CATE’s August 2026 Week Zero Workshops
CATE designed this semester’s Week Zero offerings with a focus on supporting you in your start to the semester.
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Here’s what we have lined up to start the semester:
Teaching with Transparency in Canvas
Monday, August 17 | 1:00–2:30pm | Zoom
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. Instructors 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.
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AI Planning
Wednesday, August 19 | 10:00–11:30am | Zoom
Unsure of how to account for AI in your course planning? Join us for this interactive online workshop, where we will consider how to adjust assignments and implement policies that build trust and transparency in the age of AI. We will also explore ways generative AI tools can support student learning and engagement. You will leave the workshop with actionable strategies that promote a positive classroom climate around AI usage.
After participating in this workshop, you will be able to:
- Adapt assignments to foster academic integrity and build trust in AI-saturated learning environments.
- Develop clear and comprehensive course policies that establish transparent expectations for students’ use of AI.
- Discuss opportunities where generative AI can appropriately support student learning and engagement.
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Effective Feedback with Canvas
Friday, August 21 | 12:00–1:30pm | Zoom
Timely, meaningful feedback is one of the most powerful influences on student learning, yet it can also be one of the most difficult aspects of teaching. Canvas offers multiple ways to provide feedback that is clear, efficient, and supportive of student learning when aligned with evidence-based instructional practices. Rather than focusing on technical how-to instruction, this workshop explores how instructors can use Canvas tools to provide feedback that promotes revision, reflection, and continued engagement with course material. Participants will examine research-informed strategies for delivering feedback that is actionable and sustainable, including approaches that strengthen instructor presence while managing workload. Instructors will leave with practical approaches for using Canvas to support student learning through targeted, efficient, and meaningful feedback practices.
After participating in this workshop, you will be able to:
- Apply evidence-based principles of effective feedback to assignments and assessment practices in Canvas
- Identify Canvas tools that support timely, clear, and actionable feedback for students
- Develop strategies for providing sustainable feedback that supports student learning while managing instructor workload
CATE workshops emphasize teaching strategies using Canvas. For technical training or assistance, Learning Technology Solutions provides dedicated Canvas support.
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Each workshop is built to make the first weeks of the semester run a little more smoothly and to support you in the work that matters most. We hope you’ll join us for one or more of these sessions as you gear up for the fall semester.