Canvas Baseline Practices: Small changes, big impact for you and your students
23 May 2025What prompted CBP? A quick refresher
The Canvas Baseline Practices (CBP) project was implemented by Ranga Auaha Ako learning technologists in collaboration with faculty (2023–2024), establishing clear standards for all University of Auckland Canvas courses. Developed from student feedback about inconsistent course layouts, CBP incorporates Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and accessibility best practices as part of the Curriculum Framework Transformation, overseen by a cross-faculty governance group. CBP aimed to improve course accessibility, equity, mobile usability, and consistency, supporting the University’s Disability Action Plan. Over 830 courses were upgraded, with targeted training provided to staff. By December 2025, all University courses are expected to meet the CBP standards, with ongoing compliance managed directly by faculties.
What the SET results and staff feedback suggest
Accessibility improvements
With the gradual CBP implementation in over 800 courses through 2023 and 2024, accessibility errors (as defined by Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and flagged by the UDOIT accessibility assistant) dropped by 40% in 2024 compared to 2023.
Improved mobile access
Around 40% of UoA students access Canvas via mobile (app or browser), and aligning one’s courses with CBP and UDL principles ensures multi-device compatibility.
Student experience uplift
SET Course Evaluation results highlight that students in CBP-compliant courses found course structure clearer, navigation simpler, and resources easier to access. CBP-aligned courses received 19.8% more positive feedback on resource availability and 10.1% more on course features compared to non-CBP courses.
Reduced admin workload
Staff noted fewer repetitive student queries about course structure, resources, and deadlines, freeing more time for teaching and student engagement.
Sustainable change and ongoing support
Hundreds of academic staff received targeted support and training. Faculties now oversee remaining course upgrades with continued support and ‘warrant of fitness’ checks provided by Ranga Auaha Ako.
Wider impact
CBP has established consistent student experiences across programmes and faculties, significantly reducing confusion and enhancing overall student satisfaction.
These findings suggest that CBP is not just about compliance—it delivers measurable improvements in student satisfaction, accessibility, and staff workload. Intentional, standards-based course design benefits everyone involved in teaching and learning at the University.
Feedback from teaching staff:
Quick actions for immediate improvement
- Conduct a UDOIT Advantage scan to quickly identify and address key accessibility issues.
- Use Canvas Design Blocks templates for clearer, more structured content.
- Schedule a course review (a ‘warrant of fitness’ check) or a personalised consultation via TeachWell Consult for targeted improvements.
- Explore faculty-specific support via your Associate Dean or Curriculum Development Manager.
See also
Redesigning course with Canvas Baseline Practices leads to new insights
Explore the practical benefits of aligning a Canvas course with Canvas Baseline Practices through Nicole Wegner’s experience.
Mobile learning: Canvas access insights and tips
The latest Canvas usage statistics reveal that students are increasingly using smartphones to access course materials.
Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) monthly forum
Watch the recording of CBP Project business lead Steve Leichtweis’ presentation in May 2025 (staff login required).