Canvas
Faculty interested in learning more about Canvas can take advantage of the below support options. Please feel free to reach out to drosen@kean.edu if you have any questions.
1) CTL interactive workshops: Calendar of Workshops & Registration
2) LIVE Webinars, every weekday, 8 am- 6 pm. Click to learn how to register
3) Self-paced online tutorials: Explore these resources to learn on your own and at your own pace.
4) Books: Some have found these books helpful: Canvas for Dummies and Canvas Course Design (advanced skills)
5) Step-by-Step Guide below
Step-by-Step Guide: adding required features to your course
Log into Canvas (click on dropdown for more information)
Open Canvas by going to quick links at www.Kean.edu of click on this link to Canvas
Log in with your Kean email credentials.
If you have issues logging in, please fill out a ticket with OCIS.
Adjust Your Settings & Profile
We encourage everyone to update your setting and profile picture.
Watch this 2 min VIDEO on User Settings.
You will learn how to update your Canvas personal user settings such as your profile picture, name preferences, language, time zone, accepted usernames, web services, and feature settings.
Written Directions:
Open User Settings. In Global Navigation
Click the Account link
Then click the Settings link
Edit Settings. Click the Edit Settings button.
Change Settings. ...
Update Settings.
To add or modify your profile picture:
Hover over your picture
Click the Edit icon
You can upload a picture from your computer, take a picture using your computer’s camera, or import an image
Find Your Course Shell
Now you are ready to make your course.
Each semester OCIS, in collaboration with the Registrar, creates course shells for faculty. These shells are linked to registration information and simple syllabus. You will find your course shell in your dashboard, in the area of "unpublished courses"
To find your course shell:
Open Canvas (link to Canvas)
Click on Dashboard or Courses, on the left side menu (example here)
Click on the course name to open the course
NOTES:
Once officially assigned a course, the Canvas shell should automatically appear in your Canvas account.
If you do not see your course, check with your chair/Dean to confirm that you have been officially assigned to the course.
If you have been assigned and you do not see the shell, please fill out a ticket with OCIS so that can assist you in getting the course shell.
Add Assignments to automatically create a digital grade book
Next you will add your major assignments to the assignments tab. This usually takes less than 20 minutes and then automatically creates a digital grade book.
You might want to start by watching this short Step-by-Step VIDEO on the basics Gradebook in Assignments (2:33)
Written directions for basics of SETTING UP YOUR GRADEBOOOK
Take our your syllabus
Open your class in Canvas, click on the Assignments tab in global navigation menu
Click on the plus sign to add each assignment in your class, including due dates and points.
Instructors using Canvas to collect work from students and/or give within Canvas, will find all/some of their digital grade book automatically populates. Others will need to purposely set up their digital grade book using the below directions.
Instructors interested in step-by-step instructions for setting up a gradebook can enroll in the CTL GRADEBOOK workshop (registration link).
Resources:
10 Step Infographic that supports faculty as they develop their gradebook
VIDEOS:
Helpful Tips and Tricks to refine your grade center (17 min) - sorting columns,
Advanced Gradebook: Gradebook Overview (9:00)
Review your grade book
In the global navigation menu, click on grades. This will open your gradebook. The first column lists all the students in your class. You will input grades in the subsquent columns.
Calendar
GREAT NEWS!
Because you added in due dates to your assignments, Canvas automatically creates a calendar of due dates for your students.
The calendar is helpful in assisting your student in planning their academic work schedule. Please regularly review the calendar with your class and model effective use.
INFORMATION FOR YOU, the instructor
Watch this video on the Calendar.
Here are some written directions for instructors on how to set up and use the calendar
INFORMATION FOR the STUDENTS
Here are some directions about Calendar use for students that you can share with your class.
DURING the semester Input grades into Gradebook
All instructors are expected to communicate student grades in Canvas using the gradebook.
During the semester: after grading student work, manually input students’ grades into the Canvas grade book.
Videos on automatic and manual grade posting options
Follow the below steps to input the students' grades
Take out your list of grade and/or graded student work
Open your class shell in Canvas
In Course Navigation menu, click the Grades link.
