Course Design Assets
The Learning Design Team has developed a number of course assets to streamline your course build. From branded banners to 8-week and 16-week course templates, these assets are designed to help you build your course with the student in mind.
Canvas Resources
Check out a variety of ACES-branded Canvas course banners that you can use on your Canvas homepage. Contact us if you have a specific idea or customization you would like.
Example banner:
Canvas course templates are now available on Canvas Commons. Check out Importing Canvas Templates to find out how to use them in your course, or watch the video.
Syllabi
There are currently two syllabus templates available:
Syllabus with Coursera component (Box Link)
Syllabus with Canvas only (Box Link)
Teaching and Learning Resources
For a variety of teaching and learning resources, from ChatGPT to Canvas tips to online pedagogical recommendations, check out Jen's Teaching & Learning Hub. Check back regularly as the site is updated. CITL also has great resources for teaching and learning from Generative Artificial Intelligence and much more on the CITL website.
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
In ACES, instructors have a variety of course delivery options. Whether you are interested in developing on-campus, online, for-credit, non-credit, or open courses, the Learning Design Team can help identify the right option for you.
Canvas
Canvas is the host site for all the for-credit courses in ACES. Whether you're teaching in-person or online, you have a Canvas course to host everything your students need to succeed. If you're interested in offering a new course or revamping an old one, the Learning Design Team can support you in making sure your course is set up with the student in mind.
Canvas Catalog
Canvas catalog is a great option if you would like to offer a non-credit or professional development course. These courses are available for anyone to learn new skills and knowledge for a fee, usually $75+. They are set up in a similar way to Canvas courses, except students can usually enroll whenever they like and learn at their own pace. These courses range from four to eight weeks in length and provide a certificate of completion.
Coursera
Coursera courses are short, online, open learning non-credit courses that can be incorporated into for-credit campus courses! A vast global audience boosts interest, builds followership, and spreads knowledge. Learners utilize Coursera to advance in their personal, educational, and professional spheres. Interested in developing your own open Coursera course? Contact the ACES Learning Design team!
Instructional Designers
With experienced instructional designers, our team is fully equipped to help you with your Canvas, Canvas Catalog, or Coursera course build. We can consult at every step, from planning course objectives to building the course in the LMS.
Jennifer Banda
Jennifer Banda is the visiting teaching and learning specialist for the College of ACES. She works closely with the ACES faculty to develop captivating online educational material and courses for the recently launched Campus Graduate Certificate programs and upcoming courses. She enjoys finding creative solutions and designing engaging educational assets that are accessible to a variety of learners. Jennifer has previously worked with Illinois Extension as a program coordinator. Prior to her time with Extension, Jennifer was a high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. Jennifer's work in agriculture and education gives her a passion for supporting ACES in this role. In her free time, Jennifer loves doing anything that gets her in nature! She enjoys gardening, kayaking, and adventuring with her husband and pets.
Kasey Murphy
Kasey Murphy, an experienced higher education professional, has dedicated the past 5 years to instructional design in academia. Through her previous work at Fontbonne University as an online program coordinator, she has developed expertise in instructional design, Canvas assessments, and eLearning course innovation across all departments. Kasey's passion for creating engaging and effective eLearning experiences has led to numerous successful projects, and she remains committed to staying up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the field. Outside of work, she enjoys adventures with her family of four through travel and time at the lake fishing and exploring.
Alex Sparks
Alex Sparks is passionate about crafting innovative learning experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. With a background as a curriculum consultant and designer for Illinois Extension and an adjunct assistant professor for the College of ACES, Alex’s passion for enhancing learner experiences serves as an asset. Her areas of proficiency include project management, e-learning tools, and effective pedagogical strategies. Alex collaborates closely with faculty members to design immersive instructional content that draws from the rich knowledge and culture offered by the University of Illinois. Whether she’s exploring new cuisines, embarking on travel adventures, or enjoying the great outdoors, you can often spot Alex in her orange and blue.