Using Canvas at IU
What is Canvas?
Canvas is the learning management system (LMS) used across Indiana University, for traditional face-to-face courses, online and hybrid courses, and even educational experiences (like this orientation!) outside of your official coursework.
Instructors often use Canvas to receive assignment submissions, post grades, make announcements, and store and distribute course files. Each instructor uses Canvas in their own way, so it is important to learn the basic features and functions of Canvas so that you are prepared for whatever your instructors have planned for you.
Where do I find my Canvas course sites?
You can quickly launch Canvas by going to canvas.iu.edu
Links to an external site. from any Canvas-friendly browser (see below). You can also launch Canvas through One.IU
Links to an external site. by searching for "Canvas."
When you log in to Canvas, the first thing you will see is your Dashboard. You can change a few things about your Dashboard setup, but the Dashboard essentially provides a big-picture view of what's going on in all of your current courses.
Refer to How do I use the Dashboard as a student? Links to an external site. from Canvas for more information.
Important note: Usually, your Canvas course sites are available a few days before classes start. Even if you are registered for a course, you will not be able to view your Canvas courses sites until your instructors make them available to you (by publishing them). Some instructors choose not to use Canvas, while others do not publish their sites until the semester begins.
If you don't see a course in Canvas that you're registered for, first contact your instructor for that course before contacting UITS. Ask them if/when the Canvas site will be published. You can find the name of your instructor by checking your course schedule (via One.IU).
Introduction to Canvas for new users
Many faculty at IU will use Canvas for your class in some way, so it's a great idea to get comfortable with it now. If this is your first time using Canvas, get started by following these steps:
- Check that your browser is Canvas-friendly Links to an external site.
- Create your Canvas profile Links to an external site. with a photograph
- Find your Canvas Inbox Links to an external site.
- Set your Canvas notifications Links to an external site.
- Get to know your Canvas Dashboard Links to an external site.
Visit the Canvas Guides for Getting Started as a Student Links to an external site. to learn more helpful tips about using Canvas.
Your turn!
Have you logged onto your Canvas Links to an external site. account yet? Log in to your Canvas account now and bookmark the page.
Take some time now to do these two important tasks: