Overview of the Basics

Every academic course taught at WPI automatically receives a blank Canvas site. You're already logged into Canvas if you're reading this, so you've already completed the first step towards getting your course sorted out.

Each blank Canvas site is one section of your course. If you're teaching a cross-listed course, or multiple sections that will be receiving the same content, please fill out our form. to request a course merge.

If you need TAs, GAs, PLAs, Graders, etc. added to your course, you can do that in the People area. Or, you can fill out our form. and we'd be happy to take care of it for you. Need to know more about Canvas permissions?

 

The first thing you need to do is get your materials into Canvas in a way that is simple for your students to follow. If you need help, please contact canvashelp@wpi.edu. 

 

1. Upload Files Links to an external site.

Any PDFs, Powerpoints, Word, Excel, etc. Everything except videos can be uploaded here. There's another place for video that's integrated into Canvas. Your storage quota is 1 GB (hence the other place for video).

2. Set up your Syllabus Links to an external site.

Canvas has a separate area reserved for your Syllabus. Click on Syllabus in the left hand menu to upload OR copy and paste it.

3. Create Assignments Links to an external site.

Students will need a place to submit their homework or projects online. They can do it through an assignment dropbox. This does not count towards your storage quota. Papers and projects may be checked for plagiarism. Email us for more information on plagiarism detection.

4. Create Quizzes Links to an external site.

Multiple choice, short answer, essay. Canvas can almost do it all. 

5. Create Modules Links to an external site.

Modules are curated folders in which to link to your course materials, assignments, quizzes, video, etc. Student Access may be restricted by date.

6. Add Materials into Modules Links to an external site.

Once you have your modules created, you can add your materials into them- including your Echo and Zoom recording links.

7. Publishing items & Your Course Links to an external site.

All items in Canvas (except for Files) need to be published. Modules, Pages, web links; and finally, your course itself needs to be published. Your course will not be accessible outside of the traditional term dates Links to an external site. unless you specify in your course Settings.

8. Communicating with your class Links to an external site.

If you're going to make a broadcast announcement to the entire class, use the Announcements Links to an external site. tool. If you need to email a group of students, or an individual student, use Inbox Links to an external site..

9. Grading Links to an external site.

Keep your students in the loop grading their assignments online in Canvas.