How Can I Use ReadyGO to Monitor Teacher Onboarding Progress for Using Canvas Effectively?

Getting new teachers up to speed with Canvas can be a complex process, but ReadyGO can help streamline and track their onboarding progress—ensuring they have the guidance they need to confidently set up, organize, and use their courses.

Step 1: Assemble a Teacher Onboarding Team

Form a dedicated ReadyGO team to oversee the teacher onboarding process. This team will guide new educators through Canvas training and monitor their progress.

Suggested Team Members:

• Instructional Coaches: Provide hands-on support and coaching to new teachers.
• Department Heads: Ensure that onboarding aligns with curriculum standards and school policies.
• Experienced Teachers: Serve as mentors and share best practices in using Canvas.
• Professional Development Coordinators: Organize training sessions and resources.
  
  

Step 2: Create a Dedicated Batch for Teacher Onboarding Courses

Create a specific ReadyGO Batch (e.g., “2025 New Teacher Courses”) to monitor courses managed or created by new educators. This batch will help your team focus on and track onboarding progress.

Step 3: Create a Unique ReadyGO Status for Onboarding New Educators

Establish a specific ReadyGO Status to track the progress of courses in the teacher onboarding process. For example, label this status "Pending Onboarding" to clearly indicate that a course is in the process of being set up for effective Canvas use.

Step 4: Set Up a Quick View for Teacher Onboarding

To efficiently monitor onboarding progress, create a dedicated ReadyGO Quick View that includes key details about how new teachers are setting up their courses.

Suggested Quick View Columns:

Start with the ReadyGO Preset Quick View columns. Then add:

• Homepage Type – Ensures the course homepage is set up correctly (e.g., syllabus page, module-based layout).
• Grading Scheme – Confirms grading is set up in alignment with school policies.

Step 5: Use Two ReadyGO Checklists to Guide and Support Teachers

Use two ReadyGO Checklists: For each, you'll intentionally modify the Checklist Visibility for the instructor tool.  You can create one that teachers will view and edit in the Instructor Tool to guide their own progress. And the other to be viewable so that the ReadyGO team can provide feedback and progress monitoring to the teacher. 

Checklist 1: Instructor Tool Set to View & Edit 

This checklist appears in the Instructor Tool inside their course and allows them to mark off items on the checklist. It serves as a self-guided onboarding tool, helping teachers work through Canvas setup and early use.

Tasks for Teachers:

• Personalize Your Course Homepage – Select a homepage layout and add a warm, inviting message that sets the tone for your class. Bonus: Include an intro video!
• Check Your Grading Setup – Review your grading scheme to avoid headaches later—does it match school policies and weight categories correctly?
• Build a Clear Course Structure – Create your first module with a logical flow so students can navigate with ease.
• Design an Engaging First Activity – Set up a discussion board or assignment that sparks student interaction and introduces them to the course.
• Hit Publish When You're Ready! – Double-check your course settings and publish when you’re confident students are good to go.
• Experiment with SpeedGrader & Gradebook – Try grading a test assignment to get comfortable with leaving feedback and tracking progress.
• Ensure Accessibility for All Students – Check that videos have captions, images have alt text, and content is easy to navigate. 

Checklist 2: Instructor Tool Set to View Only

This checklist allows instructional coaches or technology support teams to monitor the teacher onboarding progress and provide feedback when needed.

Tasks for Coaches/Tech Support:

• Review Course Homepage Setup – Does it include a clear, welcoming message and intuitive navigation?
• Confirm Grading Accuracy – Ensure grading categories align with district policies and are configured properly.
• Check Course Organization & Modules – Are modules present and logically structured for easy student navigation?
• Verify Interactive Elements Exist – Ensure at least one assignment or discussion board is set up to foster engagement.
• Assess Accessibility Considerations – Are there any obvious barriers to access, such as missing captions or poor formatting?
• Confirm Course Availability – Is the course published and fully functional for students?

You Can Do It!

Getting new teachers up and running in Canvas doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With ReadyGO, you can track onboarding progress, provide structured support, and ensure every educator has the tools they need to succeed.