Find the column for the assignment you are adding grades
Next to each student's name input the appropriate grade
Resources:
VIDEOS:
Helpful Tips and Tricks to refine your grade center (17 min) - sorting columns
Other Resources
Instructure directions fo Inputing Grades
Advanced Gradebook: Gradebook Overview (9:00) Slideshow DOC Key Terms
Adding Additional Features to Your Canvas Course
Simple Syllabus
Simple Syllabus is a tool that allows you to quickly edit and publish your course syllabus within Canvas. It automatically imports information such as university/departmental policies, course schedule info, and content from previous syllabi to minimize your workload at the start of the semester.
Simple Syllabus can be accessed from the Canvas Dashboard by clicking on the "Simple Syllabus" link on the left side menu (example here).
Sections that are not locked, contain a pencil icon. To make changes, simply click the pencil. This will present you with a basic editor to enter information. Select "save" once done.
Please review these documents for guidance on how to access and submit a syllabus.
From Kean
List of available webinars
Add Modules
Faculty are encouraged to use a modules to present information.
Most often faculty align modules to the syllabus - including all the content needed for a class session into one module. Modules help simplify student navigation through a course and ensure a sequential flow of content.
Step-by-Step guide, including a video can be found here
Resources:
VIDEOS: Modules Overview (4:00)
MORE INFORMATION ON Creating and Managing Modules
Adding Content and Other Items to Modules
Discussion Boards
Discussions allows for interactive communication between two or more people; users can participate in a conversation with an entire class or group.
VIDEO TUTORIAL on discussion boards
Video Conferencing
Instructors can easily set up and configure Zoom class sessions inside of a Canvas course by using the Zoom integration.
Directions for setting up & managing video conferences are provided in in this DOC
Attendance
The Canvas Attendance tool allows instructors to take daily attendance by either name or seating chart.
Enable the Attendance tool in the course navigation. This automatically creates a column in the grade book worth 100 points. Open the Attendance tool, use the calendar icon to scroll to the date to track attendance. Click the status icon for each student to mark their attendance (present, late, absent, no status)
The Attendance (Roll Call) navigation link must be added to the Course Navigation Menu. The Attendance navigation link does not display to students.
How do I make attendance not count as grade in canvas?
Edit the Roll Call Attendance assignment
Select Not Graded
Click the Save button
Integrate Publisher-created Content (including quizzes)
If you are using a publisher website for materials/assessments, you may be able to connect your Canvas course to the publisher course site and/or integrate publisher-provided tools so that students can connect to the publisher resources from Canvas, without a separate login.
Publisher integration:
Frequently Asked Questions
🖥️ Working the Grade book: Hide Total Column, Hide/Post Grades, Weight Grades
🖥️ Can I copy my gradebook a previous class?
Yes, to put content into your course, faculty can:
(1) copy content from a previous course shell (or sandbox) to the new course shell
(2) ask OCIS to copy it for you via this form
(3) create content from scratch, right in the new shell
This Guide provides information about how to copy content from a previous course shell (or sandbox) to a new shell, including step-by-step directions.
Resources:
🖥️ How can I learn more about Canvas?
Sign up for a workshop in LibCal. If you have questions, please feel free to email Dr. Rosen at drosen@kean.edu
Review these instructor guides
Watch these how to videos for instructors (or others listed on this page or found on the internet)
Take on Instructure LIVE Webinar Course (listed lower on this page)
🖥️ It's after hours, where can I find help with Canvas?
Faculty (and students) have 24/7 access to a Canvas helpline (855) 781-8511 and Canvas help via chat.
🖥️ What Canvas resources are available for my students?
It is recommended that students watch this Getting Started Series of videos.
Students in need of technical support can access help via a STUDENT CHAT help line or by calling the Canvas helpline (855) 781-8511
Students can also search Canvas student guide and watch videos for students
🖥️ Is Simple Syllabus included in my Canvas Course?
Yes. Once a Simple Syllabus is completed & approved, the system automatically links that syllabus to your course. You and your students access this syllabus via the course menu on the left. Directions for Simple Syllabus are found here.
