The Education Portfolio works with UTS academics and professionals across the course lifecycle to drive high-quality student experiences. We are here to support you in the lead-up to and during Spring 2025. In preparation, we have published three ‘Spring cleaning’ posts that cover the assessment planning period:
- Part 1: Using Generative AI in your Spring session subject
- Part 2: Secure assessment in your Spring session subject
- Part 3: Getting support before and during Spring session
This fourth part of the series is your regular guide to the Spring teaching session with a list of everything you need to get started and make sure your Canvas site is set up for students.
Main calendar subject sites will be published in Canvas from 21 July. For subjects on a different calendar, please check the key session dates website.
Before 21 July: get your subject site ready for students
- Before your site is published, check settings, dates and content – keep your updates on track with our downloadable step-by-step subject rollover checklist
- Consider how GenAI will be used and acknowledged in your assessments with our new 5 steps for assessment review and academic integrity for Spring 2025
- Keep in mind you cannot completely prohibit use of GenAI, so how will you scaffold your approach in your subject materials? Head to our site for Teaching and Learning with GenAI, which includes a resource on developing guidelines and links to a GenAI toolkit
- Remove pages called ‘Use of Generative AI in this subject’ – this information should now be provided as contextual guidance in individual assessment instructions
- Include reference to Academic Integrity resources
- Update your Reading Lists with the UTS Library to ensure students have clear links to resources
- Make sure your Canvas site is accessible to everyone when teaching session commences
- If you haven’t done so yet, familiarise yourself with UTS Faculty Board Protocol changes related to assignment deadlines and extensions
- If you’re a new subject coordinator, head to one of our online workshops on Canvas essentials on 15 July or 23 July.
21 July: connect, communicate and offer support
- Kick things off with a welcome announcement to introduce yourself during O-week. Make sure students know how you will be communicating with them throughout the session, how they can access support, and expectations regarding academic integrity and use of GenAI.
- Ensure no students are enrolled in a staff role in your Canvas subject site. To add co-teachers, tutors and other staff to your Canvas site, follow our People in Canvas guide (there is a Tutor/Marker role available as well).
- Remind students that the option to request a 72-hour automated short extension on assignments is available in Canvas.
28 July: Week 1
Give students space and support as they navigate your subject for the first time. Consider how you will build belonging and community in your teaching to boost students’ participation and engagement from the first tutorial.
Communicate a subject schedule in Canvas
Subject Information in Canvas does not have a weekly breakdown of topics and readings. Update and customise the subject schedule page in your ‘Get Started’ module to make sure that information is visible for students.
To get access to your faculty templates site, log a Digital Learning Support ticket with ‘request access to [Faculty] templates site’ in the description. The Canvas site includes guidelines on how to copy and edit the templates. If you would like a private space in Canvas to explore and test site design, you can request a Canvas Sandpit.
Help and support for students
Here are some of the key student support resources:
- Canvas 24/7 online and phone support
- IT Support: log a ticket for online IT support, phone 02 9514 2222 or drop-in to Building 10, Level 2, room 212 (CB10.02.212)
- UTS Canvas Student Guide
- UTS Student Centre for administrative and hands-on support
- The Learning Hub for advice and guidance on UTS student support services, including peer-to-peer coaching on how to use Canvas
- Online exams for information about exam conditions and technology requirements
- Supporting Study page for support options, study resources, fun stuff and general help with being a student at UTS
Help and support for staff
- Education Portfolio support: Contact us through ServiceConnect (quick link: https://edsupport.uts.edu.au)
- UTS Library: Find out everything that UTS Library can do to help you prepare
- UTS curriculum support: UTS Curriculum Management in Sharepoint