In this Issue: Migration Time

- Top 5(ish) Resourses for migrating from Blackboard to Canvas
- Moving without migrating
- Canvas course templates
- Upcoming training opportunities
- DEU support and contact information

Top 5 Resourses for migrating from Blackboard to Canvas

We know there is a veritable ocean of resources, how-to’s, webinars and workshops being sent your way lately. We also understand that those waves can be a little intimidating and downright ovewhelming if you’re just getting started moving your course from Blackboard into Canvas. Here’s our Top 5 starter kit for moving your course into Canvas.

1. Migration Blackboard to Canvas step-by-step – PDF
2. How do I move content from Blackboard to Canvas? – Video
3. My Panopto videos didn’t follow the migration, now what?
4. Feature by feature comparison guide – BB vs. Canvas
5. Moving from BB Training site – This site features a very useful chart describing, “What Migrates Well and What Does Not Migrate Well”.

Moving without Migrating

A second option for moving to Canvas from Blackboard is a less automated one. For a more basic Blackboard course it is possible to simply take your files and documents from Blackboard and recreate your course in Canvas using these documents from scratch, re-uploading files and content using the relevant Canvas features. Doing this will mean less “fixing” of things that didn’t migrate well and allow you to build your course from the ground up in the new LMS. If you use many of the features in your courses that don’t translate well, then you may want to consider the start from scratch route. For a list of features that DO migrate well and a list of features that DO NOT migrate well see the Moving from Blackboard page from IT Training Services.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Canvas course templates

One of the ways to get your Canvas course kickstarted is by importing a predesigned course template.

The USask Canvas course template was designed to help reduce stress load, encourage learning, and help you structure content into a great online learning experience for your students. Using an established Module Template at its core, this Canvas course template provides the framework and just-in-time instructions to guide you through your basic course structure. From here you can begin to add your own flair and teaching style to the content you develop and the activities and interactions you design. Learn about the Canvas course template available for USask instructors

Designing a program-level course template

Program administrators often desire a feeling of commonality and a cohesiveness of the learning experience across the various courses of their program. However, when each course might be designed, developed, and taught by a different instructor, this can be tricky to achieve. This post will offer an example of how DEU worked with the College of Education to use Canvas Commons for building shared elements across the different courses of a program, and how even entire online courses might be built in a similar manner through this tool.

Creating a Custom Course Template: A Canvas Commons Case Study

Upcoming training opportunities

How Students Can Share Content in a Remote Environment – Mon. Oct 19, 2020, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Introduction to Open Educational Resources – Tue. Oct 20, 2020, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Remote Teaching Essentials: Synchronous Facilitation – Tue. Oct 27, 2020, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Creating Your Course Syllabus – Tue. Oct 27, 2020, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Using Student Feedback to Improve Teaching – Wed. Oct 28, 2020, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Campus Cafe: Share Your Remote Teaching Tips – Thu. Oct 29, 2020, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

I’ve used Blackboard. What does canvas have to offer? – Mon. Nov. 2, 2020, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

How can I move existing Blackboard content into Canvas? – Tuesday Nov. 3, 2020, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

I never really used Blackboard. What does Canvas have to offer? – Tuesday Nov. 3, 2020, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

How do I organize course content to optimize the learning experience? – Wed. Nov. 4, 2020, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

How do I create and facilitate social engagement for learning using discussions?– Wed. Nov. 4, 2020, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

How can I use quizzes and surveys for feedback, practice, and grades? – Thurs. Nov. 5, 2020, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

How do I create and collect assignments? – Thurs. Nov. 5, 2020, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Academic Video Service: Panopto – Thu. Nov. 5, 2020, 3:00 pm to 4:30

How can I facilitate students working collaboratively in groups? – Fri. Nov. 6, 2020, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM