Unit 1: Introduction to Canvas
What is Canvas?
Canvas is a password-protected learning management system that is accessed via the internet. It is a comprehensive and integrated suite of tools that includes the following features:
- course development and management tools
- content creation and management tools
- communication and collaboration tools
- assessment tools
Canvas can be used to integrate the internet with instruction at any level, from a web-enhanced class to a fully online one. The instructor can decide which tools to use and can control how the student progresses through the online material.
Why Canvas?
Canvas is a cloud-based Learning Management System that makes teaching and learning easier. The tools are designed to be used online, on mobile and on tablet. But most of all, they're designed to be used.
Canvas’ modern approach to software includes:
- Multi-device, social media-aware
- Cloud-based and centralized
- No: installs, hosting, varying versions
- One universal community using one app
- Simpler user experience
- Options are fewer, but more intuitive
Take a Virtual Tour through Canvas
500 - Canvas Interface Overview Links to an external site. from Instructure Community Links to an external site. on Vimeo Links to an external site..
Profile & Notification Settings
Profile
The user profile is attached to any activity inside Canvas and is a great way to share information with your students. They will benefit from getting to know something about their instructors, and the profile also allows you to share some important information about the best way to contact you. Though information about your contact preferences is also likely in your syllabus, including it in your profile makes it easier for students to find.
111 - User Settings & Profile Picture Links to an external site. from Canvas LMS Links to an external site. on Vimeo Links to an external site..
Canvas Help Pages
- How do I edit my profile in my user account as an instructor? Links to an external site.
- How do I add a profile picture in my user account as an instructor? Links to an external site.
Notifications
Canvas includes a set of default notification preferences you can receive for your courses. Notifications are sent to your @smccd.edu account. However, you can change the default settings by setting your own notification preferences. These preferences only apply to you; they are not used to control how course updates are sent to other users.
Notifications are sent as one of four delivery types: notify me right away, daily summary, weekly summary, or don't send. If you change a setting, the change is made immediately to your account.
Notification settings apply to all of your courses; you cannot change settings for individual courses.
112 - Notification Preferences Links to an external site. from Canvas LMS Links to an external site. on Vimeo Links to an external site..
Canvas Help Pages
Finding my Courses
Using the Dashboard
The Dashboard is your landing page in Canvas and displays information about your current courses by default. However, it can also be customized to display just your "favorite" courses.
The Dashboard also includes a sidebar to the right-hand side of the screen, which contains the To Do list, upcoming events, and access to grades.
The sidebar helps you manage grading in all of your courses. However, assignments that are not graded or do not require an online submission only display until the due date.
The To Do section at the top of the sidebar shows all items that require grading in Canvas, regardless of due date. Each item in the To Do list displays the assignment name, the course name, the number of points, and the due date for the assignment. Some assignments may display multiple due dates. Items remain in this section for four weeks.
The Coming Up section, just below the To Do section, shows assignments and events coming due in the next seven days. Items can include ungraded quizzes and assignments that do not require a submission, though these assignment types do not display in the To Do grading list for instructors. Some items may display multiple due dates. The Coming Up section displays up to 20 items ordered according to date.
500 - Canvas Interface Overview Links to an external site. from Canvas LMS Links to an external site. on Vimeo Links to an external site..
Canvas Help Pages
- How do I use the Dashboard as an instructor? Links to an external site.
- How do I view course cards in the Dashboard as an instructor? Links to an external site.
- How do I use the To Do list and sidebar in the Dashboard as an instructor? Links to an external site.
- How do I use the Global Activity Stream as an instructor? Links to an external site.
- How do I view grades in the Dashboard as an instructor? Links to an external site.
Finding Courses
Courses allows your to view your current, previous and future enrollment courses in Canvas. Courses are automatically created for you in Canvas from Banner. As an instructor, you do not need to create your own course shells for each semester.
Teaching Tips
- If you do not see a current course on your Dashboard, be sure to check the Courses > All Courses area. You may need to favorite a course so that it appears on your Dashboard by following the steps outlined in How do I customize my Courses list as an instructor? Links to an external site.