The beginning of the semester is an inspiring time for both instructors and students. However, that inspiration can quickly turn into anxiety if students are unsure how to navigate their courses or use the tools available to them. To help ease those first-day jitters, Dr. Wesley Longhofer, Senior Director of the Center for Faculty Development and Excellence (CFDE), created a fun and engaging Canvas course tour video. This video sets student expectations and shows them how to navigate the course site. If you’re interested in doing something similar, reach out to us and schedule a Canvas consultation.
Dr. Longhofer starts his tour of the Business and Society Canvas course by explaining how the course is structured around the metaphor of the forest. He explains that the course is organized into three main modules: Beginnings, Frictions, and Levers. Each Canvas module focuses on a different aspect of Business and Society. He walks students through the structure, highlighting key areas such as the homepage, modules, recent announcements, and the syllabus. He emphasizes the importance of regularly checking the Modules page before each class to stay updated on assignments and materials. Dr. Longhofer concludes by encouraging students to reach out with any questions, fostering an open and supportive learning environment.
Grab your favorite snack, press play, and let’s get started on an exciting semester together!
We survey students about Canvas every year, and among the most frequent things we hear is the wish that faculty use Canvas more consistently. While templates can make a big difference, they aren’t feasible or desirable for every course in every program. That’s where a course site tour comes in. Anyone can create a short video tour of their class to orient their students. If you’re interested in creating something similar, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation to get started.
How to Create an Engaging Course Tour Video
Creating a Canvas course tour video is an excellent way to introduce your course to students. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started:
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Plan Your Content
Before you start recording, outline what you want to cover in your video. This could include:
- Course overview
- Navigation tips
- Important resources and links
- Assignment and grading information
- Discussions or communication tools
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Select Your Tools
Decide which software to use for screen recording and voice capture. Some popular options include:
- Canvas Studio – Record a screen capture video with Chrome or Edge
- Canvas Studio – Record a screen capture video with Safari or Firefox
- Zoom – Record and post recording to Canvas Course
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Set Your Canvas Course Up for Success
Navigate through your Canvas course to ensure everything is organized. You want to show students what to expect, so having a well-structured course will help.
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Record Your Video
- Start your screen recorder.
- Begin with a brief introduction of yourself and the course.
- Navigate through the course, explaining essential components.
- Make sure to speak clearly and at a comfortable pace.
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Edit Your Video
After recording, consider editing your video to remove any mistakes. Use the editing features of your chosen software for this step.
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Upload Your Video
Once you’re satisfied with your video, upload it to a platform where your students can easily access it. This could be directly in Canvas or on a video hosting site like YouTube or Vimeo.
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Grant Access
Ensure that you post the video link or embed it in a relevant section of your Canvas course, such as the homepage or the beginning of your syllabus.
By following these steps, you can create an engaging and informative course tour video that will help students efficiently navigate your Canvas course.
We’re Here To Help!
Contact us to schedule a consultation if you have questions or need help embedding a Course Tour video in your Canvas course.