Access Self-Service Kits
DIY resources for independent course design and improvement
Prefer to work on your own? These DIY Toolkits are your launchpad for designing, updating, or enhancing your course without needing to schedule a consultation. These curated resources are built for instructors who know what they’re looking for and want to take immediate action.
You’ll find ready-to-use templates, guides, media tools, and design resources developed by CITL to support high-quality teaching. Every resource is designed to help you create engaging, inclusive, and well-organized learning experiences whether you're building from scratch or updating an existing course.
What You’ll Find in the Toolkit
Here’s a breakdown of what’s available in each resource category. Select any item below to learn more.
Syllabus Templates
- Editable syllabi that meet institutional policy and accessibility standards
- Built-in prompts for student-centered design and inclusive practices
- Examples from a variety of disciplines
Canvas Templates
- Pre-designed Canvas module layouts with clear navigation and chunking
- Importable course shells with placeholder content and teaching prompts
- A great starting point for organizing your course visually and logically
Media Collections & Tools
- Access to CITL’s instructional video exemplars
- Basic media production guides
- Captioning resources and image repositories for inclusive teaching
Copyright & Content Use
- Fair use guidelines and Creative Commons resources
- Tips on embedding third-party media into Canvas legally and ethically
- Quick-reference guides for common faculty questions
Course Design Guides
- Short, focused PDFs on course alignment, assignment design, and learner engagement
- Step-by-step checklists for backward design and planning a new course
- Tools that translate easily into Canvas and classroom implementation
Quality Matters at Illinois
- Self-check rubrics based on Quality Matters principles
- CITL-modified versions with local context and examples
- Tips for using QM to strengthen course alignment and learning outcomes
Grading Rubric Templates
- Rubrics for common assignments like discussions, essays, and presentations
- Downloadable and editable for Canvas SpeedGrader use
- Designed to support transparency, equity, and student success
Select any item below to access and begin using the materials immediately.