Why do we use images in online courses? To make the course "pop"? To support the topic we’re trying to convey, or perhaps to engage students visually? Presenting information fluidly, with one concept leading to or building upon another is essential for learning. Students now expect to dive into the topic and find multiple resources of information at their fingertips. Using interactive images allows you to provide course content to students in a more visually engaging way than a simple list of links.  If you’re looking for a creative way to visually display resources, readings, videos, and more, I suggest trying an interactive image, by using an innovative tool in your online or hybrid courses called Thinglink . Here's an example of using an interactive image to introduce a science topic. How would you use interactive images in an online-only course? Embed it into a Page within a Module on Canvas. Students can then hover and click on links on interactive image right ...

This week's webinar focused on some great new features in Canvas! Jason Neenos from UTO, shared a number of features that make life easier for both faculty and students. He started with a discussion about best practices for taking attendance, and showed the Attendance Button in Canvas. We also talked about how Canvas did a great job of integrating Google Docs , Spreadsheets and Slides into the coursepage. When faculty embed these types of documents, they can easily update them, so they are always current. This is especially helpful with a syllabus. After a short discussion on accepting late work, we learned about how Canvas easily allows instructors to add different due dates for individuals and sections. He also demonstrated how easy it is to have a late policy integrated into any assignment. For example, after the instructor is done grading, Canvas can automatically deduct points for missed deadlines. He wrapped up with the "What IF?" feature that allows st...