The University of Denver employs DesignPLUS and UDOIT from Cidi Labs to enhance Canvas course design and accessibility for designers, educators, and students. This session covers strategies for developing engaging, accessible learning experiences and scaling best practices, highlighting how effective tools boost efficiency and enrich the experience for all stakeholders.

Are you looking for tools and practices that help everyone win? Course design and accessibility impact the experiences of instructional designers, faculty, and students alike. This session will delve into the continuous improvement practices at The University of Denver, illustrating how a focus on quality design practices not only elevates student engagement but also streamlines processes for faculty and enhances the productivity of course designers.

Melissa DeWitt, Instructional Designer, will share how The University of Denver developed customized and personalized learning environments for their department. This structure allowed them to collaborate with other departments transitioning from a partnership with 2U and/or putting new programs online. This infused personality into courses and built a sense of ownership and pride among faculty, helping all stakeholders feel connected to the learning experience.

The University of Denver is committed to alignment with best practices, such as the Quality Matters (QM) rubric and their membership with the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), which established a foundation for crafting high-quality courses. Chelsie will share how DesignPLUS supports adhering to these standards, ensuring that all courses are not only visually appealing but also pedagogically sound. This commitment supports learner success and helps guide faculty in best practices.

The benefits of using a suite of easy, creative, and practical tools deeply impacts the designers' day-to-day behind the screens. The University of Denver’s instructional designers have saved countless hours by relying on structured templates in DesignPLUS, allowing them to focus on improving quality and student engagement. With nearly 450 unique courses continually being updated, the designers rely on the Multi-Tool in DesignPLUS to maximize their time and resources.

The upgrade to the new DesignPLUS Sidebar introduced innovative features that empower both instructional designers and faculty. Their graduate student assistants have been particularly excited, exploring new creative possibilities that make course design more dynamic and engaging. Techniques like "Choose Your Own Adventure" (CYOA) models through image grids have fostered innovation and engagement, making courses more interactive for students.

Join us in this session to explore how strategic course design with Cidi Labs tools is a win-win-win for course designers, faculty, and students. Whether you’re an instructional designer, educator, or administrator, you’ll gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to enhance your Canvas courses, ensuring they are effective, engaging, and supportive for everyone involved.