Canvas CCSD Q & A
bit.ly/ccsdcanvasfaq
As Questions come to the Canvas team, they get added to this list.
Click on the link below to see instructions for that question/topic.
You can also use the search in the upper right
Click on the link below to see instructions for that question/topic.
You can also use the search in the upper right
How Do I see My Canvas Course Size?
To view total current size (including Student uploads), Open your course, click Settings, then on the right, click Course Statistics.
Click the File Storage tab, and look for the items below:
To see what files you have in your course, click Files and then you will see various subfolders.
How Do I Share a Course to Commons?
Sharing your artifacts (quizzes, assignments, etc) to Canvas is a great way to share your expertise (you can choose to share things with the world or only within CCSD). This link will walk you through the steps.
Technical Requirements/Considerations
Courses/artifacts cannot be larger than 500 MB, check your course size following the steps above.
Consider linking files from Google Drive, rather than uploading them all to Canvas
Pro Option: Create a Shared Drive (shared with anyone in the District) in Google Drive and copy all of the artifacts into that Drive and use those to 'feed into' your Canvas course. That way, all teachers can use those resources!
Consider including images that you use in the course in Google Drive, as well as color codes (if applicable).
District Instructional Specialists serve as content managers and can mark Commons Resources as 'District Approved Resources'. This will show up first in your search results. They have a purple check mark in the upper left corner.
How Can I View/Import From Canvas Commons?
IDL recommends that you import things from Canvas Commons into a 'Sandbox' or Practice Course (you can create a new course with these instructions), that way, you can preview, adjust, and manipulate modules & artifacts BEFORE they go into a course that has Students in it.
How Can I Copy a Course into a New Course Shell?
How Do I Use Direct Share to Share Content with Another Teacher?
How do I generate or export pairing codes for an observer as an instructor?
PowerSchool Created 7 (or more) Courses in my Canvas that I don't want/need.
My Canvas Account is Set up As a Student and I'm a Teacher
To fix this, ask one of your colleagues to:
Create a New Course then
They can remove themselves from the course at this point.
Once you accept this role you can go into your account, you will have the role of a teacher yourself.
Once you have this access, please check with your school's data clerk and ask them to ensure that you are listed as a Teacher and have enrollments assigned to you in PowerSchool/MUNIS. Ensure you also have an email address in PowerSchool/MUNIS, as well as your ID #.
You can also report this and request that Kendra fix it for you: http://bit.ly/ccsdreportcanvas
How Can I Access Canvas Commons?
Login to your Canvas account and select this icon from your Global Navigation Bar (the teal section on the left).
If you are missing the Canvas Commons button, follow these steps, You can also report this and request that Kendra fix it for you: http://bit.ly/ccsdreportcanvas
How Do I Make a Google Assignment in Canvas?
There has been an update to this integration. Look for a new video soon (this one will still work to see what it looks like, the name is different- it's Google 1.3 now) Find instructions here. See more information here. To watch a Canvas x Google webinar recording on this, click here.
I am a Teacher But I Don't Have A Canvas Account.
First: Ensure you're to log into the correct place. ccsdschools.instructure.com (or from your 'Waffle'/Google Apps launcher in Chrome).
Second: Canvas accounts for Teachers are created automatically based on PowerSchool & PowerSchool Enrollments.
If you are brand new to CCSD, it will take 24 hours from the time you get your CCSD email for your account to be created.
Please check with your school's data clerk and ask them to ensure that you are listed as a Teacher and have enrollments assigned to you in PowerSchool/MUNIS. Ensure you also have an email address in PowerSchool/MUNIS, as well as your ID #.
Third: You can report this and request that Kendra fix it for you: http://bit.ly/ccsdreportcanvas
I am Missing A Button In My Canvas Account (Commons, Studio, etc).
Find instructions on how you can fix this with a Teacher colleague and/or report this issue here:
I'm Having A Functional Issue With Canvas [Report An Issue]!
Please login to your CCSD Canvas Account (ccsdschools.instructure.com), Click Help (lower left in Global Navigation > Report a Problem)
You can also find support & repot things here:
Can I Build a Manual Course In Canvas (one that doesn't come from PowerSchool)?
Yes, you can. Follow these steps to do it.
