Strengthening digital teaching competencies and improving classroom engagement were at the forefront of a professional development session on “Making Effective Presentation Using Canva,” designed to equip academic staff with practical skills to create visually engaging and effective educational presentations.

The introductory training highlighted the growing importance of digital literacy and effective visual communication in higher education, where well-structured presentations play a vital role in simplifying complex concepts, improving knowledge delivery, and supporting student understanding.

Delivered through video-based learning, the session introduced participants to essential presentation design principles, including content organisation, visual clarity, effective slide structure, and the purposeful integration of text, images, and data. Academic staff were also introduced to Canva’s design features and tools that can streamline the preparation of teaching materials while maintaining professional presentation standards.

A key focus of the programme was encouraging lecturers to move beyond text-heavy slides towards more engaging, accessible, and student-centred learning resources. By emphasising the strategic use of visuals and clear communication, the training explored how thoughtfully designed presentations can make academic content easier to follow and support diverse learning needs.

The session further underscored the importance of continuous professional development in helping educators adapt to evolving digital teaching practices. Strengthening lecturers’ ability to communicate information effectively through digital platforms can contribute to more inclusive learning experiences and improved instructional quality.

The initiative reflects an ongoing emphasis on digital literacy, quality education, lifelong learning, innovation in teaching, professional capacity development, and inclusive learning opportunities. By promoting the effective use of digital presentation tools, the training supports efforts to strengthen academic communication, enhance teaching resources, and foster a more engaging and accessible higher education environment.