Connection Through Canvas

This page provides a deeper dive into the insights presented in our ISAM poster.
Showcasing how Slugworks and DSI transformed makerspace engagement through innovative Canvas LMS integration.

Connect With Us

Explore our digital ecosystem and join the Slugworks community across platforms.

Slugworks Website

Slugworks Website

Explore our makerspace facilities and resources

Canvas Course

Canvas Course

Access training modules and certifications

Slugworks Instagram

Slugworks Instagram

Follow our community and student projects

CLICK AND DRAG PHOTOS AROUND TO MOVE THEM!

Our Slugworks Stories!

Card card-001
Card card-002
Card card-003
Card card-004
Card card-005
Card card-006
Card card-007
Card card-008
Card card-009
Card card-010
Card card-011
Card card-012

Certification Badges

Each badge represents completion of specific Canvas modules, providing structured pathways to equipment access and expertise.

Creatorspace Access

Creatorspace Access

Complete Creatorspace (BE-54)

The Shop Access

The Shop Access

Complete The Shop (BE-51)

Club Hub Access

Club Hub Access

Complete The Club Hub (BE-49)

Paint Booth Access

Paint Booth Access

Complete Paint Booth (BE-50)

Sewing Machine Certification

Sewing Machine Certification

Complete Sewing Machines (BE-54)

Cricut Maker 3 Certification

Cricut Maker 3 Certification

Complete Cricut Maker 3 (BE-54)

3D Printer Certification

3D Printer Certification

Complete 3D Printers (BE-54)

Laser Cutter Certification

Laser Cutter Certification

Complete Laser Cutter (BE-51)

Safety & SOPs

In order for students to gain full access to each area in Slugworks, they must complete safety-focused Canvas modules specific to each zone and machine. These modules include quizzes and knowledge checks that confirm understanding of operational and environmental safety. Below are some of the icons featured in these Canvas modules. These visuals and SOP modules ensure a safe, welcoming, and well-supported experience.

Safety Glasses

Safety Glasses

Closed-Toe Shoes

Closed-Toe Shoes

Protective Clothing

Protective Clothing

Tie Back Hair

Tie Back Hair

Avoid Entanglement

Avoid Entanglement

Avoid Debris

Avoid Debris

Contact Staff

Contact Staff

See It in Action

Watch how Slugworks uses Canvas to streamline training, scheduling, and certification across our makerspaces.

Slugworks Learning by Design Community Curator Aidan Gu walks through the student onboarding experience via Canvas—highlighting how students explore maker modules, unlock safety certifications, and stay connected through automated newsletters.

Seamless Certification Across Campus

This shared certification workflow between DSI and Slugworks allows students to complete training once and unlock tools in both locations. The entire process is handled through a single streamlined Canvas module.

The Digital Scholarship Innovation Studio (DSI), located in the Science and Engineering Library, offers hands-on resources for digital fabrication, 3D data, and critical making. This unified system reduces duplication, encourages cross-campus collaboration, and supports open experimentation.

The workflow below shows how students move through certification to gain access at both DSI and Slugworks.

CLICK IMAGE TO SEE CANVAS IN ACTION!

DSI and Slugworks 3D Printer Certification Workflow

Canvas Calendar & Booking

Students complete safety modules in Canvas, then seamlessly schedule in-person checkoffs through integrated Appointlet booking.

Booking System
Integrated Scheduling

After completing required safety modules, students can immediately book their in-person checkoffs through Canvas-integrated Appointlet scheduling.

Streamlined Process:

  • • Complete safety training modules
  • • Schedule checkoff appointments
  • • Receive automated confirmations
  • • Access granted upon completion
Calendar Integration
Calendar Integration

Canvas Calendar syncs with Appointlet to provide a unified scheduling experience, reducing administrative overhead.

Benefits:

  • • Unified calendar view
  • • Automated reminders
  • • Conflict prevention
  • • Progress tracking

Using Canvas to Understand Our Growth

Because all users go through the Canvas LMS, we can track certifications, tool usage, time-to-completion, demographics, and more. This gives us clear insight into how the space is growing—and who we're serving.

Demographics

Track engagement across departments and backgrounds

Tool Usage

Monitor equipment popularity and patterns

Completion Time

Analyze training progression speed

Growth Trends

Track makerspace expansion over time

We presented this data to Dean of Engineering Alexander Wolf to showcase Slugworks’ growth, community impact, and potential. Aidan Gu also had the opportunity to speak with Chancellor Cynthia Larive about the project’s role in supporting broader student success and strengthening community engagement at UCSC.

Example data shown during the presentation to Dean Wolf.

Example graph of student distribution by division

Example: Student distribution by academic division ('24–'25). Data anonymized for demonstration.

Example graph of top majors in general membership

Example: Top majors represented in general membership ('24-'25). Data anonymized for demonstration.

Example graph of race and ethnicity data

Example: Race and ethnicity breakdown for general members ('24-'25). Data anonymized for demonstration.

Aidan Gu speaking with Chancellor Cynthia Larive

A Zoom conversation between Aidan Gu and Chancellor Cynthia Larive about Slugworks’ impact, community growth, and potential for future institutional support.

What It Looks Like in Canvas

The Canvas course includes modules for onboarding, machine certification, safety training, and scheduling walkthroughs.

This self-paced structure is designed for scalability, helping students progress smoothly and independently through certification steps.

CLICK IMAGE TO SEE CANVAS IN ACTION!

Canvas Module Interaction Demo

Automated Newsletter Integration

Joining our Canvas course automatically enrolls students into a custom Google Group newsletter powered by Apps Script. No extra steps needed.

Canvas Enrollment

Canvas Enrollment

Google Groups

Google Groups (via Script)

Newsletter Email

Project Team

Photo of Mr. Aidan Gu

Mr. Aidan Gu

Learning by Design Community Curator

University of California, Santa Cruz

Photo of Mr. Nicolas Kouatli

Mr. Nicolas Kouatli

Slugworks Lab Manager

University of California, Santa Cruz

Photo of Dr. Tamara Ball

Dr. Tamara Ball

Director of Experiential Learning

University of California, Santa Cruz

Photo of Dr. Kristina Golubiewski-Davis

Dr. Kristina Golubiewski-Davis

Director, University Library Center for Digital Scholarship

University of California, Santa Cruz

Special thanks to Sankritya Anand Rai (Sankie) for contributing to the development of this website.

About the Poster

ISAM 2025 Abstract

University makerspaces face a universal challenge: bridging the gap between diverse users and fostering inclusive, scalable engagement. This poster presents a model for leveraging Canvas as a centralized platform to onboard, train, and connect makers while strengthening ties across campus.

Certification: Canvas's badging system transforms skill-building into visible achievements, combatting imposter syndrome by validating incremental progress (e.g., safety training, equipment mastery). Micro-credentials gamify learning, externalize competency, and reinforce identity—shifting mindsets from "I don't belong" to "I've earned this."

Collaboration: Canvas breaks down disciplinary silos by hosting interdisciplinary project portals and shared resources. Faculty integrate makerspace modules into their coursework, while students can co-create across departments, turning the makerspace's canvas into a collaboration machine.

Connectivity & Communication: Targeted messaging, calendar integration, and announcements cultivate community beyond physical space. Highlighting student projects and organizing events within Canvas sustains engagement, linking novice and expert makers in a continuous feedback loop.

By utilizing Canvas as a makerspace nexus, institutions can democratize access, streamline administration, and build student confidence—all while weaving experiential learning into the broader academic fabric.