The WesternOnline template was created in an effort to provide an organized and consistent look and feel using best practices of instructional design for Canvas courses being offered in an online format.
The template provides users with pre-created pages that contain various graphics, buttons, and other elements that assist students in following the course structure more easily. Modules are pre-created and designed to include pages with header images and other editable elements that allow instructors to easily add, remove, or customize the content within these templates. This layout assists in the learning process through an aesthetically pleasing and predictable pattern with clear, actionable labels and room for faculty to enhance the template with their unique course content.
The overall design of the WesternOnline template includes Western branded colors, welcoming and inclusive language and course elements, and design elements such as buttons which take students directly to frequently accessed or notable areas of your course, even when accessed on a mobile device. When you explore the template, please note there are a few differences in the buttons depending on which alternative homepage you choose.
Homepage
A friendly welcome on the homepage greets students as they enter your course.
The buttons below the welcome message are already linked to pre-existing pages that you can further customize to meet the needs of your course.
New features in this template include: multiple alternative homepages which include asynchronous and synchronous options, less and minimal buttons on the homepage, and a “Care Forward” homepage that includes support and community links for students in your course.
Modules
The WesternOnline template is built using modules. These are made up of pre-created pages and headings where you can add your course materials.
This iteration of the template has streamlined the modules format to include a page which introduces your module and has a section called “Workflow” which leads the learners through the tasks with a schedule. There is also an optional Learning Materials page which gives you an opportunity to add context further explanation for your materials. Finally, there is a place for you to include your assignments.
Student Orientation Module
The template includes a “Begin Course” button which links to a student orientation module which you can customize with information to get your students started on the right foot.
This module also gives you opportunities to begin creating a learning community with your welcome message, a place for you to decode your approach to Canvas, a page for students to get to know you, and a customizable survey for you to get to know your students.
Info & Workflow Page
Each module has an Info & Workflow page that provides you with a space to map the module and guide your students with the best way to move through their learning tasks.
This Workflow is a tasklist with dates that is inclusive of Canvas assignments but may also include other work and interactions which are not reflected in Canvas due dates. It gives students a guide for how you envision them completing their work during the week/unit by using additional landmarks rather than just relying on the automatic Canvas due dates.
Contact westernonline@wwu.edu for more information.
