Tag Archive: Features
Important Canvas Notices
Course Deletion
Spring 2014 and older SIS courses (courses with a designated section number) will begin being deleted the third week in September. All course materials and student information associated with those courses will be deleted. These courses will also no longer appear in your course menu, inbox or calendar list.
What does this mean for you?
Please create archives of the courses if you think you want to keep/reuse any of the content. The archive (export file) can be imported into another Canvas course at a later time. Note: A course export does not include student records.
Canvas Community
Canvas launched an updated Community feature for users in April. The Community is a resource for students and instructors to find helpful guides on how to use Canvas, as well as to participate in feature discussions, find best practices and more.
What does this mean for you?
All the links to old Canvas Guides will remain functional, however, we recommend moving any support links you provide to students to the new community guides as the old guides will no longer be updated.
Is Your Canvas Ready? Top Tips
Make sure you are ready for a smooth start this Fall 2015!
Customize You Course List
Access your courses quickly and easily by customizing your Course Menu in Canvas. Remove Spring 2015 and older classes from your list so that you can focus just on the current semester.
Is your course missing? follow these troubleshooting steps:
- Check your All Course List in Canvas.
- Verify that you have been officially scheduled as the ‘instructor on record’ in SIS (My.Maricopa). Instructors assigned to courses in SIS will have access to a Canvas shell.
- Is your course non-credit? Only credit courses are provided Canvas shells. To request a Canvas shell for a non-credit course, contact the MCC CTL at (480) 461-7331.
- If your course is still is not listed (after following the steps above), contact the MCC CTL at (480) 461-7331 for assistance.
Import (Copy) Content
You don’t have to start from scratch! Copy an entire course or select items that you want to copy from a previous course into your Fall course shell. Don’t forget to use the Adjust Events and Due Dates option to save yourself time. Please note it can take up to 2 hours for copies of courses from one semester to another to be completed (size and traffic determine speed).
Feel free to leave the copy page or logout of Canvas while the copy is being made. Additionally, pay close attention to any error notices at the end of the copy process. Review any alerts reported (posted notice in the import history) and take corrective action. Errors will most often be related to broken links or empty pages. Please review the import (copy) guidelines to get started.
Publish Course Items
Publish any quizzes, assignments, discussions, content pages or modules that should be visible to students prior to publishing your course. Publishing the course will not publish items within the course that are still in ‘draft state’. Learn more about Draft State in this short video.
Publish the Course
Don’t forget to publish your course to make it available to students. Once a course is published you can continue to make changes and updates as needed. Courses cannot be unpublished once students have submitted work to the course.
Cross-List (Combine) Sections
Do you want to combine two or more sections of the same class? Combining sections can be a great option for more easily managing courses of the same prefix/# and type (in-person, hybrid or online). When you cross-list all the students will be have access to and participate in a single Canvas course. This does not change the SIS enrollment. Learn more about cross-listing sections in Canvas.
Update Cycle Canvas is on a 3-week update-release cycle. The next beta (preview) release is on 8/17, production notes will follow on 8/24 with the release and documentation to follow on 8/29. Follow the release schedule on the Canvas Updates Calendar.
What’s New in Canvas?
If you did not teach this summer you may notice that there have been many new and exciting additions and changes to Canvas. Here’s a list of highlights:
Assignments, Discussions & Peer Review
Excuse Me! Using Excused Assignments
As needed, you can use the Gradebook to excuse a student from an assignment, discussion, or quiz. You can also excuse a student from a group assignment.
When an assignment is excused, the assignment page and the student grade page will show the student that he or she has been excused from the assignment. Students cannot submit excused assignments and they are not calculated as part of a student’s total grade.
Learn more about Excused Assignments.
A Big Difference! Differentiated Assignments
Using Differentiated Assignments you can create Assignments, Graded Discussions, and Quizzes for certain only a individual student(s), sections, or vary due dates for students in your courses.
How can this feature be used?
- Honor’s & Special Projects – Assign special projects to only the students that need to complete this work.
- Make-Up Work – When a student misses a class you can assign them an individual alternative assignment.
- Varied Due Dates – Creating assignments for different users also allows for different due dates and availability date options for the same assignment. Great for cross-listing (combining) sections that meet on different days of the week.
What will it look like?
When using differentiated assignments with the Gradebook, the assignment appears as a column for all students, but grade cells are grayed out for students who have not been included in the assignment. On the student grades page, students can only view assignments that have been assigned to them.
