Top 5 Canvas Features
Canvas does a lot - but that does not mean you even need to use or know it all. The best strategy is to start with a few key features and add as you go. Perhaps start when you have a new prep or for a summer session. Canvas has a great help feature and guides on getting started and on specific features.
To fast? Take a look at First Steps: Starting on Canvas.
Here are my Top 5 Features for beginners.
Ted's Top 5 Features for Beginners
#1. Syllabus: putting your syllabus online saves paper and allows you to make adjustments and notify students as you go. Each Canvas feature has the convenient option of a check box that automatically notifies students that the content has changed. The syllabus also creates its own dynamic schedule, so when you start using assignments or other features it automatically displays and updates them as needed.
Syllabus Overview
Also see:
When would I use the Syllabus?
How do I edit the Syllabus description?
#2. Gradebook: having an online gradebook virtually eliminates students queries on their grades. The gradebook can also be downloaded as a CSV (excel) document (makes for an easy paper roll sheet) and can be edited and re-uploaded. The gradebook also has handy features such the ability to notify students who meet certain criteria, such as not submitting work or scoring below a certain grade and can "hide" scores for controlled release. Moreover, it can be customized for percentages, points, or weights. Finally, once you start using quizzes it automatically records grades and once you enter scores in Speedgrader it transfers them directly into the gradebook and notifies students. Canvas is fully FERPA compliant.
Grades Overview
Also see:
What are Grades and the Gradebook?
How do I enter and edit scores in the Gradebook?
How do I mute an assignment in the Gradebook?
How do I download scores from the Gradebook?
How do I upload changes to the Gradebook?
More guides on grading...
#3 Announcements and Communication: using Canvas to communicate with students either as a class, groups, or individually has several advantages. For the class as a whole, Announcements basically operates as a announce only listserv. This means you can send message to all students from once place. For example, I send students weekly reminders to keep them on-track. For groups, it allows you to communicate with pre-existing groups (What are Student Groups?). For specific students it allows communication either via Canvas or your email that clearly identifies students (so no more trying to figure out who pookybear2546@yahoo.com is!).
Announcements Overview
Also see:
What are Announcements?
How do I make an Announcement?
How do I add content to my Announcement?
More guides on announcements...
#4. Files: photocopying readings or other materials is a pain and a costly waste of paper. Departments spend thousands of dollars on photocopying that could go to other uses such as faculty travel. It is easy to upload files of all types into Canvas and then embed links to them in the syllabus, content pages, and assignments. Students juts click to download.
Adding Course Content (files)
Also see:
What are Files?
How do I move and organize my files?
How do I add a file to my course?
How do I bulk upload files to my course?
How do I lock files and folders in Canvas?
More guides on files...
#5. The Content Page: also called wiki pages, these are pages you can create in Canvas for any purpose. Each page has a WYSIWYG interface (like a Word tool bar) that makes editing easy. It also saves old versions in case of errors. The instructor can also set pages so students can add or edit content, so great for displaying work. Pages also let you easily embed video from YouTube or other sources as well as graphics of all types. In edit mode, all images, files, and internal links are displayed in the same page for easy access. You can even upload content without leaving the page you are editing.
Page Creation and Usage
Also see...
What are Pages?
How do I create a new Page?
How do I edit Pages?
How do I embed a video in a Page?
More guides on pages...
Ready for more? Check out:
Online Quizzes For In Person Classes
Why Use A Discussion Board In Traditional Class?
Using Discussion In Traditional, Hybrid, And Online Classes
Using Canvas To Submit Writing Assignments