Using the Keep Teaching Carmen Template
There's no need to start from scratch
when building your online course in CarmenCanvas. We've developed this Keep
Teaching template that can be imported and fully customized to jumpstart your
online course so that you can spend more time focused on your teaching. Once
inside the Keep Teaching Carmen template course, you'll find a few different
modules. We've set up this course to use modules as the homepage so that your
organized content is always front and center.
Import the Template
We'll tour the course shortly, but the very first page will give you instructions on importing
this template into your own course. Download the course template in the form
of a .IMSCC file. Once you have the template course imported, you have full
control over customizing the template to work for you.
Customize the Template
Anything you don't want students to see can be unpublished, keeping it hidden.
You'll notice the course uses modules for organization and hides unnecessary
navigation items like assignments and quizzes. Everything your students need to
access in the course should be found in the module itself or inside a page in
the module. Modules can be fully customized but we've included a sample
Week 1 module to get you started. Organizing content can be overwhelming,
so we've included some suggested pages that students usually find easy to
navigate. Use the three-dot menu to the right of
many module items to duplicate, then move the copy to a new module to start adding your own content.
Tour the Template
This template module includes a few
bolded text headers like Start Here to keep things organized and direct
students' attention throughout the week or unit of work. The overview page is a
great place to include a bit of context for the weak or unit, highlight the core
learning objectives, and list out the major tasks to be completed. The more
visible the expectations, the better.
The next page in the module is a Readings page.
Many instructors rename this to Resources if they plan to include
articles, library resources, or textbook selections.
The next page is a lecture page that is perfect for housing pre-recorded videos PowerPoint slides,
notes and other topical content. You can edit the page and then insert links,
embed codes, Mediasite videos, or record directly into the CarmenCanvas page.
The next item in the module is a blank assignment template with room for you to
add as many detailed instructions as you wish. The colorful icons at the bottom
can be carefully chosen as an academic integrity reminder for students. Be sure
to double check your due dates and assignment settings. You'll be using
SpeedGrader to give feedback on student work in no time. Another common
assignment is a discussion board which we've templated for you next. Customize
the prompt area to include instructions and response expectations. Engaging
discussions can really improve an online course experience, so make sure you give
the students plenty to think about. The final element in the module is a
check-in survey for you to use to informally hear from your students as
they progress through the course.
The template also includes a syllabus page built out with room for a document
upload, important course information, and a tutorial video to equip you with the
skills to make your own course intro video.
Find Your Groove
Find the right module structure for you and practice plugging in your content a few modules
at a time until you find a workflow you like. Any course is about more than just
your expert content. Be sure to make room for yourself and your students to share
and interact. Good luck and keep teaching.