The University of Massachusetts Amherst's Canvas learning management system (LMS) offers a robust platform for instructors to create and manage their courses, including flipped classroom instruction. A flipped classroom is an instructional strategy that reverses the traditional lecture-homework format, where students learn foundational material at home before applying it in the classroom. In this article, we will explore how to use UMass Amherst Canvas for flipped classroom instruction with ease, highlighting key features, best practices, and expert insights.
Setting Up Your Canvas Course
To begin using Canvas for flipped classroom instruction, instructors need to set up their course site. This involves creating a new course, adding course materials, and configuring the course settings. Course templates can be used to streamline the process, providing a pre-designed structure for organizing course content. Instructors can also import course content from previous semesters or other courses, saving time and effort. Additionally, Canvas allows instructors to create custom course roles, enabling teaching assistants or other instructors to assist with course management.
Organizing Course Content
Effective organization of course content is crucial for a successful flipped classroom experience. Canvas provides several features to help instructors structure their course materials, including modules, pages, and files. Modules can be used to organize course content into logical topics or weeks, while pages can be used to create custom content, such as lecture notes or assignments. Files can be used to upload and share course materials, such as videos, podcasts, or documents. Instructors can also use Canvas Commons to share and discover course content with other instructors.
| Canvas Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Modules | Organize course content into logical topics or weeks |
| Pages | Create custom content, such as lecture notes or assignments |
| Files | Upload and share course materials, such as videos or documents |
Creating Engaging Video Content
Video content is a critical component of flipped classroom instruction, as it allows students to learn foundational material at home. Instructors can use various tools to create engaging video content, including screen recording software, video editing software, and multimedia platforms. Canvas provides integration with several video platforms, including Kaltura and YouTube, making it easy to upload and share video content. Instructors can also use closed captions and transcripts to make their video content more accessible.
Assigning Pre-Class Work
Pre-class work is essential for flipped classroom instruction, as it ensures that students come to class prepared to apply what they have learned. Instructors can use Canvas to assign pre-class work, including video quizzes, reading assignments, and online discussions. Canvas’s quiz feature allows instructors to create and assign video quizzes, which can be used to assess student understanding of pre-class material. Instructors can also use Canvas’s grading feature to track student progress and provide feedback.
- Video quizzes: Assess student understanding of pre-class material
- Reading assignments: Assign readings and track student progress
- Online discussions: Facilitate online discussions and encourage student engagement
How do I create a video quiz in Canvas?
+To create a video quiz in Canvas, navigate to the Quizzes tab and click + Quiz. Select Video Quiz as the quiz type and follow the prompts to create and assign the quiz.
How do I track student progress in Canvas?
+To track student progress in Canvas, navigate to the Gradebook tab and click View Grades. You can also use Canvas's Course Analytics feature to track student engagement and identify areas where students may need additional support.
Facilitating In-Class Activities
In-class activities are a critical component of flipped classroom instruction, as they provide students with the opportunity to apply what they have learned. Instructors can use various strategies to facilitate in-class activities, including group work, think-pair-share, and class discussions. Canvas provides several features to support in-class activities, including Canvas’s collaboration feature, which allows instructors to create and manage group assignments. Instructors can also use Canvas’s attendance feature to track student attendance and participation.
Using Canvas for Assessment and Feedback
Assessment and feedback are essential components of flipped classroom instruction, as they provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding and receive feedback on their performance. Instructors can use Canvas to create and assign assessments, including quizzes, assignments, and discussions. Canvas’s grading feature allows instructors to track student progress and provide feedback, while Canvas’s rubrics feature provides a framework for assessing student performance.
| Assessment Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Quizzes | Assess student understanding of course material |
| Assignments | Assess student application of course material |
| Discussions | Assess student participation and engagement |
By following these guidelines and using the features and strategies outlined in this article, instructors can use UMass Amherst Canvas to create and facilitate flipped classroom instruction with ease, providing students with a engaging and effective learning experience.