Can I Add a Custom Link to a Website/Resource in My Canvas Course?
Yes you can. You're looking for the Redirect Tool in the Apps within your settings. Here's some information about using Redirect.
To do this: open your course > Settings > Apps > Search Redirect > Add App > Set up the Configuration (info on link above). You'll need to know the info that belongs in the fields. See image to the right for a sense of what this looks like.
How Can I Add Zoom As a Navigation Link in My Canvas Course?
The steps to add Zoom as a navigation link can be found here.
What Can Parent Observers See on Canvas?
Here's some information on it.
For support resources for Parents/Families and Students, you can share this link with them:
How Can I Get Zoom Links Onto My Canvas Course Calendar?
Short answer? Use the Canvas x Zoom integration, you can find information here.
Find information on adding Zoom links (automatically) here.
For general information about adding non-assignment events to your calendar, click here.
How Can I Reset The Content of My Course?
Please be sure to read the instructions and information BEFORE doing this. Once you complete these actions, they cannot be undone.
Find the information and steps to do this here.
How Can I Set up Assistments as Assignments in Canvas (Illustrative Math)?
For specific questions about Assistments/Illustrative Math, please reach out to Rachael Smilowitz.
Find the information and steps to do this here.
How Can I Set a Home Page/Front Page in My Canvas Course?
First, ensure your page and course are published (publishing allow students to see it).
One of My Students Doesn't Have A Canvas Account!
If the student is new to CCSD it will take a 24-hour overnight sync to create the account.
If you're sure the student isn't new, ask your Data Clerk to ensure that the student's file has their CCSD email address in it.
You can report this issue on this link, select STUDENT: http://bit.ly/ccsdreportcanvas
My Students Can't See My Canvas Course/Content, it's Unpublished.
Be sure your course/assignments are published.
Be sure students are enrolled in the course.
I've Heard There Is A New Quizzes Option/Coming.
It's true. You can use New Quizzes and Classic Quizzes now (HUGE recommendation is to switch to New Quizzes now), Classic Quizzes goes away completely September 2023. Read more here.
Can My Students Annotate a PDF in Canvas?
If they're on an iPad, it's available in the app. Information is available here.
If they're using Chromebooks or a computer, annotation is built into Canvas. The Instructor will have to add annotation when they're setting up an assignment. To find more information, use these resources.
Additionally, CCSD has purchased a district license for Kami. To learn more about how to use it, please click here.
Is There A Tool To Help Students Convert Their Voice To English Text?
Yes, Co-Writer is a tool that does this. Find out more here.
What Is The Rich Content Editor?
RCE Is a Teacher's best friend- Students can use it too. Find out more here.
My (or my student's) Google Account isn't Working In Canvas.
This is an odd issue that happened to Kendra, too! Log out of Google in your browser and then log back in. It tends to resolve the issue.
Logging out of the Google integration and then logging back in will likely resolve this issue, if a simple login/log out does not (see image).
Can I Make a Self-Enrollment Link/Button/Code For My Course?
This will only work for manually-created courses. If you (or another Teacher) created this course, you can do this. If PowerSchool automatically created the course, you cannot.
To use self-enrollment links/codes/buttons, follow these steps.
How Can I Export A Copy Of My Gradebook in Canvas?
You can find instructions here.
How Can I Make Sure The Links In My Course Will Work (Validate External Links)?
Can I Use EdPuzzle In Canvas?
You sure can! Find information in this video (from The Dock). Know that Canvas Studio is built into Canvas and also adds questions into videos. Find more here.
This was a Canvas Tip of The Week, find that here.
More information is available here.
Is There A Canvas Manual or Instructor Guide?
Yes, it's very comprehensive. You can find it here.
How Can I Change What's In The Blue Navigation Links For My Students?
Keep in mind that if you hide/disable some things (such as Modules), students will not be able to see, use, or access them.
Information and steps to follow are here.
This videos walks you through it, from The Dock.
How Can I Add A Person To My Course(s) [Teacher/TA/Student/Observer/Thought Partner]?
You must be a Teacher in the course to do this. The steps to follow & more information are located here.
What are some troubleshooting tips for students getting a "Submission Failed" message?
