Below are frequently shared recommendations from TLi consultations, support emails, and faculty conversations. These strategies help reduce student confusion, streamline course management, and improve accessibility.
Copying Courses Between Semesters
When importing a previous course, making careful selections during the copy process prevents unnecessary cleanup later.
Using “Select Specific Content” with Zoom meetings
If Zoom was used in the previous course, choose “Select Specific Content” and uncheck Calendar Events.
Removing Dates During Course Copy
Always select “Remove Dates” during the copy process.
Old due dates and availability dates are one of the most common causes of student confusion. It is easy to overlook them when preparing to publish a course.
After copying, you can:
- Update dates individually
- Use the bulk date adjustment page
Refer to the guide: How do I bulk update due dates and availability dates as an instructor?
Copying Content Within the Same Semester
When copying content between sections in the same term, consider how dates should function.
Remove dates if sections have different due dates or availability settings.
Keep dates only if all sections share identical deadlines, such as when two sections have been merged and will follow the same schedule.
Sharing and Reusing Canvas Content
Canvas provides tools for reusing and sharing individual course items.
Using “Copy to” for Your Own Courses
The “Copy to” feature allows you to copy individual items tems from one course into another course you teach. This can be useful when you want to reuse specific content without performing a full course import.
You can use this feature with the following item types:
- Canvas guide: Using “Copy to” with Announcements
- Canvas guide: Using “Copy to” with Assignments
- Canvas guide: Using “Copy to” with Discussions
- Canvas guide: Using “Copy to” with Modules
- Canvas guide: Using “Copy to” with Pages
- Canvas guide: Using “Copy to” with Quizzes
Access the “Copy to” option from the more options menu (three stacked dots) within the item.
If you teach the same course each semester with the same course name, using the full Course Copy tool may be more efficient.
Using “Send to” to Share with Colleagues
To share an item with another instructor, use the “Send to” feature within Canvas.
Recipients will find the item in the Shared Content area of their Canvas account, where they can Preview, Import, or Delete it.
This method is typically faster and simpler than exporting and reimporting materials.
Organizing Course Files
Organized files improve course management and accessibility.
Creating Folders
Create folders to group related materials, especially course readings and assignment resources.
An organized file structure:
- Makes troubleshooting faster
- Reduces the likelihood of linking errors
- Improves efficiency during consultations
Removing Duplicate Files
Delete outdated or duplicate files, including images and documents with TidyUp.
Refer to the guide: TidyUp in Canvas Overview
Refer to the guide: Canvas Is Not a File Repository: Why It Matters for Accessibility
This reduces the risk of linking to incorrect versions and can improve your UDOIT accessibility score.
Managing Your Syllabus in Canvas
How you provide access to your syllabus affects usability and accessibility.
Avoid Copying and Pasting the Full Syllabus
Do not paste the entire syllabus into a Canvas Page or the Syllabus area.
Instead:
- Consider using a Google Doc for easier updates and version control
- Upload the syllabus as a file
- Hyperlink to file within Canvas
Using Clear, Descriptive Hyperlinks
Avoid pasting full URLs into your course. Instead, write complete sentences and hyperlink meaningful text within them.
In the examples below, the hyperlinked portion of each sentence is bolded, highlighted, and bracketed by asterisks (*) for demonstration purposes only and should not appear in your course.
Examples:
- Before the start of the course, please review the *Math 123 Fall 2026 Syllabus*.
- Throughout the semester, refer to the *course syllabus for Math 123 Fall 2026 Syllabus* or updated policies and deadlines.
- You can find grading policies, attendance expectations, and required materials in the official *Math 123 Fall 2026 Syllabus document*.
If you create a Syllabus button, ensure the alt text describes both the label and its function. For example, alt text such as “Go to Math 123 Fall 2026 Syllabus Doc/PDF” is clearer and more accessible than simply “Syllabus.”
