Canvas is a critical tool used for streamlining course delivery and enhancing student engagement at the University of Florida. But beyond its primary function of delivering courses, Canvas can be a powerful tool for innovative applications such as student onboarding, advising courses, and faculty development.

Canvas for Onboarding Student Employees

When onboarding a new employee, it’s important for them to have a structured resource that introduces them to university and office policies, while allowing them the opportunity to practice the necessary skills to be successful in their role. As students are familiar with Canvas, it seemed only logical to provide this information and have them demonstrate their newly acquired knowledge in a place that could be easily referenced by both the student and their supervisor. With clear rubrics provided, the students understand the expectations for the assignments, and the supervisor can quickly provide feedback to address areas of concern. As all the information is housed in the Gradebook, it is easy to track progress through the onboarding process.

Canvas for Flipped Advising

In the same way that Canvas is a helpful tool for student onboarding, it’s also a great way to develop advising courses for students to help navigate their degree program and college experience. Creating Canvas sites where the advisor becomes the teacher makes it easy for students to access information they need quickly and often.

Canvas for Faculty Development

Canvas can also be a transformative tool for faculty training. New and existing faculty members can benefit from training courses that model best practices in course design and delivery. Such courses can include modules on creating effective rubrics, providing meaningful feedback, and maintaining consistent instructor presence through announcements and other communication tools.

By participating in these training courses, faculty can experience firsthand what a well-structured and organized course looks like from a student’s perspective. This immersive approach can help instructors understand the importance of clarity, engagement, and support in online education. Consequently, they can apply these principles to their own courses, enhancing the overall learning experience for their students.

Additionally, both the student employees and instructors can earn microcredentials, or digital badges, to serve as recognition for mastering specific skills or knowledge areas. Awarded through Canvas after completing the specific set of requirements, individuals not only enhance their resumes but also gain a competitive edge in the job market. Employers increasingly value these credentials as evidence of a candidate’s readiness and versatility.

The potential applications of Canvas extend far beyond traditional course delivery. By leveraging this powerful LMS for student onboarding and faculty training, educational institutions can foster a more engaging, supportive, and effective learning environment.

Getting Started

If you need assistance creating an ongoing Canvas site for onboarding, advising, or training, request instructional design assistance and/or a consultation from CITT.

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Tags: Badging, Course Design, Faculty Development, LMS, Onboarding, Microcredentialing, Workshops