8 Steps to Getting Started with Canvas

Create a Course Presence in Canvas, if You Do Not Already Have One

1. Post Your Syllabus in Canvas

Option 1: Post your syllabus as a Canvas syllabus Links to an external site.

TIP: If you will need to make due date adjustments or content revisions, be sure to make those adjustments on the syllabus to avoid potential confusion.

2. Post Remaining Course Content in Canvas

Option 1: Build out remaining course content as modules Links to an external site.

Option 2: Add remaining course content as files Links to an external site.

 

3. Publish Your Canvas Course

Publish Links to an external site. your course, otherwise students will not be able to access it! If using modules, be sure to publish each module Links to an external site. and each page Links to an external site..

 

4. Create a Asynchronous Lecture Recording or Host Lectures Synchronously 

Create a Asynchronous Lecture Recording

Asynchronous lecture recordings are recommended, as they are less prone to technical glitches and allow students more flexibility to meet scheduling challenges.

Option 1: Record your lectures using Kaltura Capture Links to an external site. and publish the recordings on Canvas Links to an external site. for students to independently view. 

Option 2: Record your lectures on an iPad using the built-in screen recording feature Links to an external site. and upload the recordings from your iPad to Canvas Links to an external site.. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: All media must be closed captioned to meet accessibility guidelines. See Ordering Captions in My Media Links to an external site. and Editing Captions in My Media Links to an external site. for instructions on requesting and editing captions.

TIP: If you record your lectures and post them, be sure to specify a deadline for viewing the lecture.

 

Host Lectures Synchronously

Option 2: Host synchronous lectures using Zoom Links to an external site. or Canvas Conferences Links to an external site. (video tutorials are located below). Zoom is the preferred conferencing solution and will give the best performance.

Be sure to review the ITS Privacy and Videoconferencing page Links to an external site. to familiarize yourself with privacy matters related to hosting synchronous video conferences.

TIP: If you are not familiar with hosting synchronous sessions, learn about moderator tools/controls on these help guides:

Managing Participants in Zoom Links to an external site.

Moderating Tools in Canvas Conferences Links to an external site.

TIP: If using Zoom, it is recommended to download the Zoom app Links to an external site. because more features are available within the apps, but instructors and students can use the browser versions, if the app cannot be downloaded

User Limits When Using Video Conferencing

Zoom: 300 users

Canvas Conferences: 150 users (less than 100 recommended)

TIP: When scheduling video conferences select the option to turn off all participant cameras upon entry to the meeting. This will alleviate potential connection issues.

Scheduling and Launching Zoom within Canvas Links to an external site.

TIP: If you decide to host synchronous lectures, host the session at the same time as the scheduled class time, or survey your students to find an alternative time. 

5. Create Assignments in Canvas

Post written assignments using the Assignments tool Links to an external site..

TIPS: 

• Make sure that you indicate the assignment will be submitted online, and choose the “file upload” option for the submission type.

• Be sure deadlines are prominently posted and be sure students know how to submit work.

• Add a rubric Links to an external site. to the assignment.

6. Make a Plan for Remaining Exams and Quizzes

Option 1: Set up quizzes/exams using the Classic Quizzes tool Links to an external site..

Option 2: Set up quizzes/exams using New Quizzes Links to an external site. the new quizzing engine.

TIP: If you need to administer a high-stakes exam, consider using a time limit, hiding student quiz responses, and using question groups to randomize questions.

7. Assess Work in the Canvas Gradebook or Using Speedgrader

Option 1: Use Gradebook Links to an external site.

Option 2: Use Speedgrader Links to an external site.

TIP: Remote instruction requires instructors to plan feedback opportunities. Consider using Discussions Links to an external site. or hosting remote office hours via email.

 

8. Review Additional Resources for New Canvas Users

Instructor Readiness Canvas Course Checklist

Instructor Self-paced Canvas Course

Contact the ITS Service Center Links to an external site. for additional questions or support needs.