Canvas Basics
Overview
Canvas is a popular Learning Management System (LMS) used by universities, k-12 school districts and institutions of learning throughout the world. Canvas can be used to deliver content online or in conjunction with a traditional face-to-face course.
Finding Canvas and Logging In
Instructors and students can access Canvas via MyU with the link titled Canvas or using the web address canvas.umn.edu. In either instance, you will be prompted to sign in with your UMN Internet ID (x500) and password. If it is the first time you are accessing the system you must also accept the Canvas terms of use.
The Canvas Dashboard
After successfully logging in, users will see the Canvas Dashboard. This dashboard displays a global navigation menu that has to do with your individual account, courses, groups you may be associated with and a mailbox for messages. The dashboard also displays courses associated with your UMN Internet ID (x500). For students, these are courses they are enrolled in; for instructors those that they are affiliated with through Peoplesoft either as a teacher, desinger or T.A.
Every course within the University will have an autogenerated course site affiliated with it in Canvas. The site lacks content and is unpublished (hidden from students). If you choose to use Canvas, you can build your course within the course site and publish when ready to use.
You can choose to customize your course list Links to an external site.within the dashboard at any time.
The Canvas Calendar
Canvas has a built-in calendar feature to help you keep track of assignments in one location. The calendar can be filtered by course Links to an external site.and used to address personal reminders Links to an external site. as well.
Explore these Canvas Features
What is the Canvas Dashboard? Links to an external site.
Your Canvas Profile Links to an external site.