Some of the most important topics to address in class are also the most difficult. How can we spot and navigate trigger warnings in online and face-to-face in coursework that deals with sensitive issues? We discuss strategies for maintaining a safe, inclusive Canvas course space while facilitating effective discussions on controversial or sensitive content. Walk-ins welcome but registration appreciated to ensure refreshments for all. Bring your laptop or mobile device for hands-on experimentation. Have opinions or experience on the topic?…

Question banks? Immediate answer feedback? Video questions? Canvas Quizzes offer features that can facilitate both formative and summative learning (not to mention efficient grading). We share examples and tips to promote meaningful student learning and assessment via quizzing. Walk-ins welcome but registration appreciated to ensure refreshments for all. Bring your laptop or mobile device for hands-on experimentation. Have opinions or experience on the topic? Sign up as a contributor. The Active Teaching Lab is a Faculty Engagement program with sessions…

Kaltura MediaSpace, part of the Learn@UW suite of learning technologies,  is a Canvas-integrated tool often underutilized on campus. Since multimedia can be one of the best ways to reach the current generation of students, how can we use audio, video, and screencasts to engage students, present content, and let them express what they’ve learned? Walk-ins welcome but registration appreciated to ensure refreshments for all. Bring your laptop or mobile device for hands-on experimentation. Have opinions or experience on the topic?…

In-class screens have changed the way the classroom — and learning — looks. Screens shift the manner in which students interact with instructors, course materials, and each other. Should we ban phones, tablets, and laptops? Embrace them? We examine the constructive and destructive effects of digital devices on face-to-face collaboration, including using Canvas in classes! Walk-ins welcome but registration appreciated to ensure refreshments for all. Bring your laptop or mobile device for hands-on experimentation. Have opinions or experience on the…

The Canvas Outcomes tool connects to Canvas Rubrics to align assignment grading with big-picture learning outcomes. Doing so can guide teaching, keep students focused on what’s most important, and inform both instructors and students on learning progress. How do you set up the Outcomes tool, and what are some tips for its successful application? Walk-ins welcome but registration appreciated to ensure refreshments for all. Bring your laptop or mobile device for hands-on experimentation. Have opinions or experience on the topic?…

Are your lectures keeping students engaged? How do you know whether students need more explanation or a faster pace? Top Hat, part of the Learn@UW suite of learning technologies, is a student response system (SRS) that is integrated in Canvas. It can help instructors measure student comprehension, gauge reactions to a topic, and foster discussion throughout the course of a lecture. We exchange ways instructors are using Top Hat to enrich teaching. Walk-ins welcome but registration appreciated to ensure refreshments…

Are readings and videos the main course of your student-prep content? What options exist for building interactive materials to engage students? How do they integrate into  Canvas? We examine online interactive activity ideas that can help students connect more closely with course content and become active agents in their learning. What interactive content have you used or seen? Walk-ins welcome but registration appreciated to ensure refreshments for all. Bring your laptop or mobile device for hands-on experimentation. Have opinions or…

Spring semester is coming! Canvas course design templates can take the bite out of January back-to-school prep. What Canvas templates are available, and how can they make your life easier? Find out about  professionally designed, plug-and-go Canvas course templates so you can devote your time and brain power to teaching. We discuss pros and cons of various options. Walk-ins welcome but registration appreciated to ensure refreshments for all. Bring your laptop or mobile device for hands-on experimentation. Have opinions or…

Given only 1GB and a limited file structure, what are some tips for file organization in Canvas? What works best for instructors and students? What are some pitfalls to avoid? What have you found to be helpful in organizing your course? We discuss ways to keep the Canvas space from becoming a digital junk drawer. Walk-ins welcome but registration appreciated to ensure refreshments for all. Bring your laptop or mobile device for hands-on experimentation. Have opinions or experience on the…