I do not use Canvas. My friend Marcia has been my Canvas expert. You can email her at marcia@alicekeeler.com if you have some pedagogy questions about using Canvas. She is usually very helpful. Marcia has provided many tips for Canvas which I am sorting in a RANDOM order below.
See the bottom for some additional tips.
Embedding Content
Marcia Carrillo Shares her Top 10 Tips for Using the Canvas LMS.
Using Canvas Commons
Check out this quick video on how to use Canvas Commons. Canvas Commons is a digital resource library. Why Use Canvas Commons? Are you teaching
Send An Announcement
The quickest way to communicate with your class or send information for students to review or collaborate on is by, Sending An Announcement. On the
Organizing The Navigation In Canvas LMS
Marcia Carrillo demonstrates how to effectively organize the navigation titles in your Canvas LMS course.
CANVAS LMS – Office Hours with Marcia
Marcia Carrillo is our Canvas LMS expert. Check out her office hours session for some tips on using Canvas. In today’s office hours we went
Advice: Using the Canvas LMS
I do not use Canvas. My friend Marcia has been my Canvas expert. You can email her at marcia@alicekeeler.com if you have some pedagogy questions
Add Confetti On Submission In CANVAS
Add confetti on submission of an assignment, in CANVAS LMS. Select “online submission”, a due date and publish it.
Using Google Drive In Canvas LMS
Using Google Drive in Canvas LMS is mostly related to “Creating Assignments” and giving students their own copy of a document, presentation, etc, from your
Embedding a Google Form In CANVAS LMS
Marcia Carillo shares how to embed a Google Form into a Canvas LMS page.
Canvas Top 10 Tips
Marcia Carrillo Shares her Top 10 Tips for Using the Canvas LMS.
A Conversation with ChatGPT about Teaching with Canvas
Switching from Google Classroom to Canvas might seem challenging at first, but here are some pointers to help ease the transition:
Key Features Comparison
Modules and Assignments:
- Canvas: Use Modules to organize content and assignments logically. Think of Modules as units or chapters.
- Google Classroom: Uses Streams for announcements and assignments which can sometimes get cluttered.
SpeedGrader:
- Canvas: SpeedGrader is a powerful tool for grading, allowing you to view and grade student submissions quickly.
- Google Classroom: Grading is integrated but less robust compared to SpeedGrader.
Communication:
- Canvas: Offers multiple communication tools, including Announcements, Discussions, and Inbox.
- Google Classroom: Primarily uses the Stream for announcements and private comments on assignments for communication.
Getting Started with Canvas
Set Up Your Course:
- Import your syllabus, set up Modules, and populate them with Pages, Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions.
- Utilize Canvas’ Course Import Tool to bring over materials from Google Classroom if supported.
Familiarize Yourself with Navigation:
- Home: Central hub of your course.
- Modules: Organize course content sequentially.
- Assignments: Create assignments, quizzes, and discussions.
- Grades: View and grade submissions.
- People: Manage students and their roles.
- Files: Upload and organize course materials.
Utilize Canvas Guides and Resources:
- Canvas has extensive documentation and video tutorials. Access these resources to familiarize yourself with different features.
- Join the Canvas Community to connect with other educators and share tips.
Tips for Effective Use
Use Rubrics:
- Create rubrics for assignments to provide clear criteria for grading. This helps in maintaining consistency and transparency in grading.
Incorporate Multimedia:
- Canvas supports embedding videos, audio, and external content. Use multimedia to make lessons engaging.
Leverage Discussions:
- Utilize discussion boards to foster collaboration and communication among students.
Feedback and Communication:
- Provide timely and constructive feedback using SpeedGrader.
- Use Announcements for important updates and Inbox for private communication with students.
Integrate Third-Party Tools:
- Canvas supports many third-party integrations (LTI tools). Explore tools like Turnitin for plagiarism checks or Zoom for virtual meetings.
Maintaining a Student-Centered Approach
- Ensure that the transition to Canvas continues to emphasize student-centered learning, collaborative projects, and authentic assessments.
