Template versus Blueprint

Hi Higher Education folks..

We were having a debate about using templates versus blueprints for course loading for a semester. The previous LMS admin had used blueprints but I think it should really be templates (we really don't update etc.. and blueprinting should be available for courses with many adjuncts)..

But I am having a hard time finding a definitive guide that compares the two templates and blueprints when using with SIS import from banner.. Does anyone know of one? The only thing I find here is old. https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/The-Product-Blog/Templates-vs-Blueprint-Courses/ba-p/461274

Would love some insight and advice.

Terri

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Accepted answers

PatriciaRoy

Hi, Terri --

We use a blueprint for all courses and have recently created a template for one of our programs. The blueprint is nice because it adds features that are consistent across the college, while the template (for the graduate business school) allows us to create consistency within that school. I found these recent docs that might help: Blueprint Sync Functionalities and How do I enable a course as a course template?

-- Tricia

All comments

PatriciaRoy

Hi, Terri --

-- Tricia

DrTerriC

Thank you.. this is exactly what @Greyhound and I were looking for to continue our discussion.. Appreciate it.. Thank you.

kbink

We have found that templates are only useful for courses starting from scratch. Our instructors typically copy forward their classes with all their content arranged and displayed as it was in previous years. Setting up sites with template items would only clutter things as instructors would likely only ignore it.

We have used blueprint for course content but not for collegiate Items. I'd like to hear more about what things are in your blueprint, @PatriciaRoy .

Debra-Sheridan

Hi Terri,

We use both template and blueprint. We have a template assigned to sub-accounts that is used to create the blank shell through SIS integration. For blueprint, some departments have begun developing blueprint courses for us to sync to the live sections for their adjunct faculty. This is a small, targeted population that we run manually. MDC Online has some blueprint courses and this is run through an API process.

The template gives all courses a basic menu and structure. The blueprint is content. MDC Online has leveraged pushing out content updates to live sections and the blueprint made this possible.
I'm happy to talk more if you have any questions.

~Debra

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