Canvas Overview

Canvas Overview
     

Canvas is the primary Learning Management System (LMS) at San José State University and will be the most common tool used for your online classes. Faculty at SJSU use Canvas to deliver course content and communicate with students. Canvas is used for submitting assignments, taking online exams, engaging in online discussions, tracking grades, etc. Canvas is web-based, so, you will need a computer with Internet access to get to much of your course content.  However, there is a Canvas App for both Android and iOS devices.  It is recommended you add the Canvas App to your smartphone for easy on-the-go monitoring of updates and grades.

When using Canvas, we recommend that you:
      • Use a device with either Windows 10, 8, or 7 (note: Windows 10S is not recommended) or MacOS (10.12 - 10.15).
      • Use the latest versions of either Firefox, Chrome, or Edge with third-party cookies enabled (note: Safari may encounter errors on Canvas).
      • Make sure you have a webcam and microphone installed on your device and the drivers are up-to-date (an external USB camera and a microphone are recommended).
      • Canvas Student Links to an external site. helps keep you up-to-date by sending you push notifications for any course updates (e.g, announcement, or grades).
The app also allows you to access Canvas directly, so this is a handy tool to keep installed on your phone. 

To configure notification settings on your Canvas profile and forward them to your email: Canvas Student Quick Guide. Links to an external site.

With notifications on the Canvas Student app, it's easy to stay up to date with these mobile apps: