Applying UDL in Canvas
Applying UDL in Canvas
Canvas is the Learning Management System (LMS) used at Ontario Tech University. When designed intentionally, Canvas courses can support more accessible, flexible, and inclusive learning experiences.
Considering Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles when building your Canvas course can help reduce educational barriers, support learner engagement, and provide learners with multiple ways to access content, participate in learning activities, and demonstrate understanding.
The resources below provide practical strategies and examples for applying UDL principles within your Canvas course design, content, communication, and assessments.
Course Navigation
The Course Navigation menu allows learners to access course links such as Announcements, Grades, Modules, and more. Customizing this menu so that only relevant links are displayed can help minimize confusion as learners move through the course.
Strategies
- Manage your Course Navigation links and hide tabs that are not in use.
- Organize course materials within Modules to create a more consistent navigation experience.
- Hide the Pages tab if pages are already organized within structured Modules to reduce redundancy.
- Remove unused external tools or integrations that may distract or confuse learners.
Communication
Effective communication plays an important role in fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
Strategies
- Clearly communicate how learners can contact course instructors and teaching assistants.
- Share important contact information within the course syllabus and course home page.
- Inform learners about the communication tools that will be used throughout the course, such as Canvas Announcements or the Canvas Inbox.
- Provide multiple ways for learners to communicate and seek support, such as office hours, discussion forums, virtual meetings, or messaging tools.
- Set expectations regarding communication timelines, including when you typically check email and expected response times.
- Create a clear and welcoming course home page that helps learners navigate the course and locate important information.
Pages
Canvas Pages can be used to organize and present course content using text, images, videos, links, multimedia, and interactive content.
Strategies
- Use the Accessibility Checker within the Rich Content Editor to identify and address accessibility issues before publishing pages.
- Activate prior knowledge by connecting new content to previous lessons or concepts.
- Incorporate checks for understanding throughout content pages, such as reflective questions, knowledge checks, or self-assessment activities.
- Present content in multiple formats, including text, images, graphics, audio, and video.
- Provide captions or transcripts for audio and video content and alternative text for images.
- Test pages across devices and with common accessibility tools to ensure proper display and functionality.
Modules
Modules can help organize course content into clear and structured learning pathways that support learner navigation and engagement.
Strategies
- Organize modules consistently using topics, units, lessons, or weeks.
- Include a module with important course resources and support services, such as Student Accessibility Services, Library resources, and academic integrity resources.
- Use module headers and indentations to organize related content and activities.
- Keep modules concise and manageable to help reduce cognitive load and support learner focus.
- Consider publishing modules gradually as learners progress through the course.
Assessments
Canvas tools can support the design of meaningful and flexible assessments that allow learners to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in different ways.
Strategies
- Incorporate authentic or alternative assessments that reflect real-world skills and applications.
- Provide clear and concise assessment instructions.
- Provide flexible ways for learners to demonstrate learning, such as written, audio, video, or multimedia submissions.
- Create rubrics that align with learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
- Encourage learners to review their work against the rubric before submission.
- Incorporate opportunities for peer review and feedback where appropriate.
Continue Exploring the UDL Resource Centre!
Now that you have explored how to apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Canvas, continue to the next section to learn how you can design inclusive content and courses!
DESIGN WITH UDL IN MIND