- Encourage students to use Canvas tools actively, like participating in discussions and utilizing resources in Modules.
By taking these steps, you’ll be able to leverage Canvas effectively while maintaining the pedagogical approaches that worked well in Google Classroom.
Creating a Student-Centered Learning Environment
Use Discussions for Peer Interaction:
- Create discussion boards where students can ask questions, share resources, and collaborate on projects. Encourage them to respond to each other to build a learning community.
Incorporate Group Work:
- Use Canvas’s Groups feature to create small groups for collaborative projects. This can facilitate peer learning and ensure that all students have a voice.
Personalize Learning Paths with Mastery Paths:
- Utilize Mastery Paths to differentiate instruction. This feature allows you to create conditional content, assignments, and quizzes that adapt to each student’s performance.
Enhancing Engagement with the 4 C’s
Collaboration:
- Use collaborative tools like Google Docs or Microsoft OneDrive integrated with Canvas to allow students to work together in real-time on assignments and projects.
Communication:
- Make use of Canvas Announcements to keep students informed and engaged. Regular updates and motivational messages can help maintain a connection with students.
Critical Thinking:
- Design assignments and quizzes that require students to apply critical thinking. Use open-ended questions, case studies, and problem-solving activities.
Creative Thinking:
- Encourage students to express their understanding creatively. Use tools like Canva, Padlet, or digital storytelling tools and integrate these projects within Canvas.
Utilizing the 5 E’s Lesson Plan Model
Engage:
- Start lessons with engaging content, such as videos, interactive simulations, or thought-provoking questions using Canvas Pages.
Explore:
- Provide students with resources and activities that allow them to explore new concepts. Use Canvas Modules to organize these resources in a structured way.
Explain:
- Use Canvas Quizzes and Assignments to assess students’ understanding and provide explanations through detailed feedback and discussion posts.
Elaborate:
- Assign projects or extended tasks that require students to elaborate on their knowledge. Use Canvas’s Assignment feature to set up these tasks.
Evaluate:
- Regularly evaluate student progress with a mix of formative and summative assessments. Use SpeedGrader to provide detailed, timely feedback.
Implementing Authentic Assessment
Project-Based Learning:
- Design assessments that involve real-world problems and projects. Use the Canvas Assignment feature to set clear criteria and rubrics.
Portfolios:
- Have students create digital portfolios using Canvas’s ePortfolio feature to showcase their work and reflect on their learning journey.
Peer Reviews:
- Use the Peer Review feature in Canvas Assignments to have students give and receive feedback on each other’s work. This promotes critical thinking and collaborative learning.
Leveraging Technology for Transformation
Integrate External Apps:
- Explore and integrate various educational apps and tools that enhance learning experiences. Canvas supports LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) for easy integration.
Use Multimedia:
- Incorporate videos, podcasts, and other multimedia resources into your Canvas course to make content more engaging. Embed these resources directly into Pages, Assignments, and Discussions.
Automate Routine Tasks:
- Use Canvas’s automation features like due date management, automatic grade posting, and notifications to streamline administrative tasks, allowing more focus on teaching and student interaction.
Fostering Active Learning
Interactive Content:
- Use tools like H5P or Edpuzzle to create interactive content that can be embedded in Canvas. This keeps students actively engaged with the material.
Gamification:
- Incorporate gamification elements such as badges, leaderboards, and progress tracking to motivate students and make learning fun.
Flipped Classroom Model:
- Use Canvas to implement a flipped classroom model where students review lecture materials at home and engage in hands-on activities and discussions in class.
Continuous Professional Development
Canvas Community:
- Join the Canvas Community to share best practices, ask questions, and learn from other educators.
Ongoing Training:
- Participate in webinars, workshops, and courses offered by Canvas to stay updated on new features and best practices.
Setting Up Canvas
Sure! Here’s a step-by-step guide for some essential Canvas features to get you started:
1. Setting Up Your Course
Step-by-Step Guide
Create a Course:
- Log in to Canvas.
- Click on the “Courses” tab in the global navigation menu.