You can find Simple Syllabus on the Course menu.
🖥️ What is theUniversity-wide Canvas Template?
Instructors using Canvas to teach their courses are encouraged to use the Kean Canvas Template - a course shell that is pre-formatted with items such as links to key university resources, modules, quizzes, etc. The template saves time by providing pre-built items that instructors can customize and creates continuity for students by providing a common structure, thus making it easier for them to navigate the course.
When a template is imported into an already developed course, the preformatted material layers into your course shell and does not replace any content. Any unwanted template content can be easily deleted. For step-by-step instructions on how to download and personalize a template in ways that employ best practices, instructors can register for the TEMPLATE workshop. (registration link).
🖥️ I am an ADJUNCT & have not gotten my contract, can I develop my course shells now?
Yes. Even if you have not been officially assigned a course, you can still prepare your class now. As long as you have a Kean email you should have a sandbox in your Canvas account. Simply, build your course in your sandbox.
If you do not already have a sandbox in Canvas or you need additional sandbox for a second class, fill this form and in the details section write a specific note. For example, you might write something like: "I am an adjunct requesting a Canvas sandbox. I have not been assigned a course yet, but I want to build my course now so my course shell will be ready if/when I get assigned a course."
🖥️ Can colleges and/or departments request special workshops?
Yes. Special trainings can be arranged. Please contact Dr. Rosen to arrange session at drosen@kean.edu
HELPFUL VIDEOS
One-hour sessions focused on ONE topic, allowing for in-depth exploration.
First Look (Login procedure, global navigation, account setup, personal preferences, Inbox and Calendar). DOC
DEC 1 | 10:00 AM; 4-2023 | 08:30 AM; 13-2023 | 02:30 PM
NOV 28 | 10:00 AM; 29-2023 | 08:30 AM
DEC 4 | 11:30 AM; 7-2023 | 11:30 AM
DIRECTIONS for registering for a LIVE WEBINAR
Assignments Assignments Resource Doc | Create Assignments
NOV 27 | 08:30 AM; 29 | 05:30 PM; 4 | 01:00 PM
DEC 13 | 10:00 AM; 15 | 11:30 AM; 20-2023 | 11:30 AM
Gradebook and SpeedGrader drop lowest grades | order gradebook columns | give extra credit | Icons and colors in the Gradebook
NOV 27 | 10:00 AM; 1-2023 | 11:30 AM;
DEC 04-2023 | 04:00 PM; 14-2023 | 10:00 AM; 14-2023 | 05:30 PM
CLASSIC Quiz Basics
NOV 28 | 05:30 PM
DEC 5 | 08:30 AM; 8 | 11:30 AM; 15 | 02:30 PM; 19-2023 | 08:30 AM
Managing CLASSIC Quizzes
NOV 29 | 11:30 AM
DEC 18 | 08:30 AM; 19 | 10:00 AM
Creating Assessments with NEW Quizzes New Quizzes Toolkit | (Video 4:27) (Long Video 47 min) Resource Doc QTI file | Add content to quizzes
DEC 5 | 10:00 AM; 12 | 4:00 PM; 15-2023 | 1:00 PM
Managing Assessments with NEW Quizzes
TBA
Course Communication Tools
NOV 11-27-2023 | 04:00 PM
DEC 4 | 05:30 PM; 12 | 02:30 PM; 14 | 04:00 PM; 20 | 08:30 AM
Course Design Considerations
NOV 29 | 01:00 PM
DEC 6 | 05:30 PM; 14 | 11:30 AM; 20-2023 | 05:30 PM
Course Settings and Sharing
TBA
Exploring the Canvas Commons
TBA
The Student Experience
TBA
Accessibility Alt Text | accessibility checker | Link Validator | App Check | Immersive Reader | Giving Extended Time
TBA
Pages and Rich Content Editor (video)
TBA
Outcomes and Rubrics for Instructors rubistar
DEC 1- | 1:00 PM; 5- | 11:30 AM; 7- | 10:00 AM; 15- | 03:00 PM
Course Data and Analytics
NOV 30- | 1:00 PM
