This checklist will help you create a Canvas course that includes your files, assignments, discussions, quizzes, content pages, modules, a syllabus, announcements, rubrics for grading, conferences, student groups, and a gradebook.
Canvas Course Setup Checklist
You can also download a printable PDF of this checklist.
File Imports and Organization
Goal: Get all files/content into Canvas where it can be managed.
Course Customization
Goal: Create a clean and intuitive course; add apps to facilitate course design.
Assignments, Discussions, and Quizzes
Goal: Create learning activities that assess student comprehension.
- Add assignments & details – More info
- Add discussions & details – More info
- Add quiz settings & questions – More info
- Publish applicable content
Pages
Goal: Create dynamic learning content using Canvas content pages.
Modules
Goal: Organize course content and create an intuitive workflow for students.
- Create modules + add content
- Reorder modules + reorder content
- Add prerequisites + requirements
- Publish applicable modules – More info
Syllabus
Goal: Display course expectations and institutional policies.
Announcements
Goal: Communicate with students to keep them informed and involved.
Rubrics
Goal: Define assignment expectations and simplify grading.
- Create rubrics for your course
- Add rubrics to assignments – Assignments, Discussions, Quizzes
- Set up free-form responses if desired
Conferences
Goal: Set up virtual meetings with students.
Groups
Goal: Allow students to collaborate on assignments, discussions, or study together.
Gradebook
Goal: Ensure all assignments are ready for grading.
- Mute assignments if desired
- Arrange/sort gradebook – More info
Calendar
Goal: Ensure all events and assignments occur on appropriate dates.