How Can I Use ReadyGO to Integrate First-Year Experience (FYE) Materials into Canvas Courses?

Utilize ReadyGO to effectively manage and streamline the incorporation of FYE resources within targeted Canvas courses.

Step 1: Assemble a Dedicated FYE Integration Team

Form a ReadyGO team responsible for reviewing and ensuring the proper integration of FYE materials into the selected Canvas courses.

Suggested Team Members:

• First-Year Seminar Instructors: Experts in guiding students through their initial university experiences.
• General Education Faculty: Educators teaching courses with significant first-year student populations.
• Instructional Designers: Professionals skilled in embedding materials into Canvas effectively.
• Academic Advisors: Advisors familiar with the challenges faced by first-year students.
• Student Success Coaches: Individuals focused on supporting at-risk students.

Step 2: Create a Batch of High-Impact First-Year Courses

Focus on courses where integrating FYE materials will be most beneficial. Create a ReadyGO Batch of these courses for streamlined management.

Examples of High-Impact Courses:

• First-Year Seminars: Courses designed to assist students in transitioning to university life.
• Gateway Courses: Introductory courses with high enrollment of first-year students (e.g., English 101, Psychology 101).
• Online Orientation Modules: Non-credit Canvas courses aimed at student onboarding.

Step 3: Create a New ReadyGO Status

Establish a unique ReadyGO Status for tracking the FYE integration step within your course lifecycle management. This ensures clarity and consistency during the process. You could give this status a name such as "Pending FYE Review". 

Step 4: Build a Checklist for FYE Integration

Guide your team with a focused ReadyGO Checklist to ensure the inclusion of essential FYE materials in Canvas courses. 

Here are some examples of tasks you might add to that checklist:

1. Welcome and Orientation Message

   • Ensure a welcoming video or message introduces the course and provides links to key campus resources (e.g., advising, tutoring, library services).

2. Study and Time Management Tools

   • Verify the course includes tips, strategies, or templates to help students manage their time and stay organized.

3. Embed Student Support Resources

   • Add links to mental health, wellness, and academic support services directly in the course.

4. Promote Campus and Peer Engagement

   • Confirm opportunities for students to connect with peers through discussion boards, group activities, or campus event announcements.

5. Verify Completion of Accessibility Review

   • Ensure the accessibility team has completed their checklist and signed off on accessibility compliance for the course.
6. Academic Integrity Resources
   
   • Include modules or materials that educate students on plagiarism, proper citation, and ethical academic practices including guidelines for the acceptable use of AI. 
7. Reflection Opportunities
   
   • Verify the course includes reflection activities that encourage students to think about their transition to college, personal goals, or academic experiences. 
8. Co-Curricular Activities
   
   • Include instructions or materials for participating in university-wide programs like a common read, service-learning project, or leadership initiative.

Step 5: Create a Dedicated Quick View for FYE Integration

Streamline collaboration and progress tracking by creating a custom ReadyGO Quick View and share it with your institution. This customized view will focus your team on the most critical aspects of integrating FYE materials. 

Suggested Columns to Include:

• Start with the columns on the ReadyGO Preset Quick View
• Then add Homepage Type, and Grading Scheme.

You Can Do It! 

ReadyGO makes integrating FYE materials into Canvas courses simpler, so your efforts can be more effective for students. With these steps, you’ll have everything you need to give first-year students a great start and help them feel right at home.