Overview of 2024 Changes- Course Layout and Structure

Allison McComb Updated by Allison McComb

Overview of 2024 Changes- Course Layout and Structure

The eCornell Design and Development team has recently updated all courses to feature a new Homepage redesign, as well as convert projects into this new inline format. We will outline changes to both the homepage redesign and Course Project format below.

Homepage re-design:

The redesign aimed to create a user-friendly homepage that provides a clear course structure and expectations, and also students to easily resume their progress. The new homepage offers a comprehensive view of important dates, highlights relevant updates such as grades and announcements, and ensures easy access to the homepage from anywhere within the course. The new homepage will introduce students to the course, with introductory information hosted on a separate welcome page.

Example of the new homepage:

Example of where students will see Live Session information, as well as recent feedback displayed:

The "Course Overview" section will outline videos, discussions, quizzes, activities and projects within each module.

Below is an example of the "Resume Course" button, previously unavailable, which students will now see when re-entering their course after navigating away from Canvas/closing their browser:

An example of the new Course Syllabus format:

Although the new course syllabus format does not list individual start dates for assignments, students are able to view specific due dates for each of their assignments from the assignment page itself, or from accessing their Gradebook from the left-hand navigational menu.

This student-facing Knowledge-Base article offers guidance on how students can navigate to their Gradebook.

Course Project Re-design

In the new course project format, project components are embedded directly within the webpage as a quiz , allowing students to submit their responses via user-friendly text fields. This design promotes a mobile-friendly experience and encourages students to submit their projects earlier in the course, fostering continuous interaction with the course facilitator. This format has replaced the Word document format in many courses.

Overview of Changes
  • Elimination of Downloadable Word Documents: Previously, students filled out project components in a Word document, but they will now submit responses directly in Canvas using "New Quizzes." This new structure allows students to complete parts online without needing additional software.
  • Separating Project Parts and Setting Due Dates: Each section of the project will now be submitted separately with individual due dates. This structure provides students with consistent feedback on their progress and helps them stay on track throughout the course.
  • Numeric Grading and Course Completion Thresholds: Each project component will receive a numeric score, which will count toward an overall numeric course grade rather than a simple complete/incomplete. Passing courses will now require a 85% or higher final grade.
  • Controlled Access to Final Project Part: Because students might skip some assignments and still earn an 85% on the course, they will not be able to access the final project part until all other assignments have been submitted.  Students can plan for the final project part using the "Preview Your Course Project" page near the start of the course.
  • Controlled Resubmissions: Students who score below 85% on any project part may request a chance to resubmit. Facilitators can allow additional attempts using a process in Canvas outlined in this article.

Unchanged Aspects of Project Grading and Philosophy:

  • Content Consistency: The activities and questions in each assignment will remain the same, unless other specific assignment changes are rolled out.
  • Grading Philosophy and Expectations: Despite numeric scores, grading should reflect successful task completion, with points deducted primarily for specific assignment deficiencies.
Guidance for grading inline course projects can be found in this article. Information on the new grading scheme which accompanied this change can be found in this article.

How did we do?

How Do I Send Students Nudges from the Gradebook?

How Can I Update My Canvas Notification Preferences?

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