Canvas pages can do more than a wall of text. Below are a few patterns you can copy into your own course: buttons, an accordion, cards, and more, all styled to match SVC's look.

You can access this page in Canvas Commons and import it into your course to try out these html options. All of the content on this page is filler text, so replace it with your own text/links.

Buttons

Use buttons to draw the eye to a single next action, like starting a module or opening a form. Don't overuse them, one or two per page keeps them meaningful.

Back to Modules Canvas Design Tutorials

Accordion

Good for FAQs or optional detail you don't want competing with the main flow of the page. Keyboard accessible by default, no extra work needed.

What if a student can't access a quiz?

Check the quiz's availability dates and any assigned overrides first. If the dates look correct, confirm the student is enrolled with an active status rather than "inactive" or "concluded."

How long does grade posting take?

Grades post immediately once you release them, unless the gradebook is set to a manual posting policy for that assignment.

Can I reuse content from a past quarter?

Yes, use the Course Import Tool under Settings to bring content in from a prior course shell.

Cards

Good for surfacing a few related resources side by side, like "start here" links at the top of a module. Simple to scan and fully accessible with a keyboard or screen reader.

Course Template

A ready-made shell with a syllabus template you can copy into your own course.

Open template →

Help Articles

Step-by-step guides for common technical issues and processes.

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Contact eLearning

Reach out with questions about Canvas, Panopto, Zoom, or Ally/YuJa.

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Callout Box

A formalized version of the "What You Need to Know" box, for flagging a tip, a deadline, or something easy to miss. The label makes the purpose clear without relying on color alone.

TIP

Course shells are created automatically during the seventh week of the preceding quarter. You do not need to request one for a scheduled class.

Blockquote

Use sparingly, for a single quote or key takeaway you want to stand apart from the surrounding paragraph text.

"Students will not be able to access the course until it is published."

Timeline

Good for a quarter-at-a-glance view or a step-by-step process like course setup.

Week 1: Course shell opens, confirm your syllabus and checklist are complete.

Week 5: Mid-quarter check, review quiz and assignment analytics.

Week 10: Grade late work, post final grades.