Teaching with Transparency in Canvas
CATE Workshops
June 3, 2026
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location
Virtual Event
Calendar
Download iCal FileOverview
Canvas can do much more than house files and grades. When used intentionally, it can help students understand expectations, stay organized, and engage more meaningfully with learning. This workshop focuses on how evidence-based teaching practices can be supported through Canvas design, with particular attention to transparency in course structure and assignments.
Rather than providing step-by-step technical training, this session explores how instructors can use Canvas to make learning visible and accessible to students. Participants will examine strategies grounded in research on transparency and student success, including clearly communicating purpose and expectations, organizing course materials to reduce cognitive overload, and using Canvas tools to support transparency.
Faculty will leave with practical approaches for aligning Canvas course design with their teaching goals while improving students’ ability to navigate, understand, and succeed in their courses.
CATE workshops emphasize teaching strategies using Canvas. For technical training or assistance, Learning Technology Solutions provides dedicated Canvas support.
After participating in this workshop, you will be able to:
- Apply principles of transparent course design to Canvas modules, assignments, and communication
- Identify Canvas features that support clarity, student organization, and equitable access to learning
- Develop strategies to reduce student confusion and cognitive overload through intentional course structure
EVENT FORMAT: This workshop will be online on Zoom.
EVENT LEAD: Lori Mumpower, mumpower@uic.edu
EVENT CO-FACILITATOR: Katie Pierson, piersonk@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