Canvas Start of the Semester Instructor Checklist

Whether you're creating a new course, teaching a course designed by someone else, or refreshing an existing one, there are some best practices for preparing your course for the start of the semester.

Review these steps to make sure your course is ready:

• Step 1. Create or Import Your Content
• Step 2. Review Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions
• Step 3. Review Course Details
• Step 4. Final Preparations

Step 1. Create or Import Your Content

• Create new content in Canvas
  • Organize content into Modules by week or topic.
  • Create content using Pages.
  • Create Assignments and Quizzes.
  • Add content and assignments to Modules.
• Copy/Import from another class in Canvas. Your access to courses you have previously taught in Canvas continues indefinitely.
  • How do I copy content from another Canvas course using the Course Import tool?
  • If the course uses tools such as Turnitin, Panopto, Zoom or Honorlock, see instructions on copying those materials.

Step 2. Review Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions

• Verify that activities and content in the course are published.
• Verify that due dates are updated.
• Verify that assignment groups are set up correctly. See How to use the Assignment Index Page.
• Verify that assignments are weighted correctly if using a weighted grading system. See How to Weight Assignment Groups.
• Verify Quiz Options are correct. See Canvas Quiz Options.
• Set up Qwickly Attendance to take and track attendance.

Step 3. Review Course Details

• Review the Syllabus for accuracy. Did you include a statement about using AI? See the Generative AI Resources.
• Verify that links are valid and working. See How to Validate Links.
• Customize course navigation links. Keep only the necessary links. See How to Reorder and Hide Course Navigation Links.
• Verify Modules are published if using them. See How to Publish or Unpublish Modules.
• Verify that the course home page is set up correctly. See Home Page Layout Options and How to Change the Course Home Page.
• Use "Student View" to review the entire course. See How do I view a course as a test student?
• Verify that your course content is accessible to all students using the Canvas Accessibility Checker. If you have videos in your course, make sure captions are available to students.

Step 4. Final Preparations

• Publish your course when you are ready for students to have access to it. See How do I publish a course?
• Once the course is published, create an Announcement welcoming students to the course. Note: Canvas Announcements and email (Inbox/Conversation) messages will only be sent out if the course is published.

Need Assistance?

Meet with Instructional Technology staff. We're available to help you design your Canvas course, set up your grades, learn how to use new tools, discuss Generative AI usage, or set up engaging student experiences. Contact us at support@stedwards.edu.