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CSUSM Canvas Course Templates

There are four CSUSM course templates that can be imported into your course from the Canvas Commons. Each template is designed as a starting point to help develop your course(s). The templates can be customized to suit your individual needs. We highly recommend that you import the template into an empty course BEFORE importing your content from CC or another Canvas course (see warning at the bottom of this guide).

What is in the template?

  • Template Contents

    All templates include the following content and resources: 

    • Instructions for updating the template. 
    • Home Page – welcome your students while providing easy access to course components. 
    • Syllabus Template – consider using the Syllabus tool to provide students with a mobile-friendly version. We have created an accessible, mobile-friendly template in the Rich Content Editor, and provided a downloadable, accessible Word doc for you to customize. 
    • Getting Started Module – includes essential resources for students to get started in the course and to refer to throughout the semester. Pages in this module include:
    • Welcome – welcome your students and provide navigation and/or meeting instructions.
    • About Your Instructor – provide students with your contact information. Adding a photo, brief bio, a link to your website, etc. is highly encouraged!
    • Textbook Information – add the required and recommended materials for your course on this page. Brownie points for adding links to these materials!
    • Course Schedule – provide a snapshot of the class schedule.
    • Community Policies – provides online etiquette tips and recommendations for both asynchronous and synchronous interactions; inclusion and gender-affirning language tips, tips for responding to microagressions, and resources regarding academic honesty and integrity.
    • Online Learning Readiness – provides links to online learning readiness tools.
    • Technical Requirements and Support – Computer and browser specifications, Canvas, Zoom, Mediasite, MS Office, Technical Assistance contact information.
    • Alternative Formats Using Ally – provides a user guide for students to access content in a variety of accessible formats.
    • Accessibility and Disability Support Services – focusing on UDL, provides links to our accessibility and disability support services.
    • Academic Support Services – provides links to the Academic Advising, Writing Center, Library, ASC, PASS, and SASS.
    • Non-Academic Support Services – provides links to SOAR, student Health and Counseling Services, University Police, Career Center, Registration and Records, Financial Aid, and the directory of all Student Resources and Services.
    • Help & Support Resources – Course Support, Technical Support, Canvas Support, and Accommodations
    • Weekly Modules – the number of modules provided depends on the template you choose. Each module is customizable and include:
      • Overview Page – landing page providing the essential materials for the week.
      • Example Text Headers – Read, Watch, Do
    • Additional Resource Examples:
      • Ask Questions Here Forum
      • Learner Profile Survey
      • Share your Learning Goals Discussion
      • Transparent Assignment Template
      • Mid-Term Feedback Survey
      • Reflect on your Learning Goals Discussion
      • Customized Navigation Menu

Preview the Templates

You can preview the templates in the Canvas Commons by selecting the links in the descriptions below. Follow these steps to access the template preview:

Authenticate Canvas Commons

Canvas Commons Logo

To authenticate your Canvas Commons account, follow the 3-step process below. Authentication is a one-time  process. Once autheniticated you can access the templates from the links below.

  1. Log in to CSUSM Canvas.
  2. Select the Canvas Commons link on the Global Navigation menu on the left. 
  3. Open the links below or search the Commons with our tags: CSUSM or CSUSM Template 

Modules + Home Page Template

These templates utilizes the Modules layout to provide the basic structure for your selected week(s) of class. The modules can be customized for your course needs. Recommended for instructors who are new to Canvas.

1 Week Simple Template

This template utilizes the Modules layout with a Home Page to provide the basic structure for 1 week of class. The Home Page provides a simple navigation to the course essentials.

16 Week Simple Template

This template utilizes the Modules layout with a Home Page to provide the basic structure for 16 weeks of class. The Home Page provides a simple navigation to the course essentials.

 

Pages, Modules + Home Page Templates

These templates utilizes the Pages and Modules layout to provide the basic structure for your selected week(s) of class. The modules can be customized for your course needs. 

16 Weeks

The Home Page provides navigation to a Start Here Page, Instructor Information Page, Course Resources Page, Help Resources Page, and 16 Weekly Modules. 

10 Weeks

The Home Page provides navigation to a Start Here Page, Instructor Information Page, Course Resources Page, Help Resources Page, and 10 Weekly Modules.

8 Weeks

The Home Page provides navigation to a Start Here Page, Instructor Information Page, Course Resources Page, Help Resources Page, and 8 Weekly Modules.

5 Weeks

The Home Page provides navigation to a Start Here Page, Instructor Information Page, Course Resources Page, Help Resources Page, and 5 Weekly Modules.

3 Weeks

The Home Page provides navigation to a Start Here Page, Instructor Information Page, Course Resources Page, Help Resources Page, and 3 Weekly Modules.

1 Week

The Home Page provides navigation to a Start Here Page, Instructor Information Page, Course Resources Page, Help Resources Page, and 8 Weekly Modules.

Home Page Templates

Do you already have a module structure and are looking to add a welcoming home page? These templates provide a standalone home page for your course that can be used as is or customized for your course needs. 

16 Weeks Home Page Template

The Home Page provides navigation to a Start Here Page, Instructor Information Page, Course Resources Page, Help Resources Page, and 16 Weekly Modules. 

8 Weeks Home Page Template

The Home Page provides navigation to a Start Here Page, Instructor Information Page, Course Resources Page, Help Resources Page, and 8 Weekly Modules.

Simple Home Page Template

The Home Page provides navigation to a Start Here Page, Instructor Information Page, Course Resources Page, Help Resources Page, and 8 Weekly Modules.

Importing a Template into your Course 

Once you decide which template will best suit your needs, you will be able to import the template into your course shell. We highly recommend that you import the template into an empty course before importing your content from CC or another Canvas course.

  1. After selecting your choice of template, locate the “Import/Download” button on the menu to the right.
  2. Select the boxes for the course(s) you’d like to import the template.
  3. Once you’ve selected your course(s), click “Import into Course.”
    Screenshot of Canvas Commons import process
  4. A confirmation will appear at the top of the screen that reads, “You have successfully started the import! Please note that it may take a while to see changes in your course.” It should only take a few minutes, please be patient. 
  5. Please note that the newly imported content will be located below the template content in the Modules Index. The Module items can be easily moved and organized with the drag and drop feature or by selecting the location from the 3-dot menu to the right of the module item.
  6. Reset the Course Home Page
  7. Update the Course Navigation to show only the links you want your students to see.

WARNING: If you import the Template AFTER importing content from another course, the content on the Syllabus page will be removed. This is why we recommend importing the template before importing content from another course. If you have not added content to the Syllabus in Canvas, feel free to import the Template first to eliminate steps 6 and 7 above. 

If you want more information about the Canvas Commons, check out the Commons Guides.