Using Canvas in Larger Classes
Let's face it, large classes (40+) are less than ideal for teaching and can be particularly challenging for lower division courses, GE, and without TA assistance. I taught a lower division GE/Intro to the major course for RTVF for several terms with 120+ students and no help, so I feel your pain. However, strategic use of Canvas can really help increase engagement while lowering workload.
But first a word on structural constraints. These are limits as to what you can do in any given class, for example, group work is a challenge in large lecture halls with stadium seating, so when faced with this reality instructors avoid group work in class. The issues is when this avoidance becomes "baked-in" to our pedagogy. I mention this because some of what I am suggesting might not seem reasonable, but try and keep an open mind.
Logistics
Using a Canvas shell can really help you manage your class, this is why these types of software are often called learning management systems. Students are automatically enrolled (or removed) from your course so the gradebook is updated. Key features that easy managing all those students include:
Syllabus: putting your syllabus online saves paper and allows you to make adjustments and notify students as you go. Each Canvas feature has the convenient option of a check box that automatically notifies students that the content has changed. The syllabus also creates its own dynamic schedule, so when you start using assignments or other features it automatically displays and updates them as needed. Not to mention, no more photocopying!
Syllabus Overview
Also see:
When would I use the Syllabus?
How do I edit the Syllabus description?
Gradebook: having an online gradebook virtually eliminates students queries on their grades. The gradebook can also be downloaded as a CSV (excel) document (makes for an easy paper roll sheet) and can be edited and re-uploaded. The gradebook also has handy features such the ability to notify students who meet certain criteria, such as not submitting work or scoring below a certain grade and can "hide" scores for controlled release. Moreover, it can be customized for percentages, points, or weights. Finally, once you start using quizzes it automatically records grades and once you enter scores in Speedgrader it transfers them directly into the gradebook and notifies students. Canvas is fully FERPA compliant.
Grades Overview
Also see:
What are Grades and the Gradebook?
How do I enter and edit scores in the Gradebook?
How do I mute an assignment in the Gradebook?
How do I download scores from the Gradebook?
How do I upload changes to the Gradebook?
More guides on grading...
Announcements and Communication: using Canvas to communicate with students either as a class, groups, or individually has several advantages. For the class as a whole, Announcements basically operates as a announce only listserv. This means you can send message to all students from once place. For example, I send students weekly reminders to keep them on-track. For groups, it allows you to communicate with pre-existing groups (What are Student Groups?). For specific students it allows communication either via Canvas or your email that clearly identifies students (so no more trying to figure out who pookybear2546@yahoo.com is!).
Announcements Overview
Also see:
What are Announcements?
How do I make an Announcement?
How do I add content to my Announcement?
More guides on announcements...
#4. Files: photocopying readings or other materials is a pain and a costly waste of paper. Departments spend thousands of dollars on photocopying that could go to other uses such as faculty travel. It is easy to upload files of all types into Canvas and then embed links to them in the syllabus, content pages, and assignments. Students juts click to download.
Adding Course Content (files)
Also see:
What are Files?
How do I move and organize my files?
How do I add a file to my course?
How do I bulk upload files to my course?
How do I lock files and folders in Canvas?
More guides on files...
Instructional Design
Okay, now let's think about what you do in a large lecture class. Looking at the syllabus for MAS 10a and 10b, there are a couple of ways beyond the suggestions above you could incorporate Canvas.
Media Assignments
This is the most obvious candidate. Instead of physically bringing the assignment to class, students could post them on a discussion board (follow link for full tutorial) in Canvas. Since taking photos and posting them is easy, this means objects that may not be transportable or or otherwise frail or precious could be used, as well architectural or immoveable items. By bringing the discussion board up on the projector, everyone could clearly see the items students bring. By posting online, the write-ups would be easy to grade using speedgrader.
Here is brief video on using the Discussion Board
Here are links to some specific guides on how to use the discussion feature
How do I edit a Discussion topic?
How do I set up a graded Discussion?
How can I require students to post to a Discussion before they see replies?
How do I add content to my Discussion?
How do I insert an image file in a Discussion reply?
The SpeedGrader™ allows you to view different types of assignment submissions in one place, make text and audio comments to students, and grade using different methods including a simple point scale or a complex rubric.
View Assignment Submissions
Canvas accepts a variety of document formats and even URLs as assignment submissions. SpeedGrader™ will automatically convert .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, and .pdf using Crocodoc, while the rest of the file formats will be coverted using either Scribd or Google Preview.
Within one frame, you can view [1], grade [2], start discussions [3], and provide students with written, video, and audio commentary [4]. Your private feedback to the student, through text, audio, or video, will be sent via the communication channels that they prefer.
When you have finished with the first student, you can see the submission from the next student by clicking the arrow button [5].
View Submission Details
When you open SpeedGrader™ for a particular assignment, you will see each individual submission, the date and time that it was submitted [1], and a red notification if the assignment was submitted after the due date [2].
Use Rubrics for Grading
SpeedGrader™ also supports the use of Rubrics, which can help you communicate your expectations for any given assignment, increasing the chances that students will turn in better work. While this video is for Administrators, it does show a step-by-step guide to setting up rubrics.
How do I add a Rubric to an Assignment?
How do I grade student work with Rubrics?
Click here to return to the SpeedGrader™ chapter.
Creative Group Project
Creating groups and spaces for students to collaborate and display work are easy to to do on Canvas. Students can be randomly or purposely assigned or self select into groups, projects can be submitted and graded by the group, and communications can be routed to group members. Another possibility is group online discussion, you an create a discussion board and have that broken down into smaller groups of students, see How do I set up a Group Discussion Assignment?.
Here is a video overview for using groups in Canvas
Also see:
How do I make a new set of Groups?
How do I create self sign-up Groups?
How do I automatically assign students to Groups?