Welcome back to Simon Says Educate! In this special episode, we delve into the Canvas Blueprint with Jeff Cain and Ronald Lethcoe from the TLC and guest Brady Hageman from E-learining. We explain the difference between templates and blueprints, guiding instructors on how to tailor their courses effectively. Brady, our Canvas expert, clarifies that blueprints act as roadmaps while templates are components within them. The blueprint offers diverse homepage templates accommodating different teaching styles, ensuring accessibility and mobile-friendliness. We stress the importance of faculty presence and student engagement in online learning.
The blueprint introduces a "Week Zero" concept, where instructors can provide essential information before the course starts, facilitating student orientation. Jeff highlights the value of including instructor photos to humanize the learning experience and boost student engagement. We mention FutureTools.io, an open-source AI tool resource for various projects. We recommend exploring it for innovative solutions. We also discuss the new internet search and plugin features in ChatGPT Plus, expanding its capabilities. Lastly, we emphasize the role of campus clubs in fostering community and student success. Brady shares his involvement in the gaming club and encourages faculty to promote club awareness to enhance student engagement and connections. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes of Simon Says Educate!