DEC 5- | 2:30 PM; 12- | 5:30 PM; 14- | 2:30 PM; 19- | 2:30 PM
Canvas for Math & Science
NOV 30-2023 | 10:00 AM
DEC. 6 - | 8:30 AM; 12- | 10:00 AM
Getting Started with Canvas Badges
TBA
Integrating Canvas and Google
NOV 30- | 05:30 PM
DEC 6- | 1:00 PM; 7- | 5:30 PM; 15- | 8:30 AM; 19- | 4:00 PM
Integrating Canvas and Office 365
DEC. 1- | 08:30 AM; 6- | 2:30 PM; 7- | 4:00 PM; 15- | 10:00 AM; 18- | 11:30 AM
Mobile Apps: Teacher App
TBA
Home Pages
DEC 4 | 10:00 AM; 7 | 2:30 PM; 14 | 1:00 PM; 18 | 4:00 PM
Canvas for Performance-Based Teaching DOC
NOV 30- | 11:30 AM
DEC 6- | 10:00 AM; 12- | 11:30 AM
Canvas for Special Education
NOV 28- | 04:00 PM
DEC 6- | 11:30 AM; 12- | 1:00 PM
Elementary Dashboard for Teachers
NOV 28-2023 | 08:30 AM
DEC 1- | 4:00 PM; 5- | 5:30 PM; 13- | 8:30 AM; 20- | 2:30 PM
Resources Click on drop down arrow for more information
Resources/Documentation:
Analytics Resource Page |
Mobile Apps Resource Guide | Resource Guide for Students
Template: Copy Template DOC | How change dashboard course card |
Modules: Assignments Resource Doc | Create Assignments | Embed a video in a page
Quizzes: Classic Quizzes | New Quizzes | Quiz Type (Classic) | Creating with New Quizzes |Question Banks | Question Groups | New Quizzes Resource Page
Pages |
Discussions: Discussions | Add a rubric to a graded discussion
Rubrics |
Project Based Learning: Resource Page | Group Set | Add requirements in a module |
Performance Based Learning: Resource Page
Place-based learning:
Outcomes and Rubrics: Resource Page |
Gradebook Video overview | Instructor guide | How do I use Gradebook? | Late submission policy | Grade posting policies
Publisher Integration
McGraw Hill offers one-on-one training. Use these links to make an appointment with either Liza or Jenni. | McGraw Hill
KEY DOCUMENTATION
Programs that integrate with Canvas:
GRADESCOPE: What is it? (1:26) More (1:00) Walkthrough (19:53) Gradescope in Canvas (53:00)
Other Technology
CURSOR CREATOR Canvas Master Custom Cursor Trails
Choose ONE from below based on how you want to use Canvas
If you only want to use the Gradebook feature, take the "GRADEBOOOK" wokrshop. Resources: Slideshow DOC Key Terms 10 Step Infographic
If you want to teach with Cavnas, take the TEMPLATE workshop
Resources: Copy Template DOC 10 Step
If you transferred a Blackboard shell, take: Maximize Your Transferred BB Shell. DOC
If you used Google Classroom, take: Moving from Google Classroom to Canvas DOC
After completing the Green workshops, these are some course will help expand your knowledge
Canvas 1: Explore modules, assignments, quizzes. Bring your questions. Prerequisite: Template class Info
Video Conference: Setting up & managing video conferences - DOC
Open Workshop: No agenda. Come with your questions. Get support as you develop your course
SpeedGrader: Learn about grading & rubrics DOC
These workshops offer valuable skills that serve as significant complements to your instruction.
TurnItIn: Effective use of TurnItIn
Rubrics & Assignments: Writing and using rubrics
Publisher integration: About Many Publishers | McGraw Hill
Course Copy: copy previous course info into new course shell DOC
Getting Started with Canvas in 10 Step (visual)
Faculty are expected to list major assignments and post grades in an online grade book within the Canvas platform.
If you are unfamiliar with the process, please enroll a CTL class listed in LibCal
Faculty are encouraged to use Canvas to organize content, collect student assignments and create a consistent student experience through the use of the Kean Course Template.