In the realm of academia, miscommunication stands as a leading source of conflicts between professors and students. Therefore, it is imperative that both parties take proactive measures to circumvent confusion before it arises. For professors, Canvas offers an ideal platform for articulating expectations comprehensively without leading students on a frustrating quest.
The modules tool on this platform, while arguably one of the most effective for this purpose, remains significantly underutilized. This versatile tool, as many of you may already know, enables the creation of distinct pages for each class, week, or topic. Within each module link, you can seamlessly present all the pertinent information for that day, including due assignments, scheduled readings, in-class exams or quizzes, and more. This method not only keeps professors impeccably organized but also leaves students with no excuse for being unaware of their tasks. It's as if the instructions are spelled out explicitly for them.
Based on my experience, relying solely on the syllabus to inform students about their requirements can be confusing. Syllabi are frequently organized by category (e.g., grades, readings, accessibility), rather than by date, making it cumbersome to locate daily assignments. Sending emails or delivering in-person announcements can be equally problematic, particularly for students grappling with organization. Such notices can easily be misplaced or forgotten, and the responsibility often falls on the student for not completing the work.
Our journey towards a harmonious professor-student relationship hinges on collaborative efforts. This platform strives to equip students with numerous organizational techniques, and I implore all of you to meet us halfway in this endeavor!
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