4.2 Using Templates from Commons
Overview
If you search the Canvas Commons for templates, you'll find thousands of results. Upon closer examination, you'll see at least six different types of available templates, including Pages, Modules, Courses, Assignments, Quizzes and Discussions. In the following section we describe the three most common template types: Page, Module, and Course.
Three types of templates available in the Canvas Commons
The above images represent three of the template types available in the Canvas Commons:
- Page Templates: As you might expect, these single-page imports land directly in the Pages section of your Canvas Course.
- Module Templates: Imported modules arrive within the Modules section of your course, appearing below any previously created modules.
- Course Templates: These can be a bit trickier to import into an existing course. Importing whole courses may change navigation settings to match those of the imported course, among other challenges. If you decide to use a course template, we recommend that you start with an empty course space in Canvas.
Think Before Importing
Before you import any templates into your course, you'll want to be mindful of these distinctions because each template type integrates into your course shell in a different manner. When using these templates, you should also keep in mind that, as the instructor, you assume responsibility for the quality and accessibility of course content. Lastly, you'll want to be certain any Commons content you use complies with copyright laws and FERPA regulations.
Example Templates
If you would like to try importing content from the Commons, you can import any of these templates into your sandbox course using the Canvas Commons:
From UIUC Commons
Page Template
Module Template
Course Templates
- CITL Canvas Template Links to an external site.
- CITL-Hybrid Course Template Links to an external site.
- AHS-Undergrad Template Links to an external site.
- Gies College of Business Canvas Template Links to an external site.
- Online LER Course Template Links to an external site.
From Canvas and Other Institutions
Module Template
Course Templates
- OSU Remote and Blended Teaching Template Links to an external site.
- Higher Ed Template from Instructure Links to an external site.
How to Use Module Templates
Once you import the module templates in your course, it's easy to duplicate modules, copy them to another course, or upload them to the Commons. You can even send a module of content directly to another Canvas user using the 'Send To' . . . option. Click on the Module action menu (pictured below) to access these options.
Canvas Guides
- How do I import and view a Commons resources in Canvas? Links to an external site.
- What types of content licenses are available in Commons? Links to an external site.
- How do I share a resource to Commons? Links to an external site.
Need help getting started? Instructure Support | UIUC Canvas Support