Dynamic and Interactive Content

The DesignPlus sidebar includes a variety of tools for creating interactive content as well as content that is updated dynamically based on information stored elsewhere in Canvas. Browse the examples on this page to see what's possible. Links to instructions in the Cidi Labs [New] DesignPlus Sidebar User Guide are provided for each tool or tool group listed below.

Accordions, Expanders, and Tabs

Accordions, Expanders, and Tabs are three separate tools that function similarly in the sidebar but look different on the page.

An accordion is a series of vertical panels that can be expanded by clicking the title. With accordions, only one panel is open at a time. An expander is similar to an accordion, but multiple panels can be open at once. Tabs are similar to accordions, with only one panel visible at a time, but titles appear in one row like folder tabs or in one column like a vertical navigation menu.

For instructions, see Accordions, Expanders, and Tabs.

Action Items

The Action Item tool creates inline instructions and/or prompts for instructors or other designers that can only be seen when the page or item is in edit mode. You can use them to suggest additions, deletions, or changes to the content, create checklists, provide reminders, etc.,

For instructions, see Action Items.

Content Shortcuts

Designed primarily for use in discussion topics, the Content Shortcuts allow you to;

1. Add a Message Teacher button to any page or content item.
2. Add a Show Discussion Rubric button to any discussion topic.
3. Add a Message Group button to any group discussion topic.
4. Add a Group List placeholder to group discussions. When students load the topic, they will see the names and avatars of their group members.

For instructions, see Content Shortcuts.

Dialog Boxes

Use the Dialog Box tool to display a dialog box or modal window. The content in the dialog box is hidden from the student until they click the trigger.  Example: Learn More.

Grading Scheme

The Grading Scheme tool inserts the course grading scheme at the current cursor location.

Module Lists

The Module List tool inserts the list of modules in the current course into the editor. There are multiple presentation options for the list, some of which include the individual module items.  

For instructions, see Module Lists.

Popovers and Tooltips

Popovers and tooltips are information boxes that appear when the user hovers over or places keyboard focus on a trigger.  Popover boxes can contain formatted text and media, whereas tooltips are restricted to plain text only.

For instructions, see Popovers and Tooltips.

Progress Indicators

The Progress Indicator tool inserts a graphical representation of the current user's position within a module. Several different versions are available.

For instructions, see Progress Indicators.

Quick Checks

Quick Checks are ungraded quiz questions with immediate feedback that can be inserted anywhere within a page, assignment, discussion topic, or quiz.  

For instructions, see Quick Checks.

Read Time

Use the Read Time tool to include an estimate of how long it will take for students to read the current item.

For instructions, see Read Time.