Have you heard? U-M now has DesignPLUS available in our Canvas instances (including Canvas Catalog). DesignPLUS is a time-saving toolset for every educator and course designer working in the Canvas LMS. It helps you quickly build, style, and scale high-quality courses - making learning engaging and accessible.

This hands-on workshop introduces the core DesignPLUS workflow for creating and updating Canvas content. You'll learn how to navigate the DesignPLUS Sidebar, build an engaging homepage, edit existing content, and use templates to create polished, consistent Canvas course pages. By the end of the session, you'll have the confidence to start using DesignPLUS in your own courses.

-Introduction to DesignPLUS
--Overview of DesignPLUS tools within Canvas
--Introduction to the QuickStart Wizard
--Using templates and Content Blocks
--Introduction to the DesignPLUS Sidebar

-Building a Canvas Homepage with the DesignPLUS Sidebar
--Adding a theme, banner title, banner image, and grid links
--Using the Upload/Embed Image Tool for a banner image
--Adjusting grid links and customizing grid link icons

-Enhancing Existing Canvas Content
--Applying consistent themes and styling
--Organizing existing content with Content Blocks and headings
--Improving the presentation of images, videos, links, and important information

-Accessibility and Course Design Best Practices
--Using accessible heading structures and alternative text
--Importing external assets
--Creating clear, consistent, and easy-to-navigate course content

Wrap-up, Resources, and Q&A