Delta PDC Portal

Getting Started with Templates

Read this section carefully to learn how to import full or parts of templates into your Canvas shells. If you encounter difficulties during any part of these tasks, please email us: facultysupport@deltacollege.edu

  1. Only import PDC templates into an empty shell.
  2. Do NOT update any PDC templates from the Commons.

Import Templates from PDC website

We strongly recommend importing the template into a blank course. This allows you to see the structure of the template as a starting point and think about how your content works with that structure. Need an empty shell to practice? Request a dev shell now. 

Step 1: Log into Canvas and click on Commons on the left menu.

Step 2: Preview the templates to choose what to adopt.

Step 3: To import a template into an empty shell, click on the Import/Download button. 

Step 4: A popup will open. Click on Download next to the template you want.  It will take you directly to the template in Commons (if you followed step 1!)

Step 5: Click on Import/Download (right button) and chek the appropriate course shell. Do NOT SELECT ALL.  Double check to make sure you have selected the right (empty) course. Then select “Import into Course.”

Import Directly from Commons

Step 1: Preview the available templates to see how they look. You will not be able to see their actual look and feel in the Commons. Need an empty shell to import a template to try it? Request a dev shell now. 

Step 2: Log into Canvas and click on Commons on the left menu.

Step 3: Click on Filter on the top right.

    • Under Content Types, choose “Templates“.
    • Scroll down and under “Shared With,” Select “San Joaquin Delta College.”
    • Click on X to close the filter window. 

You will now see all the PDC templates.

Step 4: Find the correct template and click on it to select it. Then, click on Import/Download (right button).

Step 5: Chek the appropriate course shell. Do NOT SELECT ALL.  Double check to make sure you have selected the right (empty) course. Then select “Import into Course.”

View video with steps to import from Commons.

Notes on Importing Templates
  1. Most of the modules and content in the template you are importing are unpublished to ensure that students won’t find the content you want hidden. Once you've edited them, publish them so that students can access them. 
  2. We recommend leaving the Instructor module unpublished so you can use it as a resource throughout the term (it will remain hidden from your students).
  3. We encourage you to publish the Course Resources module along with its pages (once you have edited them), because it includes content that’s useful for students. 
  4. If you teach at other colleges with Canvas, the PDC templates will not work there (the styles will not be visible), unless they also license DesignPlus. 


Delta PDC Portal


San Joaquin Delta College