So....
1. Assignments 
2. Modules
3. Pages

Following this process will give you a FUNCTIONAL canvas course right off the bat.

You can always add aesthetics and bells and whistles later!

#canvas #lms #instructionaldesign #coursebuilding #onlineteaching

I see a lot of tutorials and documentation that encourage module or page building first, but in Canvas specifically, that can result in a lot of redundant work. 

By following the "bones ➡ muscle ➡ skin" order of operations, you are working WITH the underlying Canvas structures and logic.

🟢 The "source of truth" - where will students always see what is expected:  modules, a specific page, an announcement, etc?
🟢 Internal links - e.g. If an assignment mentions a specific reading, can you provide a link to that reading?
🟢 Aesthetics - Banners, images, buttons, etc.

Then, finally, Part 3 - the "skin" of the course.

This is where you fine tune the routine navigation and user experience of the course.

At bear minimum it probably includes a welcome message or actual home PAGE, but it can also include:

🔺 Adapative Release of Content based on completion or scores
🔺 Gradebook filtering
🔺 Using Design Tools features to embed one or more modules on a page
🔺 Badges
🔺 Viewing Progress for a single student

For most instructors, this means organizing files, links, and assignments by topic or timeline.

Part 2 is the "muscle" of the course: I think this is the Content and how you want it released to students.

Generally this will be organized via Modules.

(You could also do this via Pages or Files, but there are lots of functionalities that are ONLY available in modules, such as...)

🔹 What is your grading plan?
🔹 What are your assignment groups?
🔹 How often do you need your gradebook to reset?

These are all part of part 1: the "bones" of your Canvas course.

Part 1: Assessment

First, I start with the "skeleton" of the course - and for me, this is the Gradebook (Assignments page). 

Compared to other LMS's, the Canvas gradebook functionality is rather limited, so I find it makes the most sense to figure that part out first....

I’ve been testing this on myself, and I think it’s helping! But I’d love to know:

Does this resonate with you?
Would you change or add anything?
What’s the biggest reason you get stuck?
Reply & let’s talk!

#ExecutiveFunction #Neurodivergent #Productivity #MentalLoad #ADHD

Instead of trying to “push through,” I look at the biggest sticking point and adjust:
✔ If it’s Mental Load → Can I externalize it (lists, reminders)?
✔ If it’s Time → Can I break it into chunks?
✔ If it’s Unpleasant → Can I pair it with something I enjoy?

and, finally.... 

K = Kinetic

Will this be tiring for my body?

C = Cognitive

Does this task require lots of complex creative, or critical thinking to complete?

U = Unpleasant

Will something about this be painful, unpleasant, or just generally UCKY for me?

T = Time

How much time do I think this is going to take? (Which, p.s. might be very different from how much time it actually DOES take.)

S = Social / Sensory Siphon

Is there something about this that might drain my battery? Like will it involve a lot of sensory challenges or dealing with the emotions of others?

M = Mental Load

Does this task involve a lot of micro-decision-making, remembering, or noticing? Does it require lots of open brain tabs that will drain my brain's CPU?

I = Impact. 

Does this feel like it will be hard, just because it's really important? Or because the consequences of NOT doing it are rather dire?