Last updated on August 4, 2026
Have you ever wondered how quick, expert support can transform a moment of frustration into a productive learning opportunity? The Instructional Design Support (IDS) team at the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Design (CTLD) recognizes these pivotal moments. We work closely with faculty to enhance online and hybrid teaching environments.
The IDS team’s mission is to empower faculty by offering personalized support and innovative solutions that make navigating the world of online education smoother and more impactful. From one-on-one physical and virtual drop-in support to self-paced online training and tutorials, we equip instructors with the tools and knowledge they need to create dynamic, student-centered learning experiences.
Video Spotlight
Note: This video spotlight discusses the RapidReady Training, which is no longer available. Please see the section below, SMART Program, for information about our current training program.
A Faculty-Focused Partner
At the heart of MSU Denver’s online and hybrid teaching support is the CTLD’s Instructional Design Support (IDS) team. Our team is comprised of skilled instructional design support specialists, and we work with faculty to enhance online learning experiences through targeted support and innovative instructional strategies. Whether faculty members are looking for pointers navigating the complex landscape of teaching technologies such as Canvas, MS Teams, or YuJa, or regarding course design, we offer a reliable partnership that puts student success at the forefront.
Virtual and In-Person Support Services
One of the standout offerings from the IDS team is our virtual and in-person support services. We provide timely solutions to faculty members navigating online instruction’s technical and andragogical aspects through live one-on-one virtual troubleshooting on Microsoft Teams, in-person in Room 325 of the Administration Building on the Auraria Campus, by phone at (303) 615-0801, and by email: [email protected]. These services ensure that instructors have immediate access Monday through Friday, 10 am to 3 pm, to expert advice and step-by-step guidance so they can focus on delivering high-quality content to their students.
Ready Website: Self-Help Tutorials, Canvas Spotlights, and Course Showcases
To further support faculty navigating the digital teaching landscape, the IDS team curates a comprehensive collection of self-help tutorials and Canvas spotlights on our CTLD Ready Website. These resources cover various topics, from step-by-step guides on using Canvas tools, such as SpeedGrader, discussion boards, or the rich content editor, to in-depth explanations of instructional design best practices. Faculty can access these tutorials at any time, making it easy to find real-time support for specific needs. Additionally, the Course Showcases, written by our instructional design team, feature innovative teaching strategies and successes from MSU Denver instructors working alongside our CTLD course developers. They offer real-world examples of how others are leveraging technology and CTLD’s course development cycle to enhance student learning.
Here are a few examples of some popular spotlights and Course Showcases:
- Copy a Canvas Course
- The article provides a step-by-step guide for instructors to copy a Canvas course into a new semester, ensuring they avoid duplicating template content and maintaining organized course materials. It emphasizes preparation before copying and offers best practices to simplify the process.
- Course Showcase – SPA 1000/1010 ¿Cómo anda?
- The SPA 1000/1010 course showcase highlights two innovative introductory Spanish courses designed for online learning: SPA 1010, focused on foundational Spanish, and SPA 1000, a self-paced course for conversational Spanish geared toward travelers. These courses integrate multimedia-rich content, interactive features, and immersive real-world assessments to create dynamic, accessible, and engaging learning environments for students.
- Using Generative AI to Enhance Student Learning
- This article explores how generative AI can be integrated into education to enhance student learning by fostering creativity, research skills, and critical thinking. It provides guidance on using AI responsibly in assignments, promoting ethical AI use, and preparing students for future job markets while addressing concerns around academic integrity.
SMART Program
The CTLD SMART Program is MSU Denver’s signature professional development pathway for faculty focused on Strategic, Measurable, Accessible, Responsive Teaching. This structured yet flexible experience supports faculty in designing and facilitating high-quality, inclusive, and engaging courses across all teaching modalities.
Built by and for the MSU Denver community, SMART is grounded in our unique teaching environment, student population, and institutional tools. Open to all faculty. participants move through short, self-paced modules with real human support, guided by clear standards and practical applications.
Some faculty may be sponsored to join and progress in the SMART program. The CTLD recommends a structure in which sponsored faculty get a stipend for completing each Block in the SMART program, plus a bonus when they complete all four blocks. Some sponsorships also include Instructional Design and Instructional Media Support from CTLD staff. In addition to the specific sponsorship agreement made with the sponsoring unit, there is more information on the Sponsored SMART page.
For more information about the SMART Program, see the CTLD page, SMART Program.
Faculty Testimonials
The impact of the Instructional Design Support team is best reflected in the experiences of the MSU Denver faculty they serve. Here’s what some instructors have to say:
The professional, problem-solving approach displayed by each staff member is exceptional.
No matter who took the call, the same level of friendly, empathic, and knowledgeable service was extended. While each staff member showed their personality and sometimes distinct approach, the end result was a positive option, a solution, and a word of encouragement.
I am amazed at the level of customer care, instructional design knowledge, team play approach, and standards of excellence displayed by the CTLD team. Don’t walk, RUN to their offices in order to serve your students more effectively!
The drop-in support is helpful when we have a technical question. It is resolved with one call, thus helping the faculty concentrate on the content rather than labor to figure it out. I cannot think of a time when I called a specific instructional challenge, and the issue was not quickly resolved.
First-time faculty members considering posting course material will quickly realize the time saved and the efficiency compared to other methods even if they are teaching a face-to-face class. It is important to note that this also benefits the students when they can access all the material online. It is a “one-stop shop.”
The most impressive reality of the CTLD drop-in support team is that all of the team members who have assisted me have always been outstanding in their genuine quest to provide valuable assistance in a friendly and proactive manner. In my experience, this is a direct reflection of the dedication, guidance, and quality of the CTLD Leadership Team, which instills and empowers this behavior in each of the CTLD team members.
I have the pleasure of being able to readily and expediently access the CTLD drop-in support team services each semester. I have always received a welcoming interaction and a dedication to helping me solve whatever instructional challenges I encounter from semester to semester. It is an understatement to reflect on the fact that the CTLD team in its entirety has always been helpfully engaging in assisting me. My experience has always been that each team member is willing to take the necessary time within reason to collaborate with me on discovering what instructional challenges I am experiencing. Each individual is committed to discovering the true scope of the situation in an effort to provide the right assistance and guidance relative to each particular situation.
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, the IDS team is critical in ensuring that MSU Denver’s faculty are supported, well-prepared, and equipped to deliver engaging, effective online learning experiences. Whether through timely technical support, personalized consultations, or easy-to-access virtual tutorials, our team stands as a valuable partner in faculty success.
Have Questions?
Need additional support on this or other teaching and learning topics? Please visit us for drop-in support (10am-3pm, M-F) or try one of our self-help tutorials.
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