Canvas Introductory Message
Regardless of the delivery mode of your course, your Canvas course site is a key tool for communicating with your students. The site is likely to be your students’ first interaction with the course (prior to attendance at any scheduled face to face sessions).
To ensure that students have a positive first impression, you should include a welcoming, clear, and structured introduction to the course. A well thought out introductory message can also help to minimise the time needed to address administrative questions during the first few weeks of term.
Before publishing your site, you should ensure that it includes a professional, engaging, and informative Introduction for your students. This message should provide students with everything they need to:
- Understand your expectations of students with respect to preferred communication channels, and times/methods available for consultations via your contact information.
- Navigate the site and find key course components (e.g. course outline, schedule, and assessment details).
- Understand your intended use of your site throughout the term (e.g., Is everything available at the start of term? If not, you need to make clear that you will be making learning materials available progressively throughout the term).
- Be aware of the course learning outcomes.
- Be aware of any specific resources (e.g. a lab coat, specific software, etc) that are required for the course, and how to obtain these resources.
- Note any course specific policy information. Key policies are included in the Course Outline, but the Introduction is a good opportunity to highlight anything specific to your course.
- Be aware of any expectations with regards to prior learning or experience. Assumed Knowledge and Enrolment Requisites are included in the course outline. The Introduction is a great place to draw the attention of your students to these expectations.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.