Engaging students in a digital environment requires intentional design that moves beyond passive content consumption. By fostering collaboration, providing low-stakes opportunities for practice, and being transparent about expectations, you can create a dynamic course site that supports student persistence and mastery. Explore the strategies below to see how Hall of Fame instructors use Canvas to keep students actively involved in their learning.
Learn Together
Turn passive reading into a group conversation.
The Strategy
Use tools like FeedbackFruits for collaboration or shared Discussion Boards (Canvas built-in discussions, for example) where groups co-construct assignments.
The Why
It turns learning into a team effort, helping students support one another as they master difficult topics and grow together.
Student Quote
“Group projects weren't necessarily implemented, however we had numerous discussion posts where we learned from each other. Additionally, Kelsey provided a “Cool Weather Things” page for us to create a community and post about neat things happening in our area, resources we came across, interesting photos we took, etc.”
Hall of Fame Examples
Use the arrow buttons on the slide show below to see various examples in past award winning course sites. View the high resolution images to see more details and descriptions of each example.
Check in Early and Often
Give students a safe space to practice and share their progress.
The Strategy
Construct a pedagogical workflow that consistently integrates regular low-stakes "knowledge checks" (like ungraded quizzes, for example) directly into readings and videos to let students test their understanding. Periodically, send an anonymous "Pulse Check" survey asking for feedback on the course pace and clarity. Additionally, you could utilize regular reflection questions to gauge how students are grasping the material or working with their group members.
The Why
Consistent (weekly or bi-weekly) ungraded quizzes allow students to fail or pass safely while learning, reducing "testing anxiety." Meanwhile, anonymous surveys help you catch and fix confusing course issues before they become major roadblocks.
Student Quote
“The course allows students to engage with readings and videos, and incorporating in-module [ungraded] quizzes enables students to recall and test what they've learned after each section. The weekly activities facilitate learning as well.”
Hall of Fame Examples
Use the arrow buttons on the slide show below to see various examples in past award winning course sites. View the high resolution images to see more details and descriptions of each example.
Defining Success
Show students exactly what you are looking for before they start.
The Strategy
Provide a detailed rubric that outlines a simple checklist for every big project.
The Why
It removes the guesswork and helps students feel confident that they haven't missed a requirement.
Student Quote
"I can find what's needed very easily. I especially like that I can access a page with practice exams when I'm studying for my midterm. I can also access the lab or the lecture components of class easily. This canvas page is the most organized one I have seen in a long time."
Hall of Fame Examples
Use the arrow buttons on the slide show below to see various examples in past award winning course sites. View the high resolution images to see more details and descriptions of each example.
