Welcome to the Online Learning newsletter, where we will present information, tips, and ideas for faculty teaching fully online courses, hybrid courses, or just enhancing face-to-face courses with online materials. Our main focus will be Canvas since so many faculty (even staff) use that platform. However, we will also present other topics as necessary, such as making your online content ADA-compliant. We hope you get inspired and learn something new. 
A conversation with Maureen O'Herin

Las Positas College logoNew Online Learning Web Site


If you haven't already noticed, LPC's Online Learning web site has undergone a makeover. The still has all of the pertinent information for students using Canvas, but it now has a section for faculty. The Faculty Resources link at the bottom of the navigation menu is intended for you to receive all of the necessary information on Canvas, Distance Education, the Online Education Initiative, Professional Development, Web Accessibility, and Copyright. View the Online Learning site.

Accessibility logoAccessibility for All Students

 
By now, you should know that everything you put into your Canvas course has to be accessible to students with disabilities. This includes the text you type into the Rich Content Editor, the images you input, the Word documents and PowerPoint files you upload, and the videos you post. If you think this is a daunting task, don't fear; help is available. The Teaching and Learning Center offers workshops, but if you can't make one, you can always access the self-paced Creating Accessible Course Content course within Canvas. 

If you really need one-on-one help, you can make an appointment with LPC's Instructional Technology Specialist Wanda Butterly, aka The Wizard of Accessibility. Known for her Magic Wand(a), she can help you ensure that all of your Canvas materials are accessible to all of your students.
 
                                                                  Wanda Butterly, the Wizard of Accessibility

Canvas logoModules in Canvas

Modules are a tool for organizing all course content, handling files, lectures, assignments, discussions, quizzes, and external links. They are designed to guide students through course content by organizing course material in a structured way.

Modules are often a useful for making content easier to find and to help students gain a structural framework for the course content.The Modules tool can also help scaffold student learning and helps students situate course materials, activities, and readings within the broader context of the course.
 
There are many ways to organize course modules. Some faculty choose to organize their content in Modules based on specific topics or order of the course. Below are some examples of how someone might organize a course in Western Civilization.
 

Organize by Topics

Organizing content around topics can help students manage their reading. More than this, however, the ability to place all course content and activities, including assignments and discussions, within modules means that students encounter each topic as an integrated whole.

While traditional files and folders are helpful for organizing documents and presentations, modules allow faculty to place course activities in the same place as course materials and files. In the example below, students in an online class access course readings, activities, and assignments all in the same place, further helping to scaffold learning through the course. 
  • Module 1: The Renaissance 
    • Reading: Machiavelli, The Prince
    • Textbook: The Renaissance, pp. 22-53
    • Video Mini-Lecture: The Renaissance
    • Discussion: The Renaissance 
    • Assignment 1: Weekly Reflection 
  • Module 2: The Reformation 
    • Reading: Martin Luther, 95 Theses 
    • Textbook: The Reformation, pp. 54-88
    • Video Mini-Lecture: The Reformation
    • Discussion: The Reformation 
    • Assignment 2: Weekly Reflection
    •  Web link to Martin Luther Documentary

Organize by Course Dates

Course dates can be another helpful way to organize content in the course for students.  In particular, the use of dates helps students manage their readings, activities, and assignments week-to-week. This organizational structure also has the benefit of reinforcing the course syllabus. Below is an example for either an online class or a face-to-face class.
  • Week 1: Sept 2-6
    • Reading: Machiavelli, The Prince 
    • Textbook: The Renaissance, pp. 22-52
    • Discussion: The Renaissance
    • Assignment 1: Weekly Reflection
  • Week 2: Sept 9-13
    • Reading: Martin Luther, 95 Theses 
    • Textbook: The Reformation, pp. 54-88
    • Discussion: The Reformation
    • Assignment 2: Weekly Reflection
    • Web link to Martin Luther Documentary

Organize by Course Content

For a face-to-face class, organizing your modules by course content is a way to organize files in your course. Students will have quick access to notes, lectures, readings, and other course materials. Shorter module titles can help streamline your site and are optimal for accessing your Canvas site on a mobile device.
  • Video Mini-Lectures
    • Class Notes
    • Week 1 Notes
    • Week 2 Notes
  • Course Readings
    • Machiavelli, The Prince
    • Martin Luther, 95 Theses
Tutorial Video Series, Canvas, Instructor, Modules: Creating and Management
Canvas Instructor Guides
Contact Us
Canvas-What's New
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