Canvas is CU’s online learning platform, and a big part of academic success at CU is learning how to use it. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, more course content than ever is delivered to students via Canvas. Whether you are new to CU or several semesters into your academic career, check out these suggestions for engaging with Canvas and consider trying some of the strategies that apply to your online learning needs.
It’s important to note that all coursework is organized in Canvas in the same way! While most Canvas pages for your courses will have a menu/table of contents with links to course content/modules, the course syllabus, quizzes, etc., not all course instructors have designed the online components of their courses the same or organize content similarly.
Pro Tip #1: Set aside some time to read through the main menu/table of contents for each of your courses in Canvas.
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For example, you might see that certain course instructors post critical dates/deadlines in the “Announcements” section of the course page frequently, while other course instructors want students to refer to their syllabus for important upcoming dates/deadlines.
Pro Tip #2: Early in the semester, block out a big chunk of time to get acquainted with the course policies, deadlines, and first due dates for each of your courses. Make note of where this information is located in the Canvas pages for each of your courses so you can refer to it when necessary.
Pro Tip #3: Log into Canvas at least once a day to explore upcoming requirements, and create a detailed map or list of tasks for yourself.
Pro Tip #4: Canvas notifications can be a great way to stay in the loop with course assignments and requirements. Be sure to turn on notifications for your classes.
Pro Tip #5: Use a planner to keep track of assignments, quiz and test dates, etc. Think about how you organize your thoughts the best and how you maintain accountability.
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Are you most likely to use a paper planner/calendar, or a digital organizing app or calendar you can access via your phone or other device? Some students even prefer a combination of methods. Whatever is most helpful to you is fine!
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Check out apps to help you organize, like myHomework Student Planner, Google Calendar, iCal, etc., especially if you like to set reminders in advance of due dates or test/quiz dates.
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Rely on sharing information! Find a classmate and work together remotely (or in a socially distant meetup!) to organize and cross-reference important information and dates for the semester in each of your courses.
Pro Tip #6: Create folders for each class in your CU email inbox. This way, you can move related emails to one spot and refer to them as needed.
Pro Tip #7: Feeling confused about information for a given course in Canvas? Reach out to your course instructor for clarification.
Pro Tip #8: Keep screen fatigue in mind. Between meeting on Zoom for your classes and connecting via video chat with loved ones and friends during the pandemic, sometimes screen time spent on schoolwork in Canvas can feel tiring. Set aside some screen-free time to decompress and nourish your wellbeing.
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You may want to plan a socially-distant, in-person (or phone call) hangout with friends, cook a meal from scratch, or spend some time being physically active and/or meditative away from screens.
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You can also schedule specific study times to complete course work in Canvas and times you will spend with your course textbooks and other offline methods of learning. Return to Canvas when you feel refreshed and ready to work!
Canvas Pro Tips from A&S Students, Fall 2020
“[In Canvas], even with professors trying their best, there is a much bigger need to teach yourself/keep on top of assignments. Sometimes finding information is so hard because there is so much information on Canvas. If you aren't learning in person with professors available to explain how they organize things, it's way easier to have things slip through the cracks. Pay attention to the details.”
“I tend to put everything into a physical planner and then exams into my Google Calendar as well (for the reminder).”
“Nearly every professor organizes their Canvas page in a different way and posts content in different areas. Review each course’s entire Canvas page and learn each class’s layout.”