Course Support

canvas support image

Individual Course Support from DFI

If you would like assistance setting up your Canvas course fill out our Canvas course support form and one of our Instructional Support Associates (ISAs) will contact you to assist. 

We can assist with:

  • Importing content from the previous semester
  • Utilizing one of the TC templates (see “About Our Templates” below)
  • Answering any questions you might have about adding content to your Canvas course

  • Enable/Integrate additional tool

Fill out our Canvas course support form

Do-It-Yourself:

This simple 10-step Canvas Quickstart guide is a great resource for faculty who want to set up Canvas courses independently. ​​​​​​ 

About our Templates

At DFI we have several Canvas course templates to choose from. Take a look at our template examples below to learn more.

Level 1: Universal template

This easy-to-use version of the template provides a TC-branded look and feel for your course homepage and includes a Tech Orientation module to help familiarize students with the learning platform and resources supporting their learning. Starting from Fall 2022, all TC courses are pre-populated with the Universal Template. Follow this instruction to enable the template in your course site.

Demo  

Templates Features:

Syllabus
  • Embed Syllabus
  • Upload pdf

Course Content
  • Import content from existing courses
  • Add new materials to modules (pages, files, assignments, quizzes, discussion forums) 
  • Upload course files
  • Add course readings
Communications
  • Send announcements
  • Set-up Zoom meetings within Canvas
Grading
  • Access gradebook
  • Weight grades

How to Use This Level 1 Template?

Follow this simple 10-step Canvas Quickstart guide

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Level 2: Entry level

This version is similar to Level 1 with the addition of a placeholder for the instructor's contact information, module thumbnails, and useful links to get support. To enable the template in your course site, contact DFI and we can assist you.

Demo  

Templates Features:

Syllabus
  • Embed Syllabus
  • Upload pdf

Front Page (Static Image Home Page)
  • Course image
  • Faculty contact information
  • Module thumbnails

Course Content
  • Import content from existing courses
  • Add new materials to modules (pages, files, assignments, quizzes, discussion forums) 
  • Upload course files
  • Add course readings
Communications
  • Send announcements
  • Set-up Zoom meetings within Canvas
Grading
  • Access gradebook
  • Weight grades


How to Use This Level 2 Template?

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Level 3: Intermediate level

Level 3 includes all features of Level 2 yet the TC static banner is replaced with the Welcome presentation/sliding banner at the top and a navigation bar is added at the bottom to provide quick access to modules. To enable the template in your course site, contact DFI and we can assist you.

Demo  

Templates Features:

Syllabus
  • Embed Syllabus
  • Upload pdf

Front Page (Interactive Banner Home Page)
  • Course image
  • Course video
  • Faculty bio
  • Faculty contact information
  • Course schedule
  • Class location and meeting time
  • Getting started section
  • Module thumbnails

Course Content
  • Import content from existing courses
  • Add new materials to modules (pages, files, assignments, quizzes, discussion forums) 
  • Upload course files
  • Add course readings
Communications
  • Send announcements
  • Set-up Zoom meetings within Canvas
Grading
  • Access gradebook
  • Weight grades


How to Use This Level 3 Template?

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Level 4: Online Course Template

This template is used for online course sites.

This is the most advanced level which has all features of Level 3 yet the module thumbnails open a module overview page laying out all learning activities and materials. To enable the template in your course site, contact DFI and we can assist you.

Demo  

Templates Features:

Syllabus
  • Embed Syllabus
  • Upload pdf

Front Page (Interactive Banner Home Page)
  • Course image
  • Course video
  • Faculty bio
  • Faculty contact information
  • Course schedule
  • Class location and meeting time
  • Getting started section
  • Module thumbnails

Course Content
  • Import content from existing courses
  • Add new materials to modules (pages, files, assignments, quizzes, discussion forums) 
  • Upload course files
  • Add course readings
  • Overview pages
Communications
  • Send announcements
  • Set-up Zoom meetings within Canvas
Grading
  • Access gradebook
  • Weight grades


How to Use This Level 4 Template?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Choose a topic to view related frequently asked questions.

If you are looking to add a CA/TA to a course, you will need to contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@tc.columbia.edu. Please note that TC’s policy requires anyone added to a course as a CA/TA, or Course Tech Specialist must to be hired by the College for that work. For more details, please see the Student Access to Learning Management System Courses policy.

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  1. Watch this 5-minute video that explains how to add resources to your Course Resource List. 
  2. For additional information about adding to our Course Resource list, you will need to contact the Library
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  1. If the student is auditing the course, you can add the student by following these steps.
  2. If you need to add a student who will receive a grade for the course, that student will need to contact the registrar at registrar@tc.columbia.edu to make sure they have registered.

