Teaching Guides

A practical guide to creating more accessible Canvas courses, with recommendations for course organization, page design, navigation, and other practices that improve access for all students.

Learn how to improve the accessibility of course materials shared outside Canvas, including documents, presentations, PDFs, videos, spreadsheets, and websites.

Captions, transcripts, clear audio, and thoughtful visual design can make course media easier for every student to access and use. This guide walks through practical ways to create more accessible video and audio content.

Tables, charts, formulas, and data all present unique accessibility challenges. This guide covers practical techniques for creating more accessible spreadsheets in Excel and Google Sheets.

Explore best practices for creating more inclusive presentations in PowerPoint and Google Slides.

Learn what accessibility means at PSU, how to support DRC accommodations, and practical WCAG/UDL steps for accessible materials, media, and teaching.

Creating an effective syllabus is more than a bureaucratic necessity; it’s a foundational practice that shapes the learning experience. The effective syllabus is a dynamic document that communicates course expectations, fosters student engagement, and reflects inclusive teaching practices. This guide offers research-backed strategies and practical examples to help faculty design syllabi that are clear, accessible, and student-centered.

Whether you’re new to Canvas or want to make sure you’re using it effectively, this guide highlights key features and strategies for teaching with Canvas at Portland State University.