Bootstrap Icons

Overview

Boots icons in Excelsior courses function as interface elements, not instructional content. They reinforce information hierarchy, improve readability, and provide consistent visual cues across layouts and devices. They are not intended to explain concepts, model reasoning, interpret instructional examples, or teach or evaluate learning. In short, they are meant to guide, not explain.

For this reason, the Boots icon library available for course development is intentionally limited and specific. Each icon has a defined purpose and should only be used as intended. Boots icons should not be repurposed, and icons outside of the Boots library should never be used as substitutes. This restraint is intentional: using a small, consistently applied set of icons allows students to build a reliable mental model that helps them navigate course content more quickly and with less cognitive effort.

This usage guidance applies only to Boots icons, not icons as a whole. Icon is a broad term, and other icon styles or libraries may be used for instructional purposes when appropriate – just not Boots icons.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Using boots icons for anything other than their defined purpose
• Repurposing icons to represent new or unintended meanings
• Applying icons inconsistently across pages or courses
• Using boots icons outside of the curated library
• Treating Boots icons as decorative elements rather than interface cues
• Assuming guidance for Boots icons applies to all icons, rather than only the curated Boots icon library

Usage

Bootstrap icons are used in four distinct, intentional ways across our courses. In all cases, icons function as interface cues that help students orient themselves, recognize patterns, and move through content more efficiently – not as instructional visuals.

Page Types

Each page uses a horizontal rule with a unique icon at the top of the page. This icon is specific to the type of page.

Consistent page‑level icons help students immediately recognize what kind of page they are on and set expectations before they begin reading. Over time, these repeated visual cues support faster orientation and reduce cognitive effort as learners move through the course.

Orientation

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Homepage

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Module Overview

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Lesson

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Key Takeaways

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Discussion

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Assignments

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Knowledge Check

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Quiz

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Exam

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Live Sessions

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SkillSource/Immersives

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Technical Guides

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Instructor Notes

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Module Tasks

Each module overview page includes a Module Tasks section. Each type of task has a specific icon associated with it (for example, a checkmark for items students need to complete, such as assignments or quizzes).

Task icons allow students to quickly scan the module overview and distinguish between different types of work. This supports planning and time management by helping learners identify what actions are required and prioritize tasks more easily.

  Review

Use this icon for anything labeled as “Review” in the module tasks.

  Complete

Use this icon for anything labeled as “Complete” in the module tasks.

  Discuss

Use this icon for anything labeled as “Discuss” in the module tasks.

  Engage

Use this icon for anything labeled as “Engage” in the module tasks.

Learning Cue

These icons are used within callout boxes and info boxes to signal different kinds of learning cues.

Icons reinforce consistent patterns that help students recognize the purpose of highlighted content without relying solely on text. This improves scannability and helps learners quickly understand how a piece of content should be used.

Guidelines

Do

Do Not