Getting Started: Canvas Basics

 

New to Canvas?

The following two pages are an overview of the main Canvas features that you will work with as an instructor.

Please note that if you are using assistive technology, the Vimeo video player is not accessible so please see the matching text resources linked below each video.

The Canvas Interface

Canvas Interface Overview Script Links to an external site. Links to an external site.

Setting your Notifications

By default, your notifications will go to your organizational email address. If you would like your notifications to go to an additional email address and/or if you would like to add notifications via text message, you can add these options to your notification preferences in the Account tool on the left of the page and then choose "Settings". Once you are on the Settings page, you will see a place to the right of the page to add a new email address or an "Other Contact" which would be your cell phone number if you would like text messages.

TIP: An important thing to note is that students set their own notification preferences.  They can choose what notifications they want to receive immediately, daily, weekly, or not at all.  

Canvas Guide on Setting Notifications Links to an external site.and Notifications Video Script Links to an external site.

Adding your Profile Picture

Whenever you send a message in the Canvas Inbox, post to a Discussion, or send an Announcement your message or post will feature your profile picture. It is very helpful to have a picture there so students easily recognize what messages are coming from you versus what messages are coming from classmates.

To add a profile picture, click Account and choose "Profile." Click the grey placeholder profile picture icon to get a pop-up window where you can add your picture.  Click the Upload a Picture tab and either choose a picture or drag one from your desktop and drop it into the uploader. Canvas will automatically store a copy of the new profile picture in your personal files.

Canvas Guide on Setting Your Profile Picture Links to an external site. and Profile Picture Video Script Links to an external site.

Email in Canvas

An important thing to note about the Canvas email (called Conversations) is that your Inbox is linked to all of your courses.  Email from all of your courses appears in the same inbox.  Your Canvas email will also forward to your external email and you can respond in your external email without going into Canvas.

Canvas Guide on Inbox (aka Conversations) Links to an external site. and Communication Overview Video Script Links to an external site.