DesignPlus is a powerful tool that enables you to create visually appealing and interactive course content with Canvas. With DesignPlus, you can easily enhance the structure and design of your course materials, making them more engaging and accessible for your students. By incorporating multimedia elements, such as images, videos, and interactive elements, you can create a dynamic learning environment that promotes active student interaction and knowledge retention.
To get started with DesignPlus, let's explore some basic editing features that will allow you to create pages, add images, and embed videos:
DesignPlus can be accessed in any Canvas page, assignment, discussion or classic quiz. (DesignPlus cannot be accessed in New Quizzes yet.) To find the DesignPlus Toolbar, edit any Canvas page or assignment. You will see small rocketship icon in the top right corner of your page.
If you do not see this icon, you may need to press a command on your keyboard to make it appear. For a Windows computer, press ALT + Shift + D. For a Mac computer, press Option + Shift + D.
Within DesignPlus, you'll have access to a variety of templates that allow you to create custom pages for your Canvas course. You can also create your own template pages within your course.
Take a look at the Scribes below to get started:
Creating a page with DesignPlus (New) TemplatesCreating a page with Designplus from scratchCourse Level Templates and Content Blocks with DesignPlusDesignPlus enables you to embed videos directly into your course materials. By including relevant videos, you can provide students with additional explanations, demonstrations, or real-life examples to support their learning. The video will be displayed within your page, allowing students to view it directly without leaving the course.
Embedding Videos Using DesignPlusFor more advanced editing options, DesignPlus offers additional features to further enhance your course materials. Some of these advanced editing features include:
Use this tool to create a text excerpt, used as a visual cue to draw attention to the text, known as a "Callout" and help direct users towards important pieces of information.
Use these three tools to create expanding panel groups in which one or more panels can open at a time, create quick references like FAQs or resources, and build interactive content.
Use these tools to identify and fix accessibility errors related to various page elements and review page usability issues related to design, file access, and screen size.
DesignPlus Sidebar Introduction
DesignPlus Columns
Creating Quick Checks with DesignPlus
To further support your use of DesignPlus, here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
DesignPlus User Guide
Cidilabs DesignPlus Knowledge Base
DesignPlus Virtual Training Series
VCU Online Open Office Hours
VCU Online Workshops (Coming Soon)
Congratulations! You now know how to get started editing your own pages using DesignPlus within Canvas!. DesignPlus is a valuable tool that can be used to enhance the structure and design of your courses. By utilizing its features, you can create engaging and interactive course materials that promote student learning. Remember to take advantage of the additional resources available to further support your use of DesignPlus or feel free to reach out to your support team for assistance! Happy designing!
Course Level Templates and Content Blocks with DesignPlus