*Note: It can take up to 48 hours for students to be added to a Canvas course once they have registered

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  1. Before adding a Padlet, ensure you are logged into your TC Padlet account by using the URL: https://teacherscollege120.padlet.org/auth/login
  2. Then, you can follow these steps to:
    1. Create a TC Padlet
    2. Embed a TC Padlet into a Canvas page
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  1. To schedule support ahead of time for classroom technology, you will need to fill out a Media Services request form
  2. If you need support while you are in the classroom, you can use a classroom phone to dial extension 3300 and press option 1. To use your cell phone, dial (212)678-3300 and press option 1.
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  1. If you are the instructor of a course, you can copy that course into another course in which you are the instructor
  2. If you weren’t the previous instructor and still need the course copied, you will need to get permission from the instructor and forward that permission to servicedesk@tc.columbia.edu
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  1. Turnitin is automatically available for all faculty in Canvas. To create a Turnitin assignment, follow these steps
  2. If you want to use Turnitin to submit an individual paper, follow these steps
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To extend access to a past course, you can follow these steps

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  1. Your course may not appear on your Canvas dashboard due to the course not being selected as a favorite within your dashboard. Select the course you want to appear on your Canvas dashboard
  2. If your course is still not appearing within Canvas, check the TC Course Schedule. If you see your name listed as the instructor for a course, but don’t see that course in Canvas, contact DFI.
  3. If your name does not appear on the TC Course Schedulefor a specific course, please contact your department’s DAA.
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Instructional Support of TC Staff Development

DFI offers instructional support for administrative offices and departments looking to create effective and engaging training programs and courses for members of the TC community. Our team can assist with all aspects of course development, including project planning, course design, content development, and technology integration, ensuring that your programs align with TC standards and are inclusive, effective, and engaging. To inquire about our support and services, please follow the guidelines below to submit your request.

While we are committed to providing the highest level of assistance possible, the specific scope of our involvement will depend on various factors such as ongoing projects, team capacity, and existing commitments. We strive to accommodate all inquiries to the best of our ability, and our team will work closely with you to discuss and tailor our support to align with your needs and objectives within the constraints of our available resources.

Services

Course Design

Our instructional designers can assist at any stage of the development process. Whether you're just starting out and need help brainstorming ideas, refining your vision, and creating a course outline, or if you're further along in the process and require assistance with project planning and course development, we can help.

Content Development

Our instructional designers can consult and support with making your instructional content more visually appealing, interactive, and engaging for your audience. In the initial consultation, we can share examples with the required time and effort to inform your decisions about how you want to proceed. Check out our DFI Media Portfolio, a collection of multimedia content developed for online programs at Teachers College in the past. These artifacts may inspire you to think creatively and also inspire ideas for your course.

Technology Integration

Our team can provide consulting and assistance with integrating innovative and effective technology tools that are available at TC, to enhance the delivery and learning experience of your program. If a new tool is necessary, we'll liaise with TCIT, OASID, and OGC to vet the tool, ensuring that it meets TC's high standards for data security, privacy, and accessibility.

Mara Danoff operating a camera with teleprompter in Macy Studio A

Media Production

Our Media Team is equipped to support you to create high-quality audio and video assets for your program. Check out our DFI Media Studios webpage for more details

Process & Estimated Timeline

To ensure effective collaboration and project completion within a reasonable timeframe, we have established the following timeline. The estimated duration depends on project complexity:

  • Small Projects: One semester (approx. 4–5 months) to develop
  • Large Projects: One academic year (approx. 9–12 months) to develop

Timely input and decision-making from the requesting department are essential to staying on track.

Phase 1: Initial Consultation & Project Planning (1 to 1.5 months for small projects, 2 to 2.5 months for large projects)

1. Submit Support Request

  • Requesting department submits a request for support on the DFI website. Please choose General Inquiry to include a brief description of the project, the intended audience, and what you are looking to get help with.

2. Initial Consultation

  • Once the request is received, our team will reach out to schedule an initial consultation to discuss the scope of the project, the intended audience, the desired outcomes, and the project timeline.
  • During this consultation, our team will also assess if the project aligns with DFI's mission and the resources available to determine to what extent we can support the project.

3. Project Proposal

  • After the initial consultation, our team will develop a project proposal that outlines the scope of the project, the timeline, the resources required, and what we can support.

4. Review and Approval

  • The project proposal will be reviewed and discussed by the relevant stakeholders, such as the Office of the Provost, the department chair, or the program director. 
  • Once the proposal is approved, the instructional design team will proceed to the design and development phase.

Phase 2: Design & Development (2 to 4 months for small projects, 6 - 10 months for large projects)

5. Design and Development

  • DFI finalizes course/training structure, learning objectives, and content outline.
  • Requesting department needs to provide all relevant materials (e.g., existing resources, policies, videos, or instructional assets) by completing the course design intake form and provide timeline feedback during the development phase.
  • DFI supports the creation of interactive instructional content and integrated technology tools if timeline and resources allow.
  • Requesting department reviews, approves, and formally signs off on the entire course before launch.
  • DFI will provide reasonable reiterations that fit within the agreed timeline and scope of work. Any additional requests beyond this scope will be scheduled for the next iteration in the summer when our team capacity allows.

Phase 3: Implementation & Evaluation (2 weeks for small projects, 1 - 2 month for large projects)

6. Implementation and Evaluation

  • DFI assists with course/training launch, including facilitator onboarding and participants enrollment and provides initial technical support and troubleshooting.
  • DFI can assist with conducting summative evaluation to assess effectiveness and collect feedback.

Ongoing Support & Revisions

  • DFI continues to provide ongoing support to troubleshoot technical issues and make minor updates (e.g., typo corrections, small content updates).
  • Major course revisions (e.g., structural changes, new modules) must be planned ahead and will be implemented during the summer when our team capacity allows.
  • Requesting department needs to provide clear documentation of issues or updates needed and advance notice for any significant course changes to allow for summer planning.

Submit a request to get started. Please choose General Inquiry category and include a brief description of the project, the intended audience, and what you are looking to get help with.

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