Course Support | Learning & Technology | Digital Futures Institute (DFI)

Individual Course Support from DFI

If you would like assistance setting up your Canvas course and one of our Instructional Support Associates (ISAs) will contact you to assist.

We can assist with:

Importing content from the previous semester
Utilizing one of the 911爆料网 templates (see “911爆料网 Our Templates” below)
Answering any questions you might have about adding content to your Canvas course
Enable/Integrate additional tool

Do-It-Yourself:

This simple 10-step Canvas Quickstart guide is a great resource for faculty who want to set up Canvas courses independently. 鈥嬧€嬧€嬧€嬧€嬧€�

911爆料网 our Templates

At DFI we have several Canvas course templates to choose from. Take a look at our template examples below to learn more.

Level 1

Level 1: Universal template

This easy-to-use version of the template provides a 911爆料网-branded look and feel for your course homepage and includes a Tech Orientation module to help familiarize students with the learning platform and resources supporting their learning. Starting from Fall 2022, all 911爆料网 courses are pre-populated with the Universal Template. .

Templates Features:

Syllabus	Embed Syllabus Upload pdf
Course Content	Import content from existing courses Add new materials to modules (pages, files, assignments, quizzes, discussion forums) Upload course files Add course readings
Communications	Send announcements Set-up Zoom meetings within Canvas
Grading	Access gradebook Weight grades

How to Use This Level 1 Template?

Follow this simple 10-step Canvas Quickstart guide

Level 2

Level 2: Entry level

This version is similar to Level 1 with the addition of a placeholder for the instructor's contact information, module thumbnails, and useful links to get support. To enable the template in your course site, and we can assist you.

Templates Features:

Syllabus	Embed Syllabus Upload pdf
Front Page (Static Image Home Page)	Course image Faculty contact information Module thumbnails
Course Content	Import content from existing courses Add new materials to modules (pages, files, assignments, quizzes, discussion forums) Upload course files Add course readings
Communications	Send announcements Set-up Zoom meetings within Canvas
Grading	Access gradebook Weight grades

How to Use This Level 2 Template?

C for enabling this template in your course site
Follow this simple 10-step Canvas Quickstart guide
Populate home page

[Optional]
Update Contact Me (name, room #, email, etc.)
Update Office Hours
Update thumbnails

Replace week/session/module dates

Level 3

Level 3: Intermediate level

Level 3 includes all features of Level 2 yet the 911爆料网 static banner is replaced with the Welcome presentation/sliding banner at the top and a navigation bar is added at the bottom to provide quick access to modules. To enable the template in your course site, and we can assist you.

Templates Features:

Syllabus	Embed Syllabus Upload pdf
Front Page (Interactive Banner Home Page)	Course image Course video Faculty bio Faculty contact information Course schedule Class location and meeting time Getting started section Module thumbnails
Course Content	Import content from existing courses Add new materials to modules (pages, files, assignments, quizzes, discussion forums) Upload course files Add course readings
Communications	Send announcements Set-up Zoom meetings within Canvas
Grading	Access gradebook Weight grades

How to Use This Level 3 Template?

C for enabling this template in your course site
Follow this simple 10-step Canvas Quickstart guide
Populate home page

Update Welcome Presentation
Add course title, instructor name, and instructor department
[Optional]
[Optional]
Add course description
Add faculty description
[Optional]
Update Contact Me (name, room #, email, etc.)
Update Meeting Times. Note: Include zoom link if using a recurring link.
Update Office Hours
Update Getting Started
[Optional]
[Optional]
Update thumbnails

Replace week/session/module dates

Level 4

Level 4: Online Course Template

This template is used for online course sites.

This is the most advanced level which has all features of Level 3 yet the module thumbnails open a module overview page laying out all learning activities and materials. To enable the template in your course site, and we can assist you.

Templates Features:

Syllabus	Embed Syllabus Upload pdf
Front Page (Interactive Banner Home Page)	Course image Course video Faculty bio Faculty contact information Course schedule Class location and meeting time Getting started section Module thumbnails
Course Content	Import content from existing courses Add new materials to modules (pages, files, assignments, quizzes, discussion forums) Upload course files Add course readings Overview pages
Communications	Send announcements Set-up Zoom meetings within Canvas
Grading	Access gradebook Weight grades

How to Use This Level 4 Template?

