Learning and Training Resources
Resources Learning and Training Resources
Take your DesignPLUS knowledge to the next level with these training resources. The comprehensive guides and tools listed below will help you conquer the new DesignPLUS sidebar and its companion features. Explore the options below and start building your expertise today!
Cidi Labs' New DesignPLUS Sidebar Resources
Inline Help and Information
There is a wealth of knowledge right inside the sidebar. Simply use any of these methods for more tool information, advanced demo videos, and other information whenever you need it.
- Walkthroughs ( ) : For most tools, on-screen walkthroughs are available by selecting the icon in the active tool banner on the (Edit Current Element) tab.
- Context-sensitive help ( ): When working with the active tool in the Edit Current Element ( ) tab, select the help ( ) icon for a description of the tool and a direct link to documentation for the tool in the Cidi Labs DesignPLUS User Guide.
- The Help/Tutorials tab ( ): Open this tab for links to a variety of resources developed by Cidi Labs.
- Release Notes: Timely information about new and updated features as well as bug fixes.
Training Resources
- DesignPLUS User Guide—An information hub with overviews and instructions on DesignPLUS features for all DesignPLUS users.
- DesignPLUS Sidebar Training Resources—This is a one-stop shop for all of your sidebar training needs, where all of Cidi Labs' resources and materials are presented to you on one helpful Canvas page. There is a section for all users and a section for admins, though both user types can see all the content on this page.
- DesignPLUS Email Training Sequence (Video) Links to an external site.—Filling out this form will launch a series of eight daily emails with video trainings to get you quickly up and running with DesignPLUS. You can watch each video as it arrives daily or use the link in the first email to binge-watch them all. The total run time of this video series is around 90 minutes.
- DesignPLUS Training for Educators Email Sequence (Video) Links to an external site.—Filling out this form will launch a series of five emails, each with a different one-hour video training designed to help educators learn how to use DesignPLUS effectively.
Video Training Resources
- DesignPLUS Training Series Links to an external site.—If you have time for these seven videos, you'll be off to a great start! This excellent Cidi Labs DesignPLUS Training Series will introduce you to the sidebar interface and show you how to do the most common sidebar tasks in seven short, easily digestible videos. You'll learn how to style a basic page, create a home page, style content, use the accessibility tools and templates, and how to use the multi-tool.
- DesignPLUS Video Tutorials Links to an external site.—For a more advanced series, these ten videos expand on the training series and introduce you to interactive elements, the new background tool, callouts, and more. The course also reviews the fabulous columns tool, progress indicators, and quick checks, all to aid students in absorbing your course content with ease.
- DesignPLUS Summer School for Educators Links to an external site. —In just five one-hour videos, you can consider this training as the one-stop shop to cover everything you need to know. From the basics like creating home pages and checking accessibility to creating custom styles, snippets, and themes. This is the fan favorite here at COIP, and we think you'll like it as well.
COIP New DesignPLUS Sidebar Trainings
COIP Live Training Recordings
Explore the COIP-hosted training recordings below to quickly get started with the new DesignPLUS sidebar, where you’ll find hands-on guidance and in-depth demonstrations to help you navigate its powerful features and unlock its full potential.
- New DesignPLUS Sidebar Sneak Peek Training here (59:32) Links to an external site. —Follow along with this hands-on training, recorded 11/20/24. Many sidebar users were excited to get going with the new sidebar, so COIP hosted a sneak peek training so users could get a taste of the new tool before its official release in 2025. In this training, COIP presents some of the sidebar’s superpowers, including super easy navigation tips, upgrading legacy pages, the top 10 most-used tools, and more! To follow along, have a Canvas page loaded and ready to edit.
- DesignPLUS Beginner Training here (1:49:48) Links to an external site.—This hands-on training will guide you through the essential features of the new DesignPLUS sidebar. You’ll work in your Canvas sandbox, learning how to upgrade courses using the new sidebar. You’ll practice building basic and front pages, incorporating themes, images, interactive elements, and more. Explore the new accessibility tools that enhance course usability and integrate UF templates to create cohesive, professional course designs. Additionally, you’ll learn about other DesignPLUS tools to scaffold courses quickly.
Other Trainings
LTI Tools
The sidebar is not the only tool you get with DesignPLUS. Remember, you can also utilize the Upload and Embed Image Tool and the Multi-Tool. These tools are designed to help you add course images and scaffold pages quickly and seamlessly. We recommend exploring these user guides to learn more about these helpful tools and how they can elevate your course design skills and make creating your Canvas course a breeze.