3 Summer 2020 Template Questions
Table of Contents
- Can I edit/customize the template’s pre-written pages? Are there any parts that are NOT editable?
- Does the template include any built-in rubric samples?
- I’d rather use my prepared content without the template. Can I delete the template without having to delete each page individually?
- If I already have all of my course content in my course but decide to add the template, will it override any work that I’ve created?
- If I apply the template to my course, can I change my mind and remove it?
- I have multiple sections (labs) that are independent from the lecture Canvas page. To copy a completed template, do I just copy the course like I would normally do?
- Is it possible to apply parts of the template, rather than all of it (for example, if my course is shorter than 12 weeks)?
- My course has already been created with this template, but I plan on importing course content from last summer. Will I see my old course over the top of this format or will it erase this template?
- My template was removed when the eText and publisher access was added. How do I get it back?
- Will the template be available for the Fall also?
Can I edit/customize the template’s pre-written pages? Are there any parts that are NOT editable?
Yes! All you need to do is select “edit” and add your custom material to the pages. You can view additional information on how to customize Canvas pages in the Canvas Guide.
The templates were designed to meet Quality Matters standards, which have been researched by educators and proven to provide students with the essential information they need to be effective. That said, ultimately, it’s your course and you can edit the templates any way that fits your teaching style.
Does the template include any built-in rubric samples?
Because we wanted this template to be as simple as possible to use, we decided to leave rubric examples out. Rubrics can seem as varied as the assignments they are used with. To help facilitate rubrics, we linked to the Canvas guide on rubrics in the template.
Once you have created a rubric, it is possible to reuse them in different courses.
I’d rather use my prepared content without the template. Can I delete the template without having to delete each page individually?
If you would like to completely delete the template, you can do so prior to adding your own content. If you have already started adding instructional content to your course site, do not use the Delete All Course Content option.
To remove the full template from a course: In the course navigation menu, click Settings, and then, in the “Settings” sidebar, click Delete All Course Content.
If you have already imported your content and don’t want to lose any edits or have to re-import, then you will have to delete the individual Canvas pages, assignments, discussion topics, modules, and quizzes that are part of the template.
Alternately, you can also leave any content from the template that you don’t want to use unpublished.
If I already have all of my course content in my course but decide to add the template, will it override any work that I’ve created?
Yes. If you want to use the template, apply the template then choose which content from your you want to insert into the template. Do not bring course settings from a prior course over or it will override the template.
Alternately, you can find the template in Canvas Commons and select which elements you want to download. Once you’ve imported the pieces you want, all you need to do is copy/paste your existing content into the templates.
That said, be sure that if you are copying images from one course to another, you’ll need to make sure those images are also uploaded to the files section of the course you are pasting them into. Otherwise, they may look like they are there to you, but your students may not be able to see them. To make sure everything looks right for students, make sure to use the Student View tool.
If I apply the template to my course, can I change my mind and remove it?
If you import content from another course, both your exported/imported course content and this template would show up (it will not override the template if you have pulled it into your course). You will, however, be able to cut your content and paste it into the pages, assignments, discussions in the template if you would like to do so.
That said, be sure that if you are copying images from one course to another, you’ll need to make sure those images are also uploaded to the files section of the course you are pasting them into. Otherwise, they may look like they are there to you, but your students may not be able to see them. To make sure everything looks right for students, make sure to use the Student View tool.
I have multiple sections (labs) that are independent from the lecture Canvas page. To copy a completed template, do I just copy the course like I would normally do?
Check the Canvas Guide on Importing course content for more information.
Is it possible to apply parts of the template, rather than all of it (for example, if my course is shorter than 12 weeks)?
You can apply whatever parts you would like. If your course is less than 12 weeks, you can leave the unused modules unpublished and your students will not see these. You can also delete modules, pages, and assignments that you do not want to use.
My course has already been created with this template, but I plan on importing course content from last summer. Will I see my old course over the top of this format or will it erase this template?
Both your exported/imported course content and this template would show up (it will not override the template if you have pulled it into your course.) You will then be able to delete or keep as much of the template material as you would like. Then, you can copy your previous materials into the new summer template. You can import the whole course, or you can choose just the parts of your old course that you would like in your new course. You can also add anything additional to your course, such as new pages, assignments, etc.
That said, be sure that if you are copying images from one course to another, you’ll need to make sure those images are also uploaded to the files section of the course you are pasting them into. Otherwise, they may look like they are there to you, but your students may not be able to see them. To make sure everything looks right for students, make sure to use the Student View tool.
My template was removed when the eText and publisher access was added. How do I get it back?
Please contact the Teaching and Learning Center for assistance.
Will the template be available for the Fall also?
It is not yet known whether Fall courses will have the template automatically applied. However, the template will be available in Canvas Commons if you wish to import it and use it for the Fall.