Rethinking Syllabus Day

High School Math Teacher Kelly Berryman loves to talk, but it's her goal to talk as little as possible on syllabus day.

With so much information to cover in the first class of the semester, how does she do it? She designs a self-paced Canvas module. Here's what the module looks like:

• The module starts with a Google Form that she uses to take attendance. Kelly also asks students about their attitudes toward math. 
• Then she embeds a Google Slides deck covering essential course information at the top of a Canvas quiz. To advance through the module, students must score 12 out of 15 on the quiz. 
• Students then have to mark two Canvas pages as DONE after completing tasks related to course materials.
• Students then join an online collaborative activity using Poll Everywhere.
• She ends the module with a get-to-know-you activity using Google Slides.

The module's main dish is the syllabus quiz. Kelly's big goal is to communicate "clear, concise goals for retakes." This is where things get fun. Students can retake a quiz if they've earned the corresponding badge. Kelly is implementing Canvas Badges for a second year.

A lot of great blended learning strategies are happening in one module. Are you interested in learning more?

• Schedule a meeting with me. I'd love to show you how Kelly created her syllabus day module.
• Schedule a meeting with your Technology Lead Teacher, Media Specialist, or Instructional Coach.
• Don't have time for a meeting? Watch this five-minute video on Canvas Modules.

Are you already thinking about revising your syllabus for next semester? I'm a big fan of IU Bloomington's Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning blog. Here are some recent posts on syllabus development.

• How to Introduce Your Syllabus
• Creating a Warmer and More Inclusive Syllabus
• Write a Syllabus that Supports Student and Instructor Mental Health

Kristin Patrick, Blended Learning Coach 

Here is a picture of the badge: