This beginner-level Canva training program is designed for teachers, council staff, health workers, and MSME owners in the Maldives who want to create attractive and effective visual content without needing graphic design experience. The program offers step-by-step instruction on how to navigate Canva, work with text and images, apply basic layout principles, and share or download completed projects. Participants will complete practical tasks relevant to their daily work—such as creating flyers, announcements, certificates, and social media posts—building both skill and confidence. By the end of the course, learners will be able to produce high-quality designs for professional use.
Objectives:
On completion of the unit, students will be able to:
- Create and manage their own Canva account and navigate the platform’s main tools and features.
- Design visually appealing content by inserting and formatting text using appropriate fonts and layout techniques.
- Upload and incorporate images, icons, and shapes into designs while applying basic editing and composition principles.
- Apply alignment, spacing, contrast, and balance to produce clean and professional designs such as posters, flyers, and certificates.
- Export designs in various formats, share with others, and collaborate using Canva’s built-in tools.
Curriculum
- 5 Sections
- 25 Lessons
- 15 Hours
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- Unit 1: Getting Started with CanvaThis unit introduces participants to Canva and its practical value for creating visual content. Learners will explore the platform's interface, understand how to set up their account, and begin navigating essential tools. The unit provides hands-on guidance to create their very first design using a ready-made template. It builds foundational digital design literacy, particularly for teachers, council staff, health officers, and MSMEs seeking to enhance communication and visibility. By the end of this unit, learners will have created a simple poster and will know how to manage and store their designs.6
- 1.11.1 Understand what Canva is and identify its benefits for teachers, council staff, health workers, and MSME owners.
- 1.21.2 Create a Canva account and become familiar with the home dashboard and layout.
- 1.31.3 Explore Canva’s interface including templates, elements panel, search bar, and design tools.
- 1.41.4 Create your first design by selecting a simple template and customizing it.
- 1.51.5 Save and organize your design using folders and understand Canva’s auto-save functionality.
- 1.6Quiz 1.1Copy40 Minutes11 Questions
- Unit 2: Working with Text and FontsText is a key component of any design. This unit focuses on how to add, format, and stylize text using Canva’s intuitive tools. Learners will gain confidence in choosing appropriate fonts, managing alignment, line spacing, and ensuring visual clarity. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining consistency and structure in communication using typographic hierarchy. By the end of the unit, participants will be able to create text-rich visuals such as announcements, posters, and social media messages that are both attractive and easy to read.6
- 2.12.1 Insert headings, subheadings, and body text using Canva’s text tools.
- 2.22.2 Format text by adjusting font type, size, color, alignment, line spacing, and effects.
- 2.32.3 Resize, move, rotate, and duplicate text boxes for design flexibility.
- 2.42.4 Understand typographic hierarchy and how it improves readability and structure.
- 2.52.5 Create a design project such as a quote card, title banner, or promotional text graphic.
- 2.6Quiz 1.2Copy10 Minutes12 Questions
- Unit 3: Using Images, Icons, and ShapesImages and icons can transform a basic layout into a powerful visual message. In this unit, participants will learn how to upload and edit their own media, explore Canva’s vast media library, and work with shapes and icons to structure their designs. Learners will also explore how to enhance visual communication using basic editing tools like cropping, filters, and layering. The unit wraps up with a mini project to design a vibrant social media or awareness post, ideal for community outreach, campaigns, or promotional purposes.6
- 3.13.1 Upload personal media including photos and logos using the Uploads tab.
- 3.23.2 Search and use free photos, illustrations, and icons from Canva’s media library.
- 3.33.3 Apply editing functions such as crop, flip, transparency, and image filters.
- 3.43.4 Add and customize shapes, frames, and grids for layout improvement.
- 3.53.5 Design a practical post (e.g., social media or awareness poster) using various image elements.
- 3.6Quiz 1.3Copy20 Minutes12 Questions
- Unit 4: Basic Layout and CompositionThe Production Possibility Curve (PPC) represents the maximum combination of two goods or services that an economy can produce given its available resources and technology. The PPC illustrates concepts such as opportunity cost, efficiency, economic growth, and resource allocation. Points on the curve indicate full utilization of resources, while points inside suggest inefficiency, and points beyond are unattainable without economic growth. Shifts in the PPC occur due to changes in resource availability or improvements in technology. This section explores how the PPC helps analyze choices, trade-offs, and the impact of economic policies on production capacity.6
- 4.14.1 Learn essential layout principles such as alignment, balance, contrast, proximity, and repetition.
- 4.24.2 Use Canva’s guides, rulers, and snapping tools to align elements precisely.
- 4.34.3 Create visual harmony using consistent colors, font pairing, and whitespace management.
- 4.44.4 Apply a basic brand style using selected colors and font families.
- 4.54.5 Develop a polished design such as a certificate, school invitation, or official document.
- 4.6Quiz 1.4Copy20 Minutes10 Questions
- Unit 5: Downloading, Sharing, and CollaborationDesigns are created to be shared. This unit focuses on finalizing, exporting, and sharing your work. Participants will explore the different download formats and understand which to use for print, web, or video. They’ll also learn how to share their work with others, set access levels, and collaborate in real-time. The unit concludes with a final beginner-level project that combines all previously learned skills into one complete campaign poster or flyer, suitable for use in school, council, health, or business settings.6
- 5.15.1 Export designs in suitable formats (PNG, JPG, PDF, MP4) based on usage needs.
- 5.25.2 Share designs via links or team access and manage permission settings.
- 5.35.3 Understand the difference between print-ready and web-quality files.
- 5.45.4 Collaborate with others using Canva’s commenting and version control features.
- 5.55.5 Complete a final beginner project by designing, sharing, and downloading a full flyer or campaign poster.
- 5.65.1 Quiz0 Questions
No. This program is designed specifically for beginners. You don’t need any design background. As long as you can use a computer or smartphone and are willing to learn, you’ll be guided step by step through every tool and feature.
Yes. Upon completing all five units and submitting your final design project, you will receive a Certificate of Completion issued by the BizCo Institute of Research and Development.
Requirements
- Basic computer literacy (ability to use a mouse, keyboard, and browser).
- Access to a device (laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone) with internet connectivity.
- A valid email address to register a Canva account.
- Interest in creating visual content for communication, education, or business purposes.
- Willingness to participate in hands-on design activities and complete simple assignments.
Features
- Localized content tailored for the Maldivian context and real-life professional tasks.
- Step-by-step guided learning using simple language and practical demonstrations.
- Hands-on activities to practice each skill, including flyers, certificates, and awareness posts.
- Flexible learning with a combination of live online sessions and independent tutorials.
- Certificate of Completion for learners who successfully complete the program and submit their final design project.
Target audiences
- Teachers looking to create lesson visuals, worksheets, certificates, and announcements.
- Local government staff (council and community workers) involved in outreach, awareness, and public communication.
- Healthcare professionals creating posters, health alerts, and patient education materials.
- MSME owners and staff developing promotional content such as menus, flyers, and social media posts.
- Students and youth interested in acquiring design skills for education or freelance work.
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