A few weeks ago, the Arts & Sciences web team announced that we would be integrating department websites with the Canvas Learning Management System so that the Canvas Syllabus Descriptions would show on the websites' course detail pages. This feature went live today, so users will notice the longer descriptions being included on those pages when they are available. The old custom description still appears as "Additional Details."
We know this system is not perfect yet and are looking forward to feedback. Department editors are invited to bring thoughts and feedback to our next Department Web Framework users meeting on Oct. 25, 2-3pm, in CMU 202. If it can't wait, or they can't attend the meeting, please email us at asweb@uw.edu. For those who are interested, more information about this new feature is available below.
Why are you automatically adding Canvas Syllabus Descriptions?
From the web team's perspective, there are two major gains. First, we can reduce the number of places staff have to enter course descriptions. Instead of posting to the department website and to Canvas, they only have to post to Canvas. Also, instructor-added descriptions will come through on the website, so staff will not have to post on behalf of instructors who are already using Canvas.
Second, adding course descriptions in Canvas increases their visibility by ensuring they appear in MyPlan as well as the department website. Our research has shown that the vast majority of students, particularly undergraduates, do all their course shopping through MyPlan or the Time Schedule. Therefore having the description available in MyPlan will reach more students and potentially encourage enrollments.
Why are you adding the Canvas Syllabus Description and not the Public Description?
UW IT includes the Syllabus Description in MyPlan, not the Public Description, so we are following their protocol. They chose the Syllabus Description to serve as the replacement for ICD's (Instructor Course Descriptions). Instructions on how to add a Syllabus Description to a course.
I am not an instructor and I don't have access to Canvas. How can I edit my department's course descriptions?
Department staff can be authorized to edit Canvas courses for an entire department. We will go over how to obtain access at the DWF users meeting on Oct. 25. You can also read about obtaining access here: Grant Authorization for Canvas in Astra.