Course Home Page
Default course Home page
In Canvas, the default course Home page displays modules, which can be used to organize course materials and assignments by week, unit, or another course structure. The Home link in the course navigation always opens the Home page. Canvas also allows teachers to use a different page as the course Home page.
Using a Different Home Page
Instead of the default modules view, the course Home page can be set to the Syllabus, Assignments, the Course Activity Stream, or a custom page. A custom page can be used either temporarily or throughout the semester. Canvas also allows teachers to create a separate page in the course and set it as the Home page. Canvas’s built-in Home page options, such as Modules, the Course Activity Stream, and the Syllabus, generally provide a more consistent and accessible experience. If a custom Home page is used instead, extra care is needed to ensure that all students, including those who use assistive technologies, can use the page easily.
Even when a different Home page is selected, the course navigation on the left and the course actions on the right, such as Student View and Import Existing Content, remain available.
If a different Home page is used, modules are no longer shown directly on the Home page. To make sure students can still access them easily, enable the Modules link in course navigation. The Modules page displays the course modules.
Custom Home Page
- can feel more welcoming and personal.
- can highlight important information.
- can include quick links to frequently used content.
- can be more visual, with headings, buttons, images, icons, or video.
- can support a more consistent look across courses.
- takes time to create and maintain.
- may require some knowledge of HTML and CSS.
- can become cluttered if too much is added.
- may load more slowly if it contains too many visual elements.
- some students may skip it and go directly to modules or other course areas.
- must be designed carefully with accessibility in mind.
- Keep the layout clear and simple.
- Use only the most important text and links.
- Make it easy for students to scan the page quickly.
- Use headings correctly.
- Add alt text to images.
- Make sure there is enough contrast between text and background.
- Use descriptive link text.
- Use the Accessibility Checker in the editor.
- Avoid using tables for layout.
See also the guidance on kennari.hi.is.
A course Home page often includes:
- a short welcome message
- a brief introduction to the course or course site
- teacher names, photos, and office hours
- links to key course information
- links to current or upcoming course activities
If the Home page is updated regularly, it is best to keep the overall structure consistent.