Creating Engaging Content with DesignPlus

Published on Wednesday, November 20, 2024

By: Elizabeth Jacobs

After years of exposure, Canvas courses are commonplace for students of all levels. Routine and consistency are beneficial, but let’s face it, encountering the same thing year after year creates boredom and negatively impacts student engagement. The Office of eCampus acquired a new application to help battle that boredom. DesignPLUS by Cidilabs is an instructional design toolset integrated into Canvas courses. Let’s take a sneak peek at the overarching tools available in DesignPLUS.

First, courses are equipped with a fly-out sidebar. Users editing content may open the Sidebar to create engaging content with options such as columns, headers, and content blocks with embedded images and videos. These blocks and columns may be arranged vertically, horizontally, or even set up to open in a waterfall manner. UMMC colors are available in the tool and may be used for content items. Every option is created without the use of HTML or other programming. School of Medicine’s preclinical courses are already receiving upgrades using DesignPLUS. 

Next, DesignPLUS also includes a Multi-Tool. It allows users to create types of content, like Modules, more quickly.  With a few clicks and selections, a pattern is created and may be duplicated to set up multiple modules with minimal time or effort. 

Finally, the Upload/Embed Image Tool streamlines the process of working with images and videos in course content.  Access to course files and public images is available within the tool. Image selection and editing can all be done without exiting the Canvas course.

By using DesignPLUS, Canvas course content at UMMC will be anything but boring. The content development options included in this application are almost endless, and at first glance, they might feel a little intimidating. No need to panic, though. The Office of eCampus is working with Canvas administrators and instructional designers at UMMC to explore the tools, provide assistance, and help faculty use various options. Please reach out to ecampus@umc.edu with any questions.