Design Canvas Pages Using Best Practices

Why use pages? 

• Creating pages that contain a number of related files, images, and links in one place can help keep modules from becoming too long. 
• Adding files (PDF, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) to your course pages allows students to preview the files without downloading them.
• Pages allow you to create context around an item. This helps students learn more effectively. Instead of merely watching a YouTube video, students can read why you think this video is important or you can ask them to consider 3 questions after watching the video. 

Page Design Guidelines

• Use a headings and subheadings to create a logical structure and flow.
   
• Use chunking (same principles described under modules) to make text on the page easier to read. See: People Don't Read Online - They Scan for more information about research and tips.
   
• Add context - Consider including instructions and action steps that tell students exactly what they are supposed to do with an item inserted on a page. Do they need to complete the Chapter 2 reading assignment? Do they need to print and bring it to class? Do they just need to skim it? Is it there for reference later on in the semester?
   
• Use text emphasis strategically and at a minimum.
  • Text emphasized in bold, italics, color, highlighting, or a combination can make the page cluttered and confusing. 
  • If everything on the page is emphasized, nothing is emphasized.
  • A common general rule is, "Never use more than one type of emphasis on any one word or phrase."
  • Use of the headings and subheadings will automatically create larger text and spacing. Links already add color and underlining (unless you override those defaults, in which case, use the formatting eraser to bring it back to the default).
  • Use the formatting eraser (located at the top of the Editor window in Canvas pages) to bring any text back to their default settings. Note: You might need to select the three dots to get to more options.
     
• Before saving a page, click on the Ally icon (the little icon that looks like a person in a circle below the text edit window shown at right) to make sure you have met all accessibility standards, such as Alt Text on all images and a logical heading and subheading structure.
   
• ⚠️ Use caution with copy-and-paste. If you have inserted pictures or files, the "links" to these files will not be preserved for any students or users that don't have access to the original course. Instead, use Canvas' built in Import tool or Copy to... (in the three dots menu on any content item) options.