In July 2023, I conducted a Canvas Design Workshop for educators in Edgemont, South Dakota. This one-day intensive session aimed to enhance participants’ skills in designing effective, user-friendly courses within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). The workshop covered various aspects of course design, from theoretical foundations to practical implementation strategies, with the goal of empowering educators to create more engaging and efficient online learning experiences.

Background and Rationale

The Need for Advanced LMS Training

As educational institutions increasingly rely on digital platforms for instruction, the need for educators to master these tools has become paramount. Canvas, as a leading LMS, offers a wealth of features that can significantly enhance the learning experience. However, many educators struggle to utilize these features effectively or to design courses that fully leverage the platform’s capabilities.

Bridging Theory and Practice

A key rationale behind the workshop’s design was the recognition that effective digital course design requires more than just technical knowledge. By incorporating pedagogical theories and design principles, the workshop aimed to elevate participants’ understanding beyond mere tool proficiency to a more holistic approach to online and blended education.

Addressing Local Needs

Edgemont, like many rural communities, faces unique challenges in implementing educational technology. The workshop was tailored to address these specific needs, considering factors such as:

• Limited access to prior specialized edtech professional development
• Varying perceptions of edtech amongst educators and community members
• Building around limited bandwidth and access

Workshop Structure and Content

1. Check-in on Current Canvas Usage (30 minutes)

• Participants shared their current use of Canvas
• Discussion of student experiences and feedback
• Creation of individual “Canvas Wishlists”

Rationale: This section aimed to establish a baseline and identify specific areas of interest or concern for participants.

2. Design Presentation (30 minutes)

• Introduction to Voice & Choice in course design
• Overview of the SAMR model for technology integration
• Principles of usability in online course design

Rationale: This theoretical foundation was crucial for helping educators understand the ‘why’ behind effective course design, not just the ‘how’.

3. Design Cycle Exercise (60 minutes)

• Introduction to rapid prototyping techniques
• Participants created multiple quick sketches of course layouts
• Peer feedback and iteration on designs

Rationale: This hands-on exercise allowed participants to immediately apply the theoretical concepts, fostering creativity and critical thinking.

4. Build Toolkit Introduction (60 minutes)

• Overview of key Canvas features via a “build toolkit”
• Demonstration of advanced Canvas functionalities
• Q&A session on technical aspects of course building

Rationale: This section bridged the gap between design concepts and practical implementation, addressing the technical skills needed to realize participants’ visions.

5. Open Build Time with Periodic Sharing (2.5 hours)

• Participants worked on implementing their designs or wishlist items
• Regular “stop and share” intervals for peer learning and feedback
• One-on-one assistance as needed

Rationale: This extended period of guided practice allowed for deep engagement with the material and personalized learning experiences.

Key Outcomes

• Participants gained a deeper understanding of pedagogical theories underlying effective course design
• Educators created initial designs for course homepages or content pages
• Attendees began work on implementing items from their “Canvas Wishlist”
• Increased confidence in using advanced Canvas features
• Development of a peer network for ongoing support and idea-sharing

Reflections and Areas for Improvement

1. The Importance of Early Engagement

What Worked:

• The design cycle exercise provided a hands-on experience
• The open build time allowed for immediate application of concepts

What Could Be Improved:

• Introduction of quick, high-impact Canvas features at the outset could have increased engagement
• Demonstrating instant course improvements might have built momentum for the theoretical portions

Reflection: Starting with a few clear, easily implementable “hooks” or tricks could have generated more immediate excitement before delving into larger design processes. This approach might have increased buy-in for the more theoretical components of the workshop.

2. The Value of Theoretical Foundations

Positive Outcomes:

• Participants appreciated the discussion of pedagogical models like SAMR
• The exploration of voice and choice in course design provided a framework for decision-making

Participant Feedback:

“I expected to learn about buttons and features, but I came away with a whole new perspective on course design.” – Katie B.

Reflection: The inclusion of theoretical concepts successfully elevated the workshop beyond mere tool knowledge, providing a robust foundation for informed decision-making in course design.

3. Adapting to Voluntary Participation

Potential Modifications:

• Shorter, more focused sessions to allow for flexible attendance
• More emphasis on immediate takeaways and quick wins
• Increased opportunities for peer sharing and collaboration

Reflection: Upon learning that the workshop was optional rather than mandatory, it became clear that a more flexible structure could have better accommodated varying levels of commitment and availability among participants.

4. The Need for Follow-Up

Opportunities for Improvement:

• Series of shorter, topic-specific webinars addressing common items from the “Canvas Wishlist”
• Virtual office hours for individualized support
• Creation of an online community for ongoing peer support and idea sharing

Reflection: While the single-day format provided a comprehensive overview, it became evident that follow-up sessions could significantly enhance the long-term impact of the training, particularly in addressing specific items from participants’ “Canvas Wishlists”.

Conclusion

The Canvas Design Workshop in Edgemont provided valuable insights into effective professional development for educators in rural settings. The session successfully combined theory and practice, offering participants a comprehensive approach to online course design. However, there are clear opportunities for enhancement in future iterations.

Key takeaways for future workshops include:

1. Prioritizing early engagement with quick, impactful techniques
2. Maintaining a balance between theoretical foundations and practical skills
3. Adapting the structure to accommodate voluntary participation
4. Developing a robust follow-up program for ongoing support and skill development

By focusing on these areas, similar workshops could have an even greater impact on educators’ ability to design effective online learning experiences, ultimately benefiting students through more engaging and efficient use of educational technology.