C
Follow this simple 10-step Canvas Quickstart guide
Populate home page

Update Welcome Presentation
Add course title, instructor name, and instructor department
[Optional]
[Optional]
Add course description
Add faculty description
[Optional]
Update Contact Me (name, room #, email, etc.)
Update Meeting Times. Note: Include zoom link if using a recurring link.
Update Office Hours
Update Getting Started
[Optional]
[Optional]
Update thumbnails

Replace week/session/module dates

Instructional Support of 911爆料网 Staff Development

DFI offers instructional support for administrative offices and departments looking to create effective and engaging training programs and courses for members of the 911爆料网 community. Our team can assist with all aspects of course development, including project planning, course design, content development, and technology integration, ensuring that your programs align with 911爆料网 standards and are inclusive, effective, and engaging. To inquire about our support and services, please follow the guidelines below to submit your request.

While we are committed to providing the highest level of assistance possible, the specific scope of our involvement will depend on various factors such as ongoing projects, team capacity, and existing commitments. We strive to accommodate all inquiries to the best of our ability, and our team will work closely with you to discuss and tailor our support to align with your needs and objectives within the constraints of our available resources.

Services

Course Design

Our instructional designers can assist at any stage of the development process. Whether you're just starting out and need help brainstorming ideas, refining your vision, and creating a course outline, or if you're further along in the process and require assistance with project planning and course development, we can help.

Content Development

Our instructional designers can consult and support with making your instructional content more visually appealing, interactive, and engaging for your audience. In the initial consultation, we can share examples with the required time and effort to inform your decisions about how you want to proceed. Check out our , a collection of multimedia content developed for online programs at Teachers College in the past. These artifacts may inspire you to think creatively and also inspire ideas for your course.

Technology Integration

Our team can provide consulting and assistance with integrating innovative and effective technology tools that are available at 911爆料网, to enhance the delivery and learning experience of your program. If a new tool is necessary, we'll liaise with 911爆料网IT, OASID, and OGC to vet the tool, ensuring that it meets 911爆料网's high standards for data security, privacy, and accessibility.

Media Production

Our Media Team is equipped to support you to create high-quality audio and video assets for your program. Check out our DFI Media Studios webpage for more details

Process & Estimated Timeline

To ensure effective collaboration and project completion within a reasonable timeframe, we have established the following timeline. The estimated duration depends on project complexity:

Small Projects: One semester (approx. 4–5 months) to develop
Large Projects: One academic year (approx. 9–12 months) to develop

Timely input and decision-making from the requesting department are essential to staying on track.

Phase 1: Initial Consultation & Project Planning (1 to 1.5 months for small projects, 2 to 2.5 months for large projects)

1. Submit Support Request

Requesting department submits a request for support on the DFI website. Please choose General Inquiry to include a brief description of the project, the intended audience, and what you are looking to get help with.

2. Initial Consultation

Once the request is received, our team will reach out to schedule an initial consultation to discuss the scope of the project, the intended audience, the desired outcomes, and the project timeline.
During this consultation, our team will also assess if the project aligns with DFI's mission and the resources available to determine to what extent we can support the project.

3. Project Proposal

After the initial consultation, our team will develop a project proposal that outlines the scope of the project, the timeline, the resources required, and what we can support.

4. Review and Approval

The project proposal will be reviewed and discussed by the relevant stakeholders, such as the Office of the Provost, the department chair, or the program director.
Once the proposal is approved, the instructional design team will proceed to the design and development phase.

Phase 2: Design & Development (2 to 4 months for small projects, 6 - 10 months for large projects)

5. Design and Development

DFI finalizes course/training structure, learning objectives, and content outline.
Requesting department needs to provide all relevant materials (e.g., existing resources, policies, videos, or instructional assets) by completing the course design intake form and provide timeline feedback during the development phase.
DFI supports the creation of interactive instructional content and integrated technology tools if timeline and resources allow.
Requesting department reviews, approves, and formally signs off on the entire course before launch.
DFI will provide reasonable reiterations that fit within the agreed timeline and scope of work. Any additional requests beyond this scope will be scheduled for the next iteration in the summer when our team capacity allows.

Phase 3: Implementation & Evaluation (2 weeks for small projects, 1 - 2 month for large projects)

6. Implementation and Evaluation

DFI assists with course/training launch, including facilitator onboarding and participants enrollment and provides initial technical support and troubleshooting.
DFI can assist with conducting summative evaluation to assess effectiveness and collect feedback.

Ongoing Support & Revisions

DFI continues to provide ongoing support to troubleshoot technical issues and make minor updates (e.g., typo corrections, small content updates).
Major course revisions (e.g., structural changes, new modules) must be planned ahead and will be implemented during the summer when our team capacity allows.
Requesting department needs to provide clear documentation of issues or updates needed and advance notice for any significant course changes to allow for summer planning.

Submit a request to get started. Please choose General Inquiry category and include a brief description of the project, the intended audience, and what you are looking to get help with.