The Customizable Teaching Modules are a series of customizable, online Canvas modules designed to provide JHU instructors with essential information on teaching. These modules are available in Canvas Commons, a shared repository that ensures access across the JHU community. Designed for online, asynchronous delivery, the modules allow for content customization to align with divisional, departmental, or program-specific practices and policies.
This initiative addresses a gap in JHU’s teaching and learning resources by developing modules based on three innovative approaches:
- General and Specific Content: The modules provide generalize best practices for all instructors while allowing for division-specific customization, promoting both local governance and a unified JHU teaching vision.
- Unbundled and Customizable Format: The modules may be tailored to address specific needs, allowing instructors to configure content as necessary.
- Inclusive Audience: These modules are designed for the entire instructional population at JHU, including faculty, staff, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows.
By offering flexible, accessible, and inclusive resources, we aim to support all instructors in their teaching journey, ultimately enriching the learning experiences of students across the university. For more information or to get involved, please contact us at [email protected].
You can learn more about this initiative by clicking this link to access an interactive overview.
Current Topics Available
- Introduction to Teaching at JHU
- Course Planning
- Assessment & Rubrics
- Engaging and Motivating Students using Active Learning Practices
- Preparing for the 1st Day of Class
Upcoming Topics
- Facilitating Engaging Discussions (estimated release late Spring 2026)
- AI in Teaching (estimated release late Summer 2026)
Subscribe for Updates! To subscribe to receive an email whenever we release new modules or update existing content, please complete this form.
How to Access in Canvas Commons
For JHU Users
- Log into https://canvas.jhu.edu using your JHED credentials.
- Select ‘Commons‘ from your Global Navigation Menu (the blue menu on the left side of your browser).
- Search for ‘JHU Teaching Academy’s Customizable Teaching Modules’ and select the module topic(s) that you would like to import.
- Select the Import/Download button on the right-side and choose which of your courses you will import the module into.
For Those Outside of JHU:
Please access our public site to review and interact with our Customizable Teaching Modules, as well as download the modules to import into your own Canvas courses.
Acknowledgements
The JHU Teaching Academy extends its deepest gratitude to the project team members for their invaluable contributions. Their expertise, insights, and dedication have been instrumental in developing these modules, ensuring they align with best practices in online pedagogy, adhere to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, and integrate seamlessly into the Canvas platform.
Amy Brusini, The Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences
Kelly Clark, The Teaching Academy, The Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences
Charlee Dulaney, The Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences
Caroline Egan, The Teaching Academy, The Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences
Jun Fang, The Provost’s Leadership, Advancement, and Development Academy
Beth Hals, The Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences
Donna Schnupp, Teaching & Learning at Carey School of Business
Jann Sutton, Innovative Learning, Design and Assessment, School of Education
Jennifer Stawasz, Educational Design & Technology, School of Advanced International Studies