2. Orientation to course
A solid course orientation introduces students to the tools, expectations, and community norms to set them up for success.
Use this guide to align your course with effective onboarding strategies such as welcome messages, introductions, and support links and assessment overviews, promoting student success and cultivating a vibrant learning community.
Definition
Orientation to course in Canvas is about the student onboarding experience through elements like welcome messages, instructor introductions, support resources, and even icebreaker activities.
Benefits
An effective orientation:
- Welcomes students into the course community
- Establishes instructor approach and availability
- Ensures students understand course logistics
- Reduces repetitive questions
- Allows students to introduce themselves
- Models the tone and engagement level
Implementation checklist
Use the checklist below to track your progress
Key resources
Fostering community
Provide orientation to the course
Exploring the Components
Below is a further breakdown of the different parts of this Canvas Baseline Practice. Included are interactive annotated examples.
Use the navigation to work through sections 2.1 – 2.4