Grades cannot be assigned for students who have not been included in the assignment, and assignments that are assigned to them, either individually or as part of a course or section, are not factored into overall grades.
Learn more about Differentiated Assignments.
The Easy Button! Assignment Submission Overhaul
The student Submit Assignment link has been moved out of the sidebar and placed more prominently as a (blue) button. The Re-submit Assignment link has also been re-purposed as a button.
What’s Not to ‘Like’? New Discussion Feature
Instructors can allow students to indicate ‘liked’ discussion replies within Canvas Discussions (graded and ungraded types) on a per-discussion basis.
When a discussion has liking enabled, students and instructors will see a gray Like icon within each discussion reply. When clicked, the icon will turn blued indicating that the discussion reply is ‘liked’. A total number of likes will appear next to the link and optionally instructors can elect to have replies with the most ‘likes’ appear at the top of the board.
The ‘like’ feature may also be limited to instructor use.
Learn more about the Like feature in discussions.
Peer Review Goes Undercover
Just in case you missed it in late April Canvas released the first iteration of Anonymous Peer Review. Instructors can now choose to create peer reviews (for Assignments and Discussions) with anonymous responses. This hides the name of the student reviewer from the student with the submission. Note: Instructors will always be able to see the name of the reviewer. Canvas plans on adding more functionality to the peer review feature in the future. Stay-tuned!
Other Changes
Custom Calendar Colors
Canvas now allows users to set their own colors for each calendar in their account. Users can select from one of 15 default colors or insert a Hex code to create any color of their choice. Colors selected by instructors for a course calendar do not effect the student view of the calendar. Learn more about the calendar.
Etherpad Collaborations
Etherpad is no longer available as an option for class collaboration within Canvas. All existing Etherpad collaborations have been deleted. If you are interested in using collaborative documents in Canvas you have the option to use Google Docs or Pages.
Incomplete Quiz Score Icon
A new Quiz icon will display in the Gradebook when students complete a quiz that includes a manually graded question. When students hover over the icon, students can view a message indicating that grading is in progress. Learn more about Gradebook icons.
Module Tracking
A new Module Requirement feature option allows instructors to assign ‘Mark as Done’ for students to progress through course assignments and pages. When this is enabled, students are responsible for marking the module item as done before they can move on to the next module item. Learn more about Module Requirements.
New Files
The Canvas File cabinet has been completely overhauled making it easier to upload, organize and view files. The new interface for files includes creation and modification dates, file sizes, publishing options and more. Learn more about using Course Files.
Persistent Gradebook Customization
When rearranging and resizing columns in the Gradebook for ease of grading, the changes will now persist or remain in place across computers and browsers. Note: changes to the Gradebook in the instructor view does not change the student view. Learn more about customizing Gradebook.
Want even more?
Join Us for a Session
What’s New in Canvas? Personalized & Social Learning!
Explore the new features and updates to our learning management system, Canvas. From Differentiated Assignments to the New Community and “Liking” Discussions to Anonymous Peer Review, join us for a session dedicated to all things new in Canvas! Great for current Canvas users or new users looking to review Canvas features. (Note: Not a getting started session). Pick from the following sessions:
Tuesday, August 11, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
HCM Course #001826, Session #0008; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Thursday, August 13, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
HCM Course #001826, Session #0010; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Monday, August 17, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
HCM Course #001826, Session #0009; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Did You Know?
Help is Just a Click or Call Away!
Contact the MCC Center for Teaching & Learning for all your Canvas questions at ctl@mesacc.edu OR (480) 461-7331. We are here to help!
Be specific.
When sending emails, please be as specific as possible about your request. Include your name (first and last), the course section number (if applicable) and a brief description of the issue within your inquiry. This will help us address your question faster!
How do students get help with Canvas?
Students seeking assistance with Canvas should contact the MCC HelpCenter at: (480) 461-7217 OR HelpCenter@mesacc.edu. Outside normal business hours students should contact the 24X7 assistance line at 1-888-994-4433.
Out of the Box! MCC’s Getting Started Module for Canvas
Get a jump on your course design with the MCC Getting Started Module. This “Start Here” module includes everything you need to get students going in Canvas and in your course. The duplicative and customizable template includes a home page, welcome letter, syllabus sample, links to important student resources, Canvas tutorials, sample introductory activities and much, much more. This module was designed by the MCC eLearning Committee (according to Quality Matters standards) and can be used with any course format.
