Extension Online Learning for UF/IFAS Extension Faculty

How can I deliver a course in Extension Online Learning?

UF/IFAS Extension personnel interested in delivering non-credit online courses or modules for Extension education can request an account in the Extension Online Learning platform, which uses Canvas Catalog as the course hosting and registration system. You will manage your course(s) in Canvas and course registration listings in Catalog, and you will be given an orientation to using both Canvas and Catalog as an account administrator.

Email ExtensionOnline@ifas.ufl.edu for more information and to get started.

Does Extension Online Learning use UF eLearning (Canvas)?

IFAS Extension’s instance of Canvas is separate from UF’s instance of Canvas that is used to deliver academic courses (UF eLearning). The IFAS Extension instance of Canvas is connected to the Catalog course registration platform to allow public registration of non-credit courses with online payment of registration fees.

If you have used UF eLearning Canvas, you are already familiar with the Canvas course delivery in Extension Online Learning. If you have taught courses in UF eLearning, your course content can be exported and then imported into Extension Online Learning Canvas courses.

Where can I learn how to use specific features of Canvas and Catalog?

The Instructure guides for Canvas and Catalog give instructions with screen shots on using the available features to design and deliver courses and manage course registrations. See the following for more information:

Canvas Basics Guide

Canvas Instructor Guide

Canvas Admin Guide

Where can I find a list of Canvas terminology?

How do I use Catalog as a subcatalog admin?

Catalog Guide

Can I get training on teaching in Canvas?

The UF IT Training offerings includes classroom, webinar and on-demand trainings, many of which are related to instructional technology. For learning the basics of Canvas there are two core trainings:

eLearning @UF: Build and Design (webinar or face to face)
eLearning @UF: Facilitate and Engage (webinar or face to face)

These are designed for teaching full semester academic courses in UF eLearning, but they can help you learn what features are available in Canvas and how to use them.

How can I ensure my course meets accessibility standards?

There are a number of practices you can follow when designing your course and creating the content. See the Canvas Guide article General Accessibility Design Guidelines for an overview of specific practices. For more in-depth guidance, the Center for Instructional Technology and Training (CITT) has a self-paced online course on Accessibility Fundamentals. For help with making your Extension Online Learning course accessible, email ExtensionOnline@ifas.ufl.edu.

What other UF resources are available for teaching in Extension Online Learning?

The CALS Faculty Instructional Resources and Support Team provides support for instructional design and for development of educational materials for online academic and Extension courses. You can arrange a recording in the video studio that includes green screen backgrounds, a laboratory setup, a document camera and microscope, and a lightboard. You can also reserve the self-service recording rooms that are available 24/7 for recording audio or video.

The Center for Instructional Technology and Training (CITT) provides teaching resources and instructional design support for academic courses at UF. Many of the online resources and workshops are also applicable to teaching Extension courses online.

Online Workshops