To help you make the most of your new online learning space, here are some tips from other students on the most useful features of Canvas.
Keep track of assignments in one place
Never worry about missing a deadline again! Assignments will automatically show up in your calendar once your teacher makes them available. You can view available dates for all your subjects on the one page, or you can filter the view to see a specific subject.
TLDR: To use the calendar, click on the Calendar icon on the Canvas menu on the left side of the browser window.
Personalise how, when and what notifications you receive
Find out when your assignment has been marked, when a due date changes or an announcement has been posted. You can choose to receive notifications instantly or daily. Each notification is already set to a default preference.
TLDR: To personalise your notifications, click Account at the top of the Canvas menu, and then click Notifications.
Go mobile
Canvas has a free app for Android and iPhone that you can use to access Canvas on your mobile device. Stay current with your course anywhere you go – from the couch, to the kitchen, to the backyard, and back to the couch again. Yay, social distancing!
TLDR: Download the Canvas student app from Google Play or the App Store.
Save longer posts outside of Canvas
If you’re writing a longer response to a discussion thread, it’s a good idea to write your reply in Word and then post into Canvas. This way, if you lose your internet connection, you won’t lose any of your perfectly composed words.
TLDR: Type longer posts in notes or Word before pasting in discussion thread.
Preview files before downloading them
In Canvas, you can view your files like readings or lecture notes on your screen first instead of needing to download. This is extra helpful for those of us with a little data that needs to go a long way.
TLDR: Click the small paper + magnifying glass icon next to a link to preview the document. Then you can decide whether to download it now or wait until later.
Access course material for the entire length of your degree
Before Canvas, you couldn’t access subject resources after the session ended. Now you can! You won’t be able to edit content, but you’ll be able to view past assignments or readings – handy if you need to reference them later on!
TLDR: All current course material will be visible on your Canvas dashboard. Find past courses by clicking on the Courses icon on the Canvas menu.
Access 24/7 help
Late night study session? No problem. If you need help at any time of the day, you’ve got the Canvas experts right at your fingertips.
TLDR: Click the Help icon at the bottom of the Canvas menu. Here you can search for topics or ask questions via live chat support - real people sitting behind real computers, ready to help you out. You can also get in touch with ASK UTS or the IT Support Centre for help.