VCU Online: Getting to Know DesignPlus
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Introduction
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.
Basic Editing with DesignPlus
To get started with DesignPlus, let's explore some basic editing features that will allow you to create pages, add images, and embed videos:
Accessing DesignPlus
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.
Creating a Page
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) Templates
Creating a page with Designplus from scratch
Course Level Templates and Content Blocks with DesignPlus
Embedding a Video
DesignPlus 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 DesignPlus
Advanced Editing with DesignPlus
For more advanced editing options, DesignPlus offers additional features to further enhance your course materials. Some of these advanced editing features include:
Call Outs
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.
Accordions, Expanders, & Tabs
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.
Accessibility Checker
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.
Additional DesignPlus Elements
Additional Resources
To further support your use of DesignPlus, here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
VCU Online Workshops (Coming Soon)
Conclusion
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!