If students are getting a Submission Failed message when submitting assignments on an iPad it is most likely related to a poor internet connection and/or the size of the file being uploaded. this seems particularly prevalent when trying to upload an image in the Canvas Student iOS App. These troubleshooting strategies may help alleviate these issues.
Can I Choose Which Courses Appear in My Canvas Dashboard?
You can by filling the stars on Courses > All Courses in your Canvas account.
1 = not on the dashboard
2= on the dashboard
2= on the dashboard
Note: Students can do the same thing.
Can I Unpublish A Previously Published Course?
You can! Open your course > click Home > Click Unpublish
How Do I Send A Message To My Whole Class Using Inbox?
First, check to see that your course is published.
You can find a guide that walks you through the steps here.
Is There A Tool To Do Screen Reading And/Or Translating?
CCSD pays for a license for Snap & Read- it is available to all in CCSD. Sign in with your Google account here.
How Do I Use Mastery Paths?
You can find information about Mastery Paths here.
How Can I Add Khan Academy Videos Into My Canvas Module?
In your Canvas Module, you can click the + to add an item, Choose External Tool from the dropdown, and then locate & link to Khan Academy
How Can I Delete Courses That I've Created In My Canvas Account?
Only attempt to delete course that you have manually created. Additionally, if you did not create the course, don't delete it. You can remove yourself from the course (see below).
To delete a course: open the course, click Settings > Delete Course
To delete a course: open the course, click Settings > Delete Course
See more information here.
How Can I Create a Global Announcement as a School Admin in Canvas?
School Canvas Admins can create school-wide blasts and/or send surveys by creating what's called a global announcement. You will go to the admin button in your navigation bar, click on your your school, navigate to settings, and then, look for announcements in the top banner. You will see a button where you can create a global announcement for your student body.
Please note, these can be subtle and show up as banners on the top, which can be easy to miss.
Click Here to find more detailed directions on how to create a global announcement.
Can Students Change Grades? What are 'What If Grades'?
What-If Grades allow students to calculate their total grade by entering hypothetical grades for assignments. Only students can enter and view What-If scores. Learn more about how students use What-If Scores here.
Can I Edit/Embed HTML Code in Canvas?
How Can I See Future Or Past Quarters in Gradebook in Canvas?
This is turned on in Canvas Gradebook...it's called Grading Periods.
To find more information, click here.
See this view in your gradebook by following these steps:
I Created An Assignment in Canvas And It's Not In My Gradebook!
Check your assignment and make sure it has a due date attached to it. Assignments go into the gradebook according to the due date. Assignments with no due date will go to Quarter 4.
How Can I Set Up Weights in My Canvas Gradebook (Assignment Groups)?
You can find instructions on that here.
Where is the Canvas Help Menu?
You can find Canvas help here:
How Can I See Student Grades For A Student Who Has Left My Roster (Inactive/Concluded)?
You can view the grades for inactive and concluded student enrollments in the Gradebook. However, depending on the enrollment type, you may not be able to perform certain actions. Learn more about enrollments types in the Canvas Enrollment Status Comparison PDF.
You can find instructions here.
How Can I Manage My 'To Do' List and Other Course Alerts/Reminders (as an instructor)?
You can find instructions here.
Can a Student submit work using the Webcam on an Assignment?
Yes! As the instructor, when setting up the assignment, be sure to select online submission and then file upload. Students will then have the option to use their webcam to submit their work.
Find more information here.
I Want To Record a Screencast!
Canvas includes a paid feature called Canvas Studio that allows you to record unlimited-length screencasts (and other videos). You can also add quiz questions into your video. To start, locate Canvas Studio in your Global Navigation Bar (on the left side of your Canvas window) and then follow these instructions.
[Not Canvas] You can also use WeVideo, which has a Pro version paid by CCSD at the district-level (login using your CCSD Google account)
How Do I Use Flipgrid in a Canvas Course?
You can share a link to a Flipgrid. If you want to integrate the Flipgrid LTI into your Canvas Courses, you'll have to do it manually as a Teacher. Kendra cannot do it for the whole district (it's the way Flipgrid is set up). Here are the instructions for you to install it.
I Imported the Wrong Content Into a Course, Can I Undo It?
You can. Go into your course (you must be a Teacher in it), go to Settings, and on the right, you'll see an option for Reset Course Content. Link to the Canvas Guide