Preview & Download the MCC Getting Started Module Template into your course today!
Working with Publisher Resources
Many textbook companies offer a variety of instructor resources that can be can be used outside or within Canvas to supplement your content. Resources range from presentations and test banks to fully integrated applications with assignments and grade books.
Get represented!
Talk to your publisher representative to find out what types of materials are available and get an access account. Cartridges are the most convenient option for loading large amounts of publisher resources into Canvas. If your publisher offers an integration with Canvas, ask for a demo course so you can see how the integration might work for your course and decide whether you would rather keep the systems separate. Note: Security and privacy issues may have to be addressed for any integration of publisher systems with Canvas. Contact the MCC CTL for details.
How can the MCC CTL help?
The MCC Center for Teaching & Learning does not have direct access to publisher information and resources for textbooks. We can act as a consultant to help you in finding your publisher representative, reviewing the resource options available to you and your students, helping you download and upload course materials, and assisting you in integrating special publisher tools.
Canvas Training
MCC Center for Teaching & Learning Appointments, Workshops and Customized Sessions
The CTL is your partner as you implement innovative teaching, learning and workplace strategies. From general support, to consultation services, and/or tailored workshops, we are here to help you, your department, program or team reach your goals for student success. The CTL provides day-to-day support for faculty and staff on technology, teaching and productivity issues including Canvas. Stop by our offices, send us an email or give us a call for support or to set-up an appointment. We are here for you!
Online Resources, Tutorials & Guides
Canvas Instructor Orientation is an open enrollment course that will walk you through the basics of setting up a new course in Canvas. To enroll, simply click on the “Join this course” button on the Course Home Page. There is no facilitator, but it is a good series of self-paced exercises.
Canvas Instructor Video Guides contain quick and informative video tutorials to get you started with Canvas.
Canvas Guides are available that cover all major features of Canvas. They can be searched by topic (e.g. Assignments, Discussions, etc.) or by user/type (e.g. Instructor, Mobile, etc.) and are formatted as easy to navigate and mostly image-based walk thru demonstrations of how to use a particular feature. Best practice tip? Share relevant Student Guides in your Canvas course to help students be more successful in using Canvas.
Canvas Live provides free webinar trainings on a variety of best practices with teaching and learning on Canvas topics. Join a live session or if you can’t make it sessions are archived for later viewing.
MCC Center for Teaching & Learning How-To Documents include a variety of helpful how-to guides such as the Getting Started with Canvas in 10 Steps resource.
[Student Resource] MCC Canvas101 is an open enrollment, self-paced course that introduces students to Canvas and walks them through the basics of setting user preferences, submitting assignments, replying to discussions, taking quizzes, viewing grades and more! Recommended for all students.
The Mesa Community College Center for Teaching & Learning is offering a variety of learning opportunities this fall. Attend these informative and hands-on sessions that will help you discover the best in teaching and learning through Canvas, build a foundation for success from day one and engage students in a vibrant and universal classroom community. Get ready to inspire learning this fall at MCC!
View the full Fall 2015 Start-Up Guide Book.
Check our calendar for updates.
A Registration System Designed to Track Your Growth:
CTL sessions use HRMS (Time & Labor) for our registration system. The system allows for an up-to-date attendance system that integrates with your employee record and allows for wait-lists for busy sessions. Each opportunity has a unique course and session number to make it easy to identify and register for. Please feel free to contact us, ctl@mesacc.edu, if you have any questions or concerns about how to register with this system.
Register through HCM (formerly HRMS)
Registration Instructions HRMS (formerly HRMS)
Session Opportunities August 10 – August 21
Inspired by Teaching & Learning in Canvas
10 Steps to Getting Started in Canvas
Canvas is the Learning Management System of choice at the Maricopa Community College District. Did you know that Canvas can benefit any course format – face-to-face, hybrid and online? Learn how to communicate with your students, post course materials/ syllabus, set-up assignments and grades within Canvas in just 10 easy steps. Great for anyone interested in teaching and learning with Canvas.
