This post offers quick takeaways to help you be successful in your most pressing tasks before the Fall 2024 semester begins. There are tips for brand-new instructors as well as seasoned pros.
Wondering about our transition to Canvas? Canvas is now the default classroom learning management system for all courses, and users are no longer able to create new course sites in Sakai. You can find the latest information and log into Canvas at go.canvas.duke.edu
Tips to Get Your Canvas Site Ready
- Brand new to Canvas? Instructors of record listed in DukeHub are automatically added to their corresponding Canvas sites. To learn how to use Canvas, visit our Using Canvas guidance page for essential resources.
- Migrating from Sakai? You can easily transfer your content by requesting a Sakai migration. Once migrated, adjust your content in Canvas and import it to your actual course site.
- Wondering about grading in Canvas? Distinct from Sakai, in Canvas gradebook, each cell must be filled with a grade or marked as “excused” to correctly calculate final grades.
- Can’t find desired tools in course navigation? Manage course navigation links to enable, disable, or reorder tools. Some tools, like Hypothes.is and VoiceThread, won’t appear in navigation, but are accessible in the Rich Content Editor or Assignments; connect with a LILE consultant for guidance.
- Does your course have multiple sections? You can use cross-listing to combine sections.
- Working with undergraduate TAs? Assign them the “non-grading assistant” role to ensure appropriate permissions.
- Need assistance? For technical support, reach out to Canvas 24/7. For pedagogical questions, schedule a 1:1 session with LILE or stop by our open online office hours.
Tips to Develop a Student-Centered Course
- Perfecting your syllabus? Check out our resources on planning and refining your syllabus.
- Trying to improve upon an existing syllabus? Consider how to update the tone to be student-centered or read about one professor’s approach to creating a student-centered syllabus.
- Concerned about building an equitable course? Update your course materials to meet accessibility requirements (and make them easier to read for all students). You should also think deeply about how to craft an equitable syllabus and class environment.
Tips for Better Feedback
- Wondering who your students are? Try one of our survey templates to find out about them before the course begins and how to support their learning this semester.
- Interested in evaluating your course? Commit yourself to change and gather ongoing feedback from your students. For help from us, sign up for a midterm feedback session facilitated by teaching consultants.
- Want to provide effective feedback to your students? Develop ways to use frequent, low-stakes assessments to make their learning transparent and deliver feedback in a timely fashion.
More help
Explore the Learning Innovation & Lifetime Education website to discover more information and resources. For example, how to use Duke-supported learning technologies, how to address course design issues such as active learning or effective teamwork, and find resources for new faculty. Don’t see what you need? Email learninginnovation@duke.edu for help.