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