Styling and Add-ons

This topic contains about 10 mins worth of reading and videos

What is this Topic about?

This module will guide you through the following topics:

Commons, a learning object repository that enables educators to find, import, and share resources on Canvas
How to use DesignPLUS design tools (third-party external tool) to expand your course design, and formatting options
Tips and tricks to empower your Canvas journey
Additional resources available to CSPD staff at the end of this page

Let's get the ball rolling!

Below is the tabbed compilation of key information in the form of dot points and videos for each of the items listed above which will empower you to kick start your content creation journey on Canvas.

1. Commons

Canvas Commons allows users to share content with one another. From a single page to an entire course, teachers can share their content with the Canvas community through Commons. Canvas users can also search for content custom filtered for your specific needs.

Commons is a great way to see how other Canvas teachers and administrators are creating Canvas content. Here are some ways you can use the Commons:

Search for something that you might use in a course you are teaching by using the Find feature
- Narrow down your search by grade level, type of Canvas content, or even Outcomes
- Pay attention to reviews on items to further help you find useful content
Import items that you find in the Commons into one of your own courses
- We suggest you import it into a Sandbox or a Commons Testing Course if it isn't something you've seen before
- Pay attention to the license attached to the item. Many times it's shared without copyright, so you are free to edit and make it yours
Share Canvas content you've created to the Commons
- Collaborate within your team, department, school, state, country or world!
- You can choose to share it within your institution, or to the greater Canvas Commons community

Links to an external site.

2. DesignPLUS Design tools

Using design tools from Cid Labs (called DesignPLUS) you can give students better courses by improving the quality, consistency and accessibility of your course content while enabling yourself and the course designers to do more in less time.

This video provides an overview of how to create new Canvas content with DesignPLUS.

The way a canvas page looks may not seem like a big deal to our faculty members who are often more focused on content but it makes such a big difference for our students.
Check out the amazing things Cidi Labs customers have done with the design tools by visiting the DesignPLUS showcase

Some of the basic steps you can take to design a great looking Canvas page is to start with Choosing a theme and Customise banner text. You can then add Navigation blocks and Content blocks. Alternatively, simply use the Copy existing content tool to copy any other page on Canvas to start working on the current page. Refer to the additional resources below to learn more.

3. Tips and tricks

Below are some of the main Applications that are seamlessly integrated into our Canvas instance and you can use them depending on the needs of your course.

Screenshot 2023-01-20 at 4.08.24 pm.png

Most of the applications are available for you to add to your Canvas course content using the Apps Plug icon in the Rich Content Editor. Your school admin or CSPD Canvas Team can assist you with enabling a third-party apps to your institute's canvas sub-account if that is something that cannot be enabled in a course.

Some of the other useful tips are:

Your course Navigation Menu is a Sticky Navigation Menu and can be made hidden to expand the content area on your screen.

Difference between the + button, 3 dots/hamburger menu, and the waffle handle.

The plus button allows you to add an element (e.g., add a Page, Assignment, Quiz etc).

Screen Shot 2022-08-22 at 3.31.20 pm.png

The 3 dots or lines anywhere on your screen allows you to view the options or Settings for that element (e.g. options or Settings for Modules)

Screen Shot 2022-08-22 at 3.32.16 pm.png

The waffle handle allows you to drag that element above or below other elements

Same page or any other element such as an assignment or quiz can be used multiple times in a course in same or multiple modules. (e.g., the End of Module page). When using the same item multiple times, it is important to note that any changes made to that page or element will be reflected at all the places that page or element is used at.
Undelete option - By if you would like to restore something that you deleted in the course you can go the home page of your course and then at the end of the URL, type /undelete (e.g., for this course - https://canvas.parra.catholic.edu.au/courses/18951/undelete) and that will bring a list of all the items that can be restored in your course.
Talking about Canvas apps - Did you know that there is a Canvas app for Teachers, Students and Parents on iOS as well as Andriod? If you are a Teacher and once you try marking students' work from your Teacher app, there will be no going back!
Once you doanload the app, type in CSPD in the 'Find my school' button and then use your office login credentials to start using Canvas in your hand held devices.

You can try out all that you learn here in your Sandbox

Okay, now I'm curious.

Need more information? Check out the below Guides!

Commons
1. Links to an external site.How Do I Use CommonsLinks to an external site.How Do I Use CommonsLinks to an external site.
  (Links to an external site.
DesignPLUS Design tools
1. Design Tools Functional User - Canvas Course
2. Design tools training videos library on ClickView
Tips and tricks
Additional Resources
1. Canvas Community - Sign up now!
2. CSPD Canvas Training Courses
3. CSPD Knowledge Base Articles