Engaging Students with Canvas
CATE Workshops
June 24, 2026
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location
Virtual Event
Calendar
Download iCal FileOverview
Canvas can support more than course organization. When used intentionally, it can strengthen communication, foster connection, and encourage meaningful student participation throughout the semester. This workshop explores how evidence-based teaching practices can be supported through Canvas to promote student engagement and instructor presence.
Rather than focusing on technical setup or platform navigation, this session examines how instructors can use Canvas tools to build interaction and sustain momentum in their courses. Participants will explore strategies grounded in research on student engagement and belonging, including using announcements and messaging to build rapport and designing discussion activities that promote participation.
Faculty will leave with practical approaches for using Canvas to support active learning, increase student participation, and strengthen connections with students in both in-person and online courses.
After participating in this workshop, you will be able to:
- Identify strategies for using Canvas communication tools to build instructor presence and student connection
- Apply evidence-based approaches to designing discussions and activities that promote meaningful participation
- Develop strategies for sustaining student engagement through intentional course communication practices
EVENT FORMAT: This workshop will be online on Zoom.
EVENT LEAD: Lori Mumpower, mumpower@uic.edu
EVENT CO-FACILITATOR: April Andry Rah’man, aandry1@uic.edu
Inclusion and Accessibility Information: CATE is committed to making events accessible. CATE’s online events are delivered through Zoom, will use Zoom auto-captions, and may include breakout rooms and group discussion. If you have any accessibility questions, requests, or to coordinate accommodations, please contact the CATE team at teaching@uic.edu.
Date posted
Mar 3, 2026
Date updated
Apr 16, 2026