Canvas Course Structure – Guided Tour

Dr Simon Parry, Senior Lecturer in Accounting & Finance

Newcastle Unviersity Business School

Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences


In this case study, Dr Simon Parry takes us on a guided tour through his approach for structuring the MBA Accounting Canvas Course.

Contents:
0:13 Introduction

1:19 Module order

3:39 Section order

5:17 Blended learning approach

6:38 Topics overview

7:38 Video approach

10:36 Module formatting

11:24 Discussion board

12:14 Reading lists

15:05 Advice for colleagues

The module is delivered as part of a blended learning approach, combining pre-recorded materials with live seminars. The Canvas layout is designed as a logical, linear workflow to reduce cognitive load and prevent students from “jumping around” to find resources.

Module Homepage includes:

  • Course information (handbook, core textbook)
  • Contact and assessment details
  • Weekly lecture sections structured clearly (Lecture 1, 2, etc.)

Each weekly section begins with a “Start here” topic overview and a recommended workflow. Learning materials are broken into short video segments (e.g., 1a, 1b…), each:

  • Embedded directly in Canvas
  • Accompanied by brief notes, downloadable slides, and guidance for student note-taking
  • Exercises are placed immediately after relevant videos, visually distinguished via indentation to help with flow and visibility.

Dr Parry adopted the following pedagogic principles:

  • Embedding content in one place to minimise external navigation to maintain engagement.
  • Scaffolded learning is done by introducing short videos, practice tasks and discussion.
  • Enabling self-paced study while using live sessions to deepen understanding.

Positive student feedback indicates that the structured, workflow-driven approach helps learners engage and stay organised.


Graduate Framework

  • Collaborative
  • Digitally capable
  • Engaged

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