This page provides resources on using Canvas that you can share with your students. You may copy all of this text, or only selections, for use in your courses. If you would like a quick list of only the websites linked to here, please see the Resources page in this module. Download Canvas Quick Tips

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Quick Canvas Tips for Students

If you would like a more detailed and extensive guide please visit the Canvas Student Guides.

Do not Use Internet Explorer or Edge

Use Firefox, Chrome, or Safari with Canvas. If you are missing the Submit button or try to submit an Assignment and it does work then it’s because of Microsoft Internet Explorer or Edge. Have at least two browsers installed on your computer, and be sure to keep your browsers, Adobe Flash, and Java updated.

Set Your Preferences

Do you want a text notification when your Instructor grades your assignment? Do you want an email sent to your Gmail account when a due date changes? Do you want these notifications ASAP or only once a day? Canvas allows you to set things up exactly the way you want them so take advantage of it! Click on Account (your photo) then select Notifications. Please visit the Canvas guide on setting preferences for more information.

Going Mobile

Canvas has a free app for Android and iPhone that normally works a lot better than accessing Canvas through the Web browser on your phone. Please visit the guide on using Canvas on a mobile device for more information.

NOTE: Do not take quizzes by using the mobile app. Not all quiz settings or question types are compatible with the mobile app yet.

Don't Miss Assignment Feedback

Look for the feedback or speech icons next to assignments. Here you can see feedback and comments from your instructor. For a list of what these icons represent, click here. Make sure not to miss the “View Feedback” button that may appear to assignments that you’ve uploaded. More information about “View Feedback” is available on the Canvas website.

Typing a Significant Response to a Discussion, Assignment, Quiz, or Textbox

Always make sure to copy what you've typed and paste it into a word document (or Notepad) before clicking the submit button. Why do this? There's always a chance that you could lose what you've typed. By saving it before you submit it you've got a back-up of all your hard work. If using Word or if the formatting of the text looks bad, you can use the clear formatting tool in the text box editor.

Embedding Images Into a Discussion

Do not try to copy/paste. Use the embed image icon on the toolbar. Please visit the Canvas site for more information on how to embed images in a discussion reply.

Make Sure to Check Out "What-If" Grade

As a student, you can view your grades based on What-if scores so that you know how grades will be affected by upcoming assignments that you can type in. Go to your course and click on Grades. Enter a hypothetical grade for any ungraded item. To see more about “What-If” scores, please visit the Canvas site.

Getting an Error Message or Problem With Canvas

Take a screen shot of it from your computer (or with your cellphone) and email this picture to your Instructor or Canvas Support when you report the problem. Having the picture of exactly what you are seeing or the exact error message can really help when trying to trouble-shoot an issue.

Download all of Your Assignment Submissions at Once

There is a quick and easy way to download all the assignment files you've submitted to Canvas. If you plan on leaving the university and want all of your assignments, you can download them all at once. Please visit the Canvas website for more information on how to do this.

Where to Get Help

You have several options for getting help getting comfortable with using Canvas. First, try the Help icon in the lower left of your Canvas window. Here you can search for topics, submit a trouble ticket, or ask questions via live chat support. Visit the Canvas website for up-to-date student guides for all the main features in Canvas. If you prefer videos, check out these student video guides.

By Chrisopher Collins, History Instructor, Skyline College