, and projects. This color-coded map provides a detailed concept of the entire course layout.”

“Use of Feedback Fruits for the pre-class assignments allows the course readings to be interactive through visible annotations from other group members and discussion threads.”

Instructor Interview

What are you most proud of in your Canvas course site?

"The resources clarifying the overall structure of the class: the schedule, the modules, and the assessment map. I think that these resources give the students a clear idea of what they are required to do before, during, and after each class session and habituate the students to the rhythm of the course."

What is one lesson you learned while building or using your course site that might help other instructors who want to improve their use of Canvas?

"I found making an assessment map to be really helpful for figuring out how course activities and evaluations build on each other and support student achievement. Doing so helped me recognize how disjointed the earlier version of my class was. Additionally, the current assessment map is, I believe, a really helpful visual tool for clarifying expectations to the students."

How have you noticed your Canvas site supporting student success? What does student success look like in your course?

"I found that Feedback Fruits worked quite well as a tool for facilitating student engagement with course materials, supporting exchange among themselves, and preparing my own lectures. I saw a lot of great, interesting student contributions, which then I used in my own lecture slides to prompt reflection and discussion. I found students' contributions to be more reflective and purposeful than I usually see on discussion boards or in individual reading reflections."

How did you build your Canvas course site? Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge that you collaborated with or who helped you on your course site?

"Alexis Tarter, and the LATIS LX team, deserve a shout out! We tried out different communal annotation programs, and I was excited about Feedback Fruits. I also want to recognize the contributions of graduate students, Lauren Wilson and Ray Pedersen, with whom I have collaborated on pedagogy and philosophy of science teaching."

John Kratz 

Emeritus Instructor of Marketing; Department of Marketing, Labovitz School of Business & Economics

MKTG 3701: Principles of Marketing 

Class Size: 59 students

Duluth

Highlights from Student Nominations

“[Canvas] is thoughtfully laid out, making it intuitive for all students to navigate…has countless resources added weekly of videos, links to answers of deep questions we pondered in class, and even connections to Kratz's network…teaches us how to use new learning platforms….”

“Engaging… has an amazing layout….adds videos so that students can further their learning beyond the book…. has the assignments clearly due.”

“Sends out announcements via canvas and email every morning before class to keep us engaged, and inform us of the lesson plan.”

Instructor Interview

What are you most proud of in your Canvas course site?

"The simple design and intuitive navigation. Students can accomplish their goals without confusion, hesitation, or unnecessary effort."

What is one lesson you learned while building or using your course site that might help other instructors who want to improve their use of Canvas?

"Reach out and use the excellent Instructional Design staff for help. I must confess that I did not do this until after my retirement, when I returned as an adjunct instructor to teach my first asynchronous online course.  I felt very insecure. But Amanda Evans and Karen Jeannette, both IT Pro Instructional Designers, came to my rescue. I could not help but kick myself for waiting 25 years to ask for help."

How have you noticed your Canvas site supporting student success? What does student success look like in your course?

"Student success in my course requires being insanely curious and learning to go 'beyond the book.' It is about creating a learning community where we all learn together. Be driven to discover!"

How did you build your Canvas course site? Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge that you collaborated with or who helped you on your course site?

"Yes, Amanda Evans and Karen Jeannette, both IT Pro Instructional Designers at UMD. I had no clue what I was doing and had little proficiency in Canvas. They were terrific! We initially met in person and then collaborated virtually, almost every semester."

This award recognizes instructors who demonstrate exceptional innovation in their approach to course delivery in Canvas. It celebrates course designs that go beyond the standard methods of delivery by embracing the creative use of Canvas and educational tools within Canvas. This includes integrating interactive elements such as multimedia components, gamified learning activities, variety in assessments and tools or methods that actively encourage the sharing of knowledge. It could be a Canvas course site that is innovative in the use of Canvas features and/or other integrated academic technologies. The recipient of this award will leverage these tools to create an engaging and dynamic learning experience that enhances student understanding and participation.

Dr. Jessica Savage

Associate Professor, Biology

BIOL 4301: Plant Growth and Development

Class Size: 14 students

Duluth

Highlights from Student Nominations

"Each week [is] separated from each other in our three to four-week module, and everything we do is linked so we can access it super easily."

Instructor Interview

What are you most proud of in your Canvas course site?

"It is important to me that students can access material in the Canvas site in different ways. First, I like to have an easy-to-navigate home page with links to more in depth material. Second, students can access all the material through the Modules page, if students prefer that format. Lastly, students can get all the assignments in the assignments page, which is formatted to streamline assignment submission, if they don't want to access the material through the other pages."

What is one lesson you learned while building or using your course site that might help other instructors who want to improve their use of Canvas?

"I like to have short pages with tabs because it is often easier to view on a tablet/phone and doesn't require as much scrolling to get to the relevant information."

How have you noticed your Canvas site supporting student success? What does student success look like in your course?

"I find that since I started spending more time on my Canvas sites, there are fewer questions from students about where to find assignments and information on the course. I want to make sure everything is accessible to them and that how I present the material does not limit their ability for success."

How did you build your Canvas course site? Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge that you collaborated with or who helped you on your course site?

"I build most of my Canvas sites similarly because I found that students liked the tab formatting that I use. I do all the site design myself."

