Canvas Features and Tips for Students and Faculty

Canvas is a powerful Learning Management System (LMS) designed to enhance educational experience for both students and faculty. Students can easily access coursework, keep track of deadlines, and view their grades, helping them stay organized and engaged. Faculty can efficiently organize course materials, create engaging assignments, and track student progress through detailed analytics.

The Teaching, Learning and Technology Center has gathered the top Canvas tips from the past month to help students and faculty get the most out of the platform. Whether you're a student aiming to stay organized or a faculty member looking to enhance course management, these practical insights will boost your Canvas experience. Explore this month’s tips to discover new features, optimize familiar tools, and make your online learning and teaching more efficient and effective!

Students

Download Canvas Student App 

Canvas Student allows students to access their courses and groups using a mobile device. Students can submit assignments, participate in discussions, view grades and course materials. The app also provides access to course calendars, To Do items, notifications, and Conversations messages.

Download the Canvas Student App in the App Store or Google Play.

Access Feeback in Canvas

If you're curious about what your professors are saying about your assignment submissions, check out the feedback that they left so that you can understand your assignment grade. With just a few simple steps, you'll be able to see your professor's comments. Follow this guide on how to Access Feedback in Canvas as a student.

Customize Course Materials to Fit Your Learning Style

Ally in Canvas automatically generates alternative formats for certain course materials, making content more accessible. Students can choose from options like Audio MP3, ePub, Electronic Braille, and OCR PDFs to fit their learning needs. These formats support auditory learners, screen reader users, and those who prefer mobile-friendly text. Learn more about Ally Alternate Formats.

Enhance Your Reading Experience in Canvas 

The Microsoft Immersive Reader makes course materials more accessible by reading text aloud, adjusting text size, and providing grammar support. Whether you're studying on the go, taking a walk, or need help with language barriers, this tool helps you stay focused and engaged. Learn how to use Microsoft Immersive Reader in Canvas.

Stay Organized with Canvas Notifications

Stay on top of your coursework by updating your Canvas notification settings, especially as your workload increases throughout the semester. Customize your notifications to receive updates immediately, daily, or weekly, ensuring you stay informed about assignments and announcements. Choose the setting that works best for you and stay connected to your classes. Set up your Canvas notification preferences.

Track Your Progress with Canvas New Analytics

Stay on top of your coursework with Canvas New Analytics! This tool gives you insights into your grades, activity, and participation, helping you track progress and identify areas for improvement. You can also compare your engagement to class trends to stay engaged and maximize success. Learn more about Canvas New Analytics.

Faculty

Download Canvas Teacher App

Using Canvas Teacher, instructors can manage their courses on the go, both inside and outside the classroom. The app provides quick access to essential tasks like grading, communicating, and updating course content through Announcements, Assignments, Discussions, and Quizzes.

Download the Canvas Teacher App in the App Store or Google Play.

Submit a Canvas Assignment on Behalf of a Student

Instructors in Canvas can submit assignments on behalf of students when necessary. This feature is useful in cases where students encounter technical difficulties, require accommodations, or have submitted work through an alternative method. Instructors can upload files on behalf of students, but only if the assignment allows File Upload submissions. Once submitted, the assignment is recorded in the Gradebook, and the uploaded file can be accessed in SpeedGrader. Learn how to submit an assignment on a student's behalf.

More Accessible Course Content with Ally Alternative Formats

Ally in Canvas automatically generates alternative formats for course materials, ensuring accessibility for all students. These formats support diverse learning styles by providing options like Audio MP3, ePub, Electronic Braille, and OCR PDFs. By offering multiple ways for students to engage with content, instructors can create a more inclusive learning environment. Learn more about Ally Alternate Formats.

Enhance Course Navigation with Headings

Structuring your course content with headings improves accessibility and helps students quickly find important information. Whether they are reading or using a screen reader, clear organization allows students to stay on track and save time. By breaking content into sections with headings, you create a more user-friendly learning experience that benefits everyone. Learn how to use headings effectively.

Streamline Your Course with Canvas Commons

Canvas Commons is transforming how faculty share and access educational content. This online repository enables instructors to easily upload and distribute course materials, such as assignments, modules and entire courses, making the learning experience more efficient for both faculty and students.
The Teaching, Learning, and Technology Center has curated Seton Hall resource modules in Canvas Commons, which can be integrated directly into courses. These include academic support services such as the Ruth Sharkey Academic Resource Center, Bookstore, and Counseling Services, along with technology support through the Technology Service Desk, Canvas training, and more. Resources are tailored by campus, ensuring students receive relevant information. Learn More About Canvas Commons.

Boost Performance with Canvas New Analytics

Canvas New Analytics can help you track student engagement and improve course outcomes. This powerful tool provides insights into student participation, identifies those who may need extra support, and evaluates the effectiveness of course materials. With these data-driven insights, you can refine your teaching strategies to foster deeper learning and success. Learn more about Canvas New Analytics.

Check out these knowledgebase articles for more Canvas tips.

Categories: Science and Technology