Start with a fresh, blank Canvas course for best results moving forward. Though it might seem simple to have your Moodle course content copied to your new Canvas development or active course, we highly encourage starting from scratch for Canvas best performance. It is also a good time to clean out those large Moodle courses that may create import problems. Request a development course here.

If you are developing a new course or redesigning an existing course, consider using one of our HSU Canvas Course Templates. Six template variations are available in the Canvas Commons*. You can locate these templates by searching for "HSU Template". When you import this content into your course, all of your existing content will remain intact. You can then easily revise the content in the templates to develop your course. 

1. Make your course welcoming for a positive first impression of the course. For example, send a welcome message before the course begins using Canvas Announcements or Inbox, and/or create a Homepage with a welcome message that students will see when they first log in.
2. Have consistent navigation throughout. For example, use Modules to create a consistent structure by week or topic. Include instructions for students that explain how to navigate the course and locate materials such as the Syllabus and Assignments.
3. Provide clear instructions and expectations for students. For example, include Get Started instructions and Course Expectations on your Homepage and/or Welcome Announcement.  Not all students will know where to begin when they first log into your course.
4. Use a variety of methods to keep students informed and engaged. For example, use Inbox (Conversations) to communicate with students via email, and Announcements to send out occasional reminders and updates.
5. Provide a means for students to ask questions and give feedback. For example, include a Q&A Discussion forum that is available throughout the semester, and/or offer a Survey (via Quizzes) during the 2nd or 3rd week of the course to solicit feedback and identify any problems.
6. Build community from the start. For example, during the first day or week provide an icebreaker activity via Discussion forum, to have students introduce themselves and share learning goals.
7. Use the built-in Canvas tools for Assignments and Quizzes. These tools will build grading columns for you in the Speedgrader and automatically be populated in the Calendar with due dates.
8. Help students locate campus resources.  Students often require help beyond the classroom. You can help by including information in your Syllabus about the purpose and location of student support services such as the Learning Center, Academic and Career Advising Center, Writing Studio, Math Tutoring Lab, Canvas support and more.
9. Help students locate technical help. Provide information in your Syllabus to help students find the HSU Help Desk and Canvas Help Resources.
10. Keep Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in mind. Your learners are diverse and will engage with materials in different ways.  Consider how you can meet the needs of all of your students.  For example provide a variety of materials and activities beyond text, such as videos, blogs, wikis, Collaborations and Discussions.
11. Keep accessibility in mind. Make sure your materials are accessible to all students, including students with disabilities that may affect their learning. In particular, make sure all videos are captioned.  Include information in your Syllabus regarding how to contact Student Disability Resource Services, HSU accessibility policies, and invite students to contact you as soon as possible if they require accommodations.