Online tools for teaching

Course: Canvas for teachers

Canvas is the learning management plattform that MDU uses for teaching and learning. Lärum educates and supports teachers in the pedagogical use of Canvas. Our key words are: Learning in focus, having a clear structure, creating a sense of belonging and variation.

Canvas introduction for teachers External link.

Create structure in Canvas

With the help of modules, the course content can be given a sequential and clear structure that is easy for the course participant to follow. As a teacher you can therefore show how the course's lectures, seminars and other learning activities are related to the intended course learning outcomes and examination.

Show a clear path through the course that makes it easy for students to find what they need for their learning.

We give some concrete tips on how courses can be designed in our presentation of Makeover by Lärum.

Makeover by Lärum

Create interaction in Canvas

Creating a sense of belonging and context between classmates and teachers is important for learning. Being addressed personally and having interactive learning activities can boost this. Here are some suggestions:

• Use Announcements to clearly show your presence on the course.
• Record a short video (1-2 mins) with a question students should answer in text or as a video clip.
• There is a group function in Canvas where groups have their own workspace and can share files, create pages, discuss topics, etc.
  

FeedbackFruits

The tools from FeedbackFruits can be used to create discussion and interaction in documents or video.

Zoom

Zoom is a meeting tool for teaching and learning. Some useful links are:

Install Zoom client External link.

Zoom Help Center External link.

Background images to Zoom External link.

Video and MDU-Play

Lärum has the use of a film studio in Västerås and in Eskilstuna for the recording of videos for teaching purposes:

• Lärum can show you how things work in the film studio and how videos can be used in teaching.
• Lärum can show you how to do easier editing of the recorded material.
• On MDU Play the videos for teaching purposes can be stored and streamed.
• MDU Play can be combined with Canvas.

Tips for recording videos:

• Write a clear-cut script on what is going to be said
• Try not to talk too fast and talk clearly
• Do not place anything important (e.g., name badge) on the bottom 25% of the image That's where subtitles appear if the video is going to be subtitled
• Stand with the light from the front and with the microphone close to you.

Record videos with PowerPoint

If your computer is equipped with Windows 10, you should also have a recording tool in PowerPoint. The recording tool has its own tab and you must select it yourself to show it:

• In PowerPoint, go to File > Options > Customise ribbon
• Check the box “Recording" and then click OK to save the change.
  

For the recording to turn into a video, it is important that you save it as a video. You will find this option on the Recording tab > Export to Video.
Then you can choose the resolution. For uploading to MDU Play, we recommend that you use the highest resolution. It usually takes a while to create a video.

When the video is finished, it is good to upload it to MDU Play. There you can also download a link or an embedded code for your courses.