- Click on “All Courses” and then “Add New Course.”
- Enter the course name and other details, then click “Create Course.”
Customize the Course Settings:
- Go to the “Settings” tab in the course navigation menu.
- Customize course details, including the course image, grading scheme, and more.
- Click “Update Course Details” to save changes.
2. Creating Modules
Step-by-Step Guide
Create a Module:
- Navigate to “Modules” in the course navigation menu.
- Click the “+ Module” button.
- Enter the module name (e.g., “Week 1: Introduction”) and click “Add Module.”
Add Content to the Module:
- Click the “+” button within the module.
- Select the type of content to add (Assignment, Quiz, File, Page, etc.).
- Create new content or add existing content to the module.
- Click “Add Item” to include the content in the module.
3. Using SpeedGrader
Step-by-Step Guide
Access SpeedGrader:
- Open the assignment you want to grade.
- Click on “SpeedGrader” in the right-hand menu.
Grade Assignments:
- Review the student’s submission.
- Enter grades in the provided fields.
- Provide feedback using comments or annotations.
- Click “Submit” to save the grade and move to the next student.
4. Creating Announcements
Step-by-Step Guide
Create an Announcement:
- Go to “Announcements” in the course navigation menu.
- Click the “+ Announcement” button.
Compose the Announcement:
- Enter a title and body for the announcement.
- Use the Rich Content Editor to format text, add links, images, and media.
- Set options like delayed posting or allowing comments.
- Click “Save” to post the announcement.
5. Creating and Using Discussions
Step-by-Step Guide
Create a Discussion:
- Go to “Discussions” in the course navigation menu.
- Click the “+ Discussion” button.
Set Up the Discussion:
- Enter a title and prompt for the discussion.
- Set options such as graded or ungraded, allow threaded replies, and set availability dates.
- Click “Save & Publish” to make the discussion available to students.
6. Creating Assignments
Step-by-Step Guide
Create an Assignment:
- Navigate to “Assignments” in the course navigation menu.
- Click the “+ Assignment” button.
Configure Assignment Details:
- Enter the assignment name, description, and instructions.
- Set the points, due date, and availability dates.
- Choose submission type (online, on paper, external tool, etc.).
- Click “Save & Publish” to make the assignment available to students.
7. Using Rubrics
Step-by-Step Guide
Create a Rubric:
- Go to “Outcomes” in the course navigation menu, then select “Manage Rubrics.”
- Click the “+ Add Rubric” button.
Define Rubric Criteria:
- Add criteria and performance levels.
- Enter descriptions and point values for each level.
- Click “Create Rubric” to save.
Attach Rubric to an Assignment:
- Open the assignment and click “Add Rubric.”
- Select the rubric you created from the list.
- Click “Use This Rubric” to attach it to the assignment.
8. Creating Quizzes
Step-by-Step Guide
Create a Quiz:
- Go to “Quizzes” in the course navigation menu.
- Click the “+ Quiz” button.
Set Up the Quiz:
- Enter the quiz title, instructions, and settings (timed, multiple attempts, etc.).
- Click “Questions” to add questions to the quiz.
- Choose question types (multiple-choice, true/false, essay, etc.) and enter the question details.
- Click “Save & Publish” to make the quiz available to students.
9. Using Modules to Organize Content
Step-by-Step Guide
Create and Name Modules:
- Go to “Modules” in the course navigation menu.
- Click the “+ Module” button.
- Enter the module name and click “Add Module.”
Add Items to Modules:
- Click the “+” button within the module.
- Select the type of content (Page, Assignment, Quiz, etc.).
- Click “Add Item” to include the content in the module.
10. Integrating External Tools (LTIs)
Step-by-Step Guide
Access External Tools:
- Go to “Settings” in the course navigation menu.
- Click the “Apps” tab.
Install External Tools:
- Browse or search for the desired tool.
- Click the tool and follow the prompts to install and configure it.
- The tool will be added to your course navigation or accessible within relevant sections.
By following these step-by-step guides, you can start using Canvas efficiently and create a robust, student-centered learning environment.