Rachel Olson, MSc, PhD 

Senior Lecturer, Center for Learning Innovation

BIOL 3344: Microbiology 

Class Size: 81 students

Rochester

Highlights from Student Nominations

"Extremely easy to navigate... each class day is outlined so we know how to prepare... media is extremely helpful... they use Canvas’s features to promote student engagement... easy to see what assignments are due."

Instructor Interview

What are you most proud of in your Canvas course site?

 "I designed the Canvas page to be easy to navigate and visually appealing, based on conversations with students. When I began teaching asynchronously, I needed a format that students could use independently, so all essential information is kept on the front page with regularly updated aesthetics. My teaching partner also added enhancements, like hyperlinking all assignments and Dropboxes, to further improve the student experience."

What is one lesson you learned while building or using your course site that might help other instructors who want to improve their use of Canvas?

"We wanted an easily accessible calendar layout to clearly display all topics, assignments, and due dates, especially because the microbiology lab schedule varies with microbial growth timelines. I researched public Canvas layouts and found an aesthetic design to model. Learning to use the HTML editor to modify an existing template took some effort, but it was worth it."

How have you noticed your Canvas site supporting student success? What does student success look like in your course?

"Students have informed us that they really like the accessibility of the page."

How did you build your Canvas course site? Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge that you collaborated with or who helped you on your course site?

"I drew inspiration from publicly available Canvas pages and borrowed aesthetics, while creating a unique calendar layout for the course. I collaborate with my teaching partner, Micaela, to ensure the design is visually appealing and functional, including using relevant images and a color scheme she enjoys. Over the years, we’ve incorporated student feedback to improve the site, with Micaela ensuring all assignments are clearly linked and organized for clarity."

Micaela Haas, MSc

Teaching Specialist, Center for Learning Innovation

BIOL 3344: Microbiology 

Class Size: 81 students

Rochester

Highlights from Student Nominations

"Extremely easy to navigate... each class day is outlined so we know how to prepare... media is extremely helpful... they use Canvas’s features to promote student engagement... easy to see what assignments are due."

Instructor Interview

What are you most proud of in your Canvas course site?

"I am most proud that our Canvas course is not only easy to access and navigate but is also presented in a welcoming manner."

What is one lesson you learned while building or using your course site that might help other instructors who want to improve their use of Canvas?

"The Canvas page was redesigned to be easy to navigate and visually appealing, based on student feedback. All essential information is kept on the front page for independent access, with aesthetics updated regularly. Additional enhancements, like hyperlinking assignments and Dropboxes, were added to further support students."

How have you noticed your Canvas site supporting student success? What does student success look like in your course?

"Our homepage, designed as a calendar, offers students easy access to lecture and lab content for each class date. This helps them stay organized and quickly find important resources like flipped lectures or prelab quizzes. By streamlining access to materials, we support students in mastering content and developing key laboratory skills."

How did you build your Canvas course site? Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge that you collaborated with or who helped you on your course site?

"I built the Microbiology Canvas course with my coworker Rachel Olson. With her ability to code to allow for pretty aesthetics and colors on Canvas and my organizational skills we compliment each other well and are able to present a Canvas page that not only helps students feel confident about the material and the course but also feel respected and valued."

Tara Zahler, PhD

Lecturer, Department of Writing Studies

WRIT 1301: University Writing (Twin Cities)

Class size: 56 students

Twin Cities

Highlights from Student Nominations

“Canvas site is organized perfectly to make it very easy to follow along with the current workload…everyone knows exactly what to do and when.”

“Many courses have the required assignments broken up and buried all over the plethora of course Canvas pages, like a treasure hunt— except instead of finding treasure you're trying to find buried mines before they explode, blasting you with unforeseen late penalties and 'No Submission' marks. Dr. Zahler's method … simply doesn't plant the bombs in the first place.”

Instructor Interview

What are you most proud of in your Canvas course site?

"One of the biggest compliments has been students reporting that they felt a sense of community and belonging in our online asynchronous course, much to their surprise."

What is one lesson you learned while building or using your course site that might help other instructors who want to improve their use of Canvas?

"I’ve learned to take careful note of what trips students up or where they have questions; then I try to fix it. This means that actual student interaction with their Canvas course site is the essential feedback data that drives my improvements on the site."

How have you noticed your Canvas site supporting student success? What does student success look like in your course?

"My course is just one element of students’ busy lives, and I want them to spend their time on learning and experiencing the course material, not figuring out what to do and where things are. I believe that providing a clear, consistent learner experience in Canvas shows my care toward students and their success."

How did you build your Canvas course site? Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge that you collaborated with or who helped you on your course site?

"Something as complex as a Canvas course site is created within layers of collaboration and inspiration. My course foundations were built upon the careful training and curricular vision of Amy Lee, Kris Cory, and Grace Atkins (past employee in LATIS). Later iterations have been inspired in dialogue with my students; I continue to enhance elements of the course as I see and hear students needing more guidance or support."

Instructors receiving this award have excelled in creating a dynamic and inclusive Canvas course site that fosters exceptional student engagement and a strong sense of community within the course. The recipients of this award utilized strategies such as interactive and meaningful discussion forums, collaborative group project(s) and regular feedback opportunities or something else that indicate students appreciate and learn from the regular and purposeful interactions and community building opportunities.