Getting Started with Canvas

New to Canvas?

If you are new to Canvas you'll notice that while some things look and act similarly to how they look and act in Oncourse, there are some tools and features that are new and different.

Canvas offers a wide array of student help guides. Need to know how to do something? Check out the Canvas Student Guide Links to an external site.

Supported Browsers

Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.

Canvas supports the last two versions of every browser release. We highly recommend updating to the newest version of whatever browser you are using as well as the most up-to-date Flash plug-in. (Best Browsers for Canvas Links to an external site.)

Communicating in Canvas

Please use the Canvas Inbox tool (shown at the top of every page) to communicate with us about the course. If you see a blue circle next to the word Inbox that means you have unread messages. The number in the blue circle indicates how many unread messages you have. Canvas messages are an official means of communication so make a point of checking these messages regularly.

Setting your Notifications

By default, your notifications will go to your IU email address. If you would like your notifications to go to an additional email address and/or if you would like to add notifications via text message, you can add these options to your notification preferences in the Settings tool at the top right of the page. Once you are on the Settings page, you will see a place to add a new email address or an "Other Contact" which would be your cell phone number if you would like text messages.

For more information or help, check out this Canvas video tutorial.

Adding your Profile Picture

Whenever you send a message in the Canvas Inbox or post to a Discussion, your message or post will feature your profile picture. It is very helpful to have a picture there so people can connect a name with a face, and you can get to know each other.

To add a profile picture, click Settings and then click the grey placeholder profile picture icon to access the dialogue box. Click the Upload a Picture tab and either choose a picture or drag one from your desktop and drop it into the uploader. Canvas will automatically store a copy of the new profile picture in your personal files.

For more information/help, check out this Canvas video tutorial.

Canvas iOS and Android Apps

Although Canvas can be accessed through a mobile browser, it is not officially supported. Instead, they recommend using the Canvas by Instructure app. The app is compatible with the following mobile operating systems, on both tablets and mobile phones:

iOS 7.0+
Android 4.0+

The app can be downloaded through the Play Store on Android, or the App Store on iOS devices. Search for "Canvas by Instructure" and install. For more information and a link to the mobile guides from Canvas, visit Accessing Canvas via Mobile Apps on the IU Knowledge Base.

When logging in for the first time, the Canvas app will ask for your institution's url. Enter iu.instructure.com in this field. From there, you will be taken to Central Authentication Services where you should enter your IU email address and password to log in.

Technology requirements for this course

To successfully complete this course you need a laptop or desktop computer with the latest web browser versions and reliable internet access (preferably DSL or faster). Most courses with an online component also require that your system is equipped with a webcam and microphone. Review a complete list of hardware/network requirements and software Links to an external site. needed for a successful experience in the School of Nursing.

If you are taking a synchronous distance-accessible course, be sure to read the information describing the requirements for videoconferencing Links to an external site..

Getting Help

Canvas Help

Clicking on the Help link in the upper right toolbar is also a great way to find information about Canvas.

The Help link allows you to do the following:

Ask your Instructor a Question,
Search the Canvas Guides, or
Report a Problem to UITS

Need more help with Canvas or other technology?

Contact the IT Support Center (Help is available 24/7) | Phone: 317-274-4357 | Email: ithelp@iu.edu | Chat: ithelplive.iu.edu Links to an external site.

Another great information source for all things IU is the Knowledge Base Links to an external site..