Accessible Canvas Templates for Nursing

As part of a Learning Designer interview challenge, this project demonstrated the rapid development of a standardized course template for Quinnipiac University’s School of Nursing. Built in Canvas, the one-week Infection Prevention Protocols module follows CDC/WHO guidelines, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, and Google Material 3 design to ensure accessibility and scalability. I designed the course template in Figma and used AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to streamline content development. Stakeholders praised its clarity, usability, and adaptability, highlighting its ease of modification for future use. This project showcases AI-driven instructional design and scalable course development in higher education.

Project Overview

Project Duration:

1 Week

Platform:

Canvas

Target Audience:

Higher Education Students

Delivery Method:

Blended/Hybrid Learning, Self-Paced eLearning

Core Contributions:

Accessibility Compliance, eLearning Development, Graphic Design, Interface Design, Project Management, User Experience Design, Web Design

Key Deliverables:

Accessibility Guidelines, Modular Course Structure, Branding Templates, Learner Personas, Interview Summaries or Affinity Diagrams, Stakeholder Presentation, Final Course Prototype

Design Process

Needs Analysis

Quinnipiac University’s School of Nursing is restructuring its curriculum to improve instructional design, standardize courses, and integrate active learning strategies. As part of this transition, the university is adopting Canvas, requiring a scalable approach to course development.
This instructional design challenge focused on creating a one-week online module on Infection Prevention Protocols for undergraduate nursing students. The module needed to align with nursing competencies, incorporate best practices in online learning, and ensure accessibility and inclusion.

The project’s main goals were to:

Create a structured Canvas module that aligns with infection prevention competencies and evidence-based teaching practices.
Support large-enrollment courses with peer collaboration tools, discussion boards, and automated grading.
Ensure accessibility and inclusion by integrating UDL principles and complying with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards.
Leverage Canvas tools effectively through interactive elements like quizzes, case studies, and video-based instruction.
Develop a reusable course template with faculty support resources for customization and long-term use.

Learner Characteristics

Target Audience

A mix of traditional students entering college directly from high school and career-changers transitioning from other fields.
Many balance coursework, clinical rotations, jobs, and family responsibilities.
The majority are female, though male representation is growing.
Students range from late teens to mid-career professionals, with many coming from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Learner Motivations

Passion for relationship-based nursing that combines clinical expertise with emotional support.
Strong drive for patient-centered, holistic care with emphasis on compassion and advocacy.
Interest in career stability and growth opportunities, including future leadership roles.
Desire to serve diverse communities through healthcare.

Learning Preferences

Practical, hands-on learning through simulation labs and clinical practice.

Collaborative learning via study groups and peer discussions.

Diverse content formats like videos, interactive exercises, and case studies.

Structured, clear instruction with defined learning objectives.

Learning Objectives

Identify and explain the chain of infection and its six components.
Demonstrate proper hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) donning/doffing following CDC guidelines.
Differentiate between standard and transmission-based precautions and apply them to real-world patient scenarios.

Assess common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and recommend prevention strategies based on CDC guidelines.
Evaluate infection risks in a healthcare setting and propose evidence-based mitigation strategies.
Document and communicate infection prevention measures effectively.

Message Design

Design Principles

Structured modular approach with clear learning pathways and objectives.
Integration of multimedia content including video demonstrations and interactive materials.
Evidence-based content sourced from CDC and WHO guidelines.
Built-in peer learning and collaborative discussion components.
Comprehensive assessment strategy combining practical skills and knowledge checks.

Content Strategies

Blend of theoretical and practical learning materials.
Multi-format content delivery (text, video, interactive scenarios).
Integration of real-world case studies and scenarios.
Sequential skill building from foundational concepts to practical application.
Structured peer review and feedback mechanisms.

Core Features

Comprehensive Learning Resources

Structured library of authoritative guidelines and video demonstrations providing step-by-step guidance for infection prevention techniques.

Interactive Assessment and Practice

Performance-based video assignments and flexible competency quizzes with multiple attempts, featuring detailed rubrics and immediate feedback.

Collaborative Support Framework

Peer-driven discussion forums and integrated technical assistance, ensuring both peer learning opportunities and timely support for students.

Task Sequence

Module Overview: Introduction and learning objectives, establishing module scope and expectations for infection prevention protocols.
Learning Resources: Core content delivery through readings, videos, and interactive materials.
Discussion Activities: Analysis and application of infection prevention concepts in real-world scenarios.
Skill Demonstration: Video-based demonstration of infection prevention techniques with peer review.
Competency Assessment: Final module quiz to verify understanding and achievement of learning objectives.

Resource Materials

Core Prevention Protocols

Comprehensive CDC and WHO guidelines covering standard and transmission-based precautions, hand hygiene protocols, and PPE procedures with visual guides and checklists.

Multimedia Training Library

Instructional videos and interactive modules featuring WHO demonstrations, Mount Sinai training content, and CDC Project Firstline scenarios for practical skill development.

Clinical Resources and Education

Real-world case studies of healthcare-associated infections with assessment tools, plus CDC-approved materials for patient education and communication.

Implementation Plan

Developed a standardized Canvas module following CDC/WHO protocols, integrating curated multimedia content with active learning strategies.
Created the visual design system in Figma using Google Material 3 guidelines, then custom-coded the Canvas template with HTML/CSS to ensure consistent styling across all course elements.
Built a comprehensive structure featuring automated assessments, peer collaboration tools, and clear learning pathways.
Conducted thorough accessibility testing to ensure WCAG compliance and universal design principles.
Performed comprehensive module walkthroughs and gathered detailed feedback from faculty and instructional design teams to validate the course template’s effectiveness.

Evaluation Methods

Learning Outcomes

Authentic Assessment

Video demonstrations and case studies evaluating clinical skills application.

Cognitive Assessment

Module quizzes measuring infection prevention knowledge.

Social Learning Assessment

Peer evaluations and discussions analyzing prevention protocols.

Project Metrics

Instructional Alignment

Confirmed module meets nursing competencies and educational best practices.

Platform Optimization

Demonstrated effective use of Canvas tools to support diverse learning approaches.

Learning Experience

Validated accessible, engaging learning experience for large-scale implementation.

Case Study Sections

Results and Impact

Project Outcomes

reduction in course development timeline through strategic use of AI tools and template standardization.

0 %

sections supported with auto-graded assignments and optimized SpeedGrader rubrics.

0 + student

Reflection

Project Insights

Successes

Early accessibility planning saved significant development time compared to retroactive fixes.
Structured yet flexible design allows for both immediate use and future adaptation.

Areas for Growth

Future iterations could include more automated feedback mechanisms for large enrollment sections.
Additional assessment types could be developed to further diversify skill evaluation.