Start of Semester Checklist in ISU Canvas for Faculty

Summary

Identifies the process of getting a course ready in ISU Canvas at the start of a semester.

Body

Description

This article provides guidelines for setting up your course at the start of the semester. You may need to add or skip steps based on your course.

1. Request a Metacourse if Teaching Multiple Sections of Same Course

A metacourse is a parent course that combines multiple sections into a singe course. If you you teach more than one section of the same course, you can request a metacourse that allows you the ability to deliver a single copy of the content to all sections. The child sections determine the enrollment, while the parent metacourse handles the content. To request a metacourse, please complete: Canvas: Metacourse Request Form.

2. Import Course Materials

If you have already taught the course in ISU Canvas, please see, How do I copy a Canvas course into a new course shell?
If you need to import content from a Moodle ISU course, please see ISU Canvas: Importing Moodle ISU Content into ISU Canvas for Faculty.

3. Update Course Materials

Upload a current syllabus to the course. See the article, How do I upload a file in Files? for instructions on uploading files to ISU Canvas.
If needed, add the book bundle to your course. More information coming soon...
Review your course navigation. You may find it helpful to view your course as a student.
- From within your course Modules page, click on View as Student in the uppermost right corner of the course.
- A purple box will appear to indicate that you are in the Student View. In the Student View you will be able to preview and submit quizzes and assignments, etc.
- To leave the Student View, click the Leave Student View button in lower right corner of your course.
Review and update your Course Home Page (if necessary).
Update old videos using the Panopto Video Management tool.
Check, replace and/or update any broken links/URL's using the Canvas Link Validation tool.
Check accessibility of your course using the CidiLabs UDOIT Advantage tool.
Ensure correct settings (availability dates, time limits, grading rubrics, etc.) for all quizzes/exams, assignments and discussions.
Create groups for group assignments. See the article, ISU Canvas: Options for Groups and Group Projects for Faculty.
Request online proctoring if needed by completing the Online Proctoring Request Form.
Add links to external tools such as Zoom, publisher integrations, Turnitin, etc.
Check gradebook setup from the Assignments page. See the article, How do I use the Gradebook?

4. Set up Availability and Due Dates

All graded items in a course, including assignments, discussion and quizzes are available to students at any time unless the instructor designates specific dates and time for the due date and availability by entering dates and/or times in the Available from and Until sections. Bulk Editing of Due Dates and Availability will make the task go quicker. See the articles, ISU Canvas: Setting Availability Dates and Time and ISU Canvas: Bulk Editing Due Dates and Availability Dates for Faculty.

5. Publish the Course

Please see the article, ISU Canvas: Publishing Your Canvas Course for Faculty.
Once you have published your course, students enrolled in the course will see it listed on their ISU Canvas dashboard. You will also be able to send announcements to your students.

Contact the ITRC at itrc@isu.edu if you need additional assistance.

Details

Article ID: 158123

Created

Thu 3/28/24 5:40 PM

Modified

Mon 8/11/25 1:50 PM