Getting Started with Canvas (for Faculty)

Big picture, what do I need to know?

• Canvas access is through okta
• Students are added automatically (Canvas syncs with Registration every few hours during business hours)
• To add other users to your course, like peer mentors, please make a Canvas Instructional Technology Request
• Courses need to be published before students can access it
• Canvas has a mobile app
  • Canvas Student app (navigate your course as a student)
  • Canvas Teacher app (doesn’t have the full functionality as using your computer)

How do I add content? 

• Use Modules to add files, links (external URL), assignments, and pages
  • Each module is like a bucket or folder you add content to
  • It's common to create one module for each week or topic area
• Post your syllabus under the Syllabus link 
• Gradebook is set up from the Assignments area
  • Every grade column is an “assignment”
  • Grade posting policy: grades are automatically posted; you can choose to post them manually

How can I make my course student-friendly? 

• Use student view to see how your course appears to students
• Edit your course navigation so that only the links you are using are enabled
• Choose a homepage, and consider creating a custom front page using the Canvas icon maker
• Add due dates to assignments; this automatically adds the assignment to students' to-do lists and schedule
• Put all your content in modules so that students only have one place to go to find content or assignments

How do I get help?

• Create a ticket by
  • emailing helpdesk@rollins.edu
  • making an instructional technology request
• Schedule a 1:1 consultation with an instructional technologist
• Canvas Instructor Guides
• Canvas Video Guides