Getting started with Canvas

Getting Started with Canvas

We will explore some basics of setting up your Canvas course, designing the content, and keeping in touch with your students.

 Access a Canvas Course

When you are logged into Canvas, you should see your courses under the Course menu and on the Dashboard. Any course you have been scheduled to teach should automatically appear within Canvas.

  1. On the Global Navigation menu Links to an external site. on the left, select Courses.
  2. Select the course you wish to access.
  3. You should now see your course and your Course Menu next to the Global Navigation menu. The Course Menu allows you to access Announcements, Assignments, the Gradebook, Content Areas, Course Settings, and more.

 

 Customize Your Profile

Customizing your Canvas profile and notifications can make a big difference in how you connect with your students and manage your courses.

    Modify your Canvas Profile    
Your Canvas profile is often the first impression students get of you. Adding a friendly photo, a display name, and a short bio helps students feel more connected to you.
  1. Select the Account button on the top left of Canvas.
  2. Select Profile.
  3. Select the image in the menu and choose Edit Profile to update your display name, profile picture, and biography.
  4. Select Save Profile to keep your changes.
    Customize your Notifications     
 Notifications keep you in the loop about what's happening in your courses. You can decide what updates you want to receive, how often, and where they’re sent. Notifications help you stay organized without feeling overwhelmed by constant alerts.
  1. Select the Account button on the top left of Canvas. 
  2. Select Notifications.
  3. Choose your preferences for each type of notification.
 
Communication on Canvas 

A Canvas communication plan will help you contact your students with updates, project reminders, and changes.

    Announcements     
Keep your students informed about important updates and reminders using the Announcements feature.

For more details, check out the Announcements Overview Links to an external site..

    Inbox    
The Canvas Inbox is your go-to messaging tool for direct communication with your students and colleagues. Think of it as your Canvas email system! 
    Qwickly    
Qwickly is a handy tool within Canvas that helps you efficiently manage announcements and messages to students across multiple courses.
Faculty love it for messaging students before a course is published, something you can't do without it!

 
Helpful Guides and Videos
1. How To Create An Announcement Links to an external site.
2. How to Use Inbox Links to an external site.
3.How to Use Qwickly Links to an external site.
4. How do I edit my profile in my user account as an instructor? Links to an external site.