Welcome to the University of Michigan-Dearborn's Canvas guide, designed to help students, faculty, and staff navigate the online learning platform with ease. Canvas is a powerful tool that provides a centralized location for course materials, assignments, and communication. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the features and functions of Canvas, providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in your academic and professional pursuits.
Getting Started with Canvas
To access Canvas, simply go to the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s website and click on the Canvas link. You will be prompted to log in with your unique identifier and password. Once you have logged in, you will be taken to your Canvas dashboard, where you can view all of your current and upcoming courses.
Navigating the Canvas Dashboard
The Canvas dashboard is the central hub of the platform, providing you with an overview of all your courses, assignments, and announcements. The dashboard is divided into several sections, including:
- Course Cards: These display all of your current and upcoming courses, along with a brief description and image.
- To-Do List: This section shows you all upcoming assignments and deadlines, allowing you to stay on top of your coursework.
- Recent Activity: This feed displays all recent activity in your courses, including new announcements, assignments, and discussions.
By using the navigation menu on the left side of the dashboard, you can quickly access all of the features and functions of Canvas, including courses, assignments, grades, and account settings.
Canvas Course Navigation
Once you have selected a course from your dashboard, you will be taken to the course homepage. The course homepage provides an overview of the course, including the course syllabus, assignments, and announcements.
Course Menu
The course menu is located on the left side of the course homepage and provides access to all of the course materials and features. The course menu includes:
- Modules: These are the main organizational units of the course, containing all of the course materials and assignments.
- Assignments: This section displays all of the assignments for the course, along with their due dates and point values.
- Quizzes: This section contains all of the quizzes and exams for the course, along with their due dates and point values.
- Discussions: This section provides a forum for students to discuss course topics and interact with each other.
- Files: This section contains all of the course files, including syllabi, readings, and multimedia resources.
By using the course menu, you can quickly access all of the course materials and features, allowing you to stay organized and focused throughout the semester.
Canvas Assignments and Quizzes
Assignments and quizzes are a critical component of any course, and Canvas provides a robust set of tools for creating and submitting assignments and quizzes.
Creating Assignments
Instructors can create assignments using the Assignments tool, which allows them to specify the assignment details, including the due date, point value, and submission type. Students can then access the assignment from the Assignments page, where they can view the assignment details and submit their work.
Submitting Assignments
Students can submit assignments using the Submit Assignment button, which allows them to upload their work or submit a text-based entry. Instructors can then view and grade the assignments using the SpeedGrader tool, which provides a streamlined grading experience.
Quizzes
Quizzes are a great way to assess student knowledge and understanding, and Canvas provides a robust set of tools for creating and delivering quizzes. Instructors can create quizzes using the Quizzes tool, which allows them to specify the quiz details, including the quiz type, questions, and time limit. Students can then access the quiz from the Quizzes page, where they can complete the quiz and view their results.
| Assignment Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Online Assignment | An assignment that is submitted online through Canvas. |
| On-Paper Assignment | An assignment that is submitted in person or through the mail. |
| Group Assignment | An assignment that is completed in groups, with each group member submitting their work together. |
Canvas Communication and Collaboration
Communication and collaboration are critical components of any course, and Canvas provides a robust set of tools for facilitating student-instructor and student-student interaction.
Announcements
Announcements are a great way to communicate with students, providing them with important updates and reminders. Instructors can create announcements using the Announcements tool, which allows them to specify the announcement details, including the title, message, and posting date. Students can then view the announcements from the Course Homepage, where they can stay up-to-date on all course-related news and information.
Discussions
Discussions are a great way to facilitate student-student interaction, providing a forum for students to discuss course topics and interact with each other. Instructors can create discussions using the Discussions tool, which allows them to specify the discussion details, including the topic, prompt, and due date. Students can then participate in the discussion, posting their thoughts and responding to their peers.
Collaboration Tools
Canvas provides a range of collaboration tools, including Google Docs, Microsoft Office, and Canvas Groups. These tools allow students to work together on assignments and projects, sharing their work and collaborating in real-time.
How do I access my courses in Canvas?
+
To access your courses in Canvas, simply log in to the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s website and click on the Canvas link. You will be taken to your Canvas dashboard, where you can view all of your current and upcoming courses.
How do I submit an assignment in Canvas?
+
To submit an assignment in Canvas, simply click on the Assignments link in the course menu and select the assignment you wish to submit. You will then be prompted to upload your work or submit a text-based entry.
How do I participate in a discussion in Canvas?
+
To participate in a discussion in Canvas, simply click on the Discussions link in the course menu and select the discussion you wish to participate in. You will then be able to post your thoughts and respond to your peers.
