There are four different course types in Canvas - you will likely only interact with two of the four, course of record and a sandbox. Here’s a table overviewing the differences between the two:

No two course development projects look the same. Some instructors have several months to thoughtfully design a new course, while others may be assigned a course just weeks or even days before the semester begins. The timelines below outline recommended priorities based on the amount of preparation time available. Regardless of your timeline, remember that a well-organized, student-centered course is more important than a course filled with every possible feature. Focus first on creating a clear learning experience, then continue improving your course throughout the semester.

If you are moving from on-ground to online format or converting to a condensed course format, check out this guide. We’re here to help, schedule a 1-1 consultation with a learning designer.

Ideal Course Development Timeline: 3 Months Before the Semester

Select a section below.

10-12 Weeks Before8-10 Weeks Before6-8 Weeks Before4-6 Weeks Before2-4 Weeks Before1-2 Weeks Before

Plan the Course

• Review the course description and learning outcomes.
• Update or develop the syllabus.
• Create measurable module learning objectives.
• Develop a course map aligning objectives, activities, and assessments.
• Determine the overall course structure (weekly, unit-based, or thematic).

Build Course Content

• Create Modules.
• Develop Pages and instructional materials.
• Record or update lecture videos.
• Locate readings and other course resources.
• Build assignments and discussions.
• Begin creating quizzes and exams.

Design Student Learning Activities

• Create engaging discussions.
• Develop authentic assessments.
• Build rubrics.
• Incorporate opportunities for collaboration.
• Integrate educational technologies where appropriate.

Review Accessibility

• Caption videos. YuJa, Quinnipiac’s academic video platform, does this automatically!
• Add alternative text to images.
• Check document accessibility.
• Review color contrast.
• Use headings consistently.
• Run accessibility checks.

Check Accessibility of Course Content with Panorama

YuJa Panorama is a powerful accessibility tool that integrates directly into Canvas, to identify and fix accessibility issues, generate alternative file formats, and support inclusive learning through AI-powered remediation tools. Instructors can use YuJa Panorama to enhance course accessibility and improve the student learning experience.

Learn more about Panorama by watching a recording of our training session, viewing the resources on our website, or by scheduling a meeting with a learning designer.

Build the Student Experience

• Create a Welcome Announcement.
• Design the Course Home Page.
• Record a Welcome Video.
• Update your instructor profile.
• Add orientation materials.
• Verify navigation is intuitive.

Final Review

• Complete the Course Readiness Checklist.
• Verify due dates.
• Test all links.
• Review the course in Student View.
• Publish all content.
• Ask a colleague or instructional designer to review the course.

Quick Course Development Timeline: 2–4 Weeks Before the Semester

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Learning objectives clearly communicate what students should know and be able to do by the end of a course or module. They provide a roadmap for both instructors and students, helping ensure that instruction, learning activities, and assessments are aligned with the intended outcomes. Whether you are given your learning objectives or creating your own, they are still an important part of the course design process.

Well-written learning objectives help instructors:

• Focus course content on the most important knowledge and skills.
• Design meaningful learning activities.
• Create assessments that accurately measure student learning.
• Organize courses around clear expectations.
• Support Quality Matters standards and evidence-based course design.

For students, learning objectives clarify expectations, reduce uncertainty, and help them understand the purpose behind each learning activity.

An effective syllabus balances essential course information with a focus on learning, engagement, and student success. It clearly communicates course goals, explains expectations in a transparent and inclusive way, and connects students with the resources they need throughout the semester. By writing your syllabus with students in mind, you can create a positive first impression, reduce uncertainty, and foster a learning environment built on trust, clarity, and partnership. Our syllabus guide highlights best practices for creating a syllabus that is organized, accessible, inclusive, and aligned with your course design, helping students begin the semester with confidence and a clear path to success.

Thoughtfully designed assessments help students demonstrate what they have learned while giving instructors useful insight into their progress.

A strong learning community helps students feel connected, supported, and motivated to participate. Explore strategies using the buttons below for building community, strengthening instructor presence, and creating meaningful opportunities for engagement throughout the course.

Educational technology can help make courses more engaging, accessible, and efficient for both instructors and students. Quinnipiac provides access to a range of officially supported tools, along with training and technical assistance. Faculty may also choose to explore other educational technologies, but these tools are not supported by Quinnipiac support staff, and should be reviewed carefully for accessibility, privacy, security, and student data considerations.