Pick from the following sessions:
Monday, August 10, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
HCM Course #001839, Session #0016; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Tuesday, August 11, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
HCM Course #001839, Session #0017; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Thursday, August 13, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
HCM Course #001839, Session #0018; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Assessing Learning & Giving Effective Feedback in Canvas
In this hands-on session participants will get a brief introduction to Grades (SpeedGrader and Crocodoc), Rubrics, Discussions, Quizzes, and the Assignments features in Canvas including strategies on how to use them effectively to assess and provide feedback on student work. Review the options available in Canvas to help you know how well your students are learning in your courses. Great for new Canvas users or those interested in learning more about the assessment features.
Tuesday, August 11, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
HCM Course #001699, Session #0010; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
What’s New in Canvas? Personalized & Social Learning!
Explore the new features and updates to our learning management system, Canvas. From Differentiated Assignments to the New Community and “Liking” Discussions to Anonymous Peer Review, join us for a session dedicated to all things new in Canvas! Great for current Canvas users or new users looking to review Canvas features. (Note: Not a getting started session).
Pick from the following sessions:
Tuesday, August 11, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
HCM Course #001826, Session #0008; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Thursday, August 13, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
HCM Course #001826, Session #0010; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Monday, August 17, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
HCM Course #001826, Session #0009; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Becoming a Canvas Genius! Supporting Learners in Canvas
“Have you tried turning it on and off again? Have you switched browsers? Are you sure it is plugged-in?” If you have found yourself asking any of these questions then you know that one of the many roles we play as faculty is that of technical support. In this session we will explore ways to acclimate students to the Canvas LMS through orchestrated activities, relevant resources and clear/salient instructions. Walk away with tools, tips and tricks to be a Canvas Genius! Great for current Canvas users or new users looking to review Canvas features. (Note: Not a getting started session).
Wednesday, August 12, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
HCM Course #002360, Session #0001; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Let’s Talk! Communicating Effectively in Canvas
Communicating with students can be a challenge. In this session participants will learn how leverage Canvas as powerful tool for more effective and streamlined communication. First, learn how to send, receive and manage messages in Canvas using the Conversation Inbox & Notifications. Then widen your scope by incorporating Announcements, Discussion, Chat and more! There are just so many ways to say “good communication” in Canvas. Great for new users or those looking to review the communication tools in Canvas.
Thursday, August 13, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
HCM Course #002359, Session #0001; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
The A, B & 4Cs of Learning Outcomes in Canvas
Ready to start measuring the MCC 4Cs or learning objectives in general? Discover how Canvas Outcomes allows faculty to enter institutional outcomes, course competencies and learning objectives to monitor student academic progress. Participants will learn to enter Outcomes and then align and grade Assessments (Quizzes, Assignments and graded Discussions) using rubrics. The session will also review the MCC’s 4C’s Scoring Guidelines and discuss effective practice for connecting and monitoring these outcomes. Great for current Canvas users or new users looking to review Canvas features. (Note: Not a getting started session).
Thursday, August 20, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
HCM Course #002358, Session #0001; Library – Room 144; Register Now
Inspired Productivity
Getting Started with Google – Mail a& Calendar
Attend this session to have hands-on assistance in using the MCCCD Google Mail and Calendar systems. Learn the basics to effectively communicate and organize your work schedule! Great for new employees and those looking for a refresher on the MCCCD Mail & Calendar systems.
Pick from the following sessions:
Monday, August 10, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
HCM Course #001718, Session #0014; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Wednesday, August 12, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
HCM Course #001718, Session #0015; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Inspired Design
Easy Accessibility Check-Up with the CTL
Make your course more accessible with just a few simple best practices. In this session participants will view our accessibility resource for faculty and the WAVE Tool for checking online resources. Discover ways to make your course user friendly for all your students using universal design techniques. Great for all faculty.
Pick from the following sessions:
Wednesday, August 12, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
HCM Course #001798, Session #0007; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Friday, August 21, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
HCM Course #001798, Session #0008; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Inspired from Day One
Building a Learning-Centered and Interactive Syllabus
In this session we will explore how to construct a syllabus that not only conveys the required MCCCD/MCC policies and procedures of the class, but introduces students to the goals of the learning process in an engaging way. Discover how to build an interactive syllabus that focuses on meaningful expectations, learning objectives and provides students with the resources to be successful from day one. Great for all faculty.
Pick from the following sessions:
Friday, August 14, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
HCM Course #001201, Session #0015; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Friday, August 21, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
HCM Course #001201, Session #0016; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Humanizing Your Course with Presence, Empathy & Awareness
Online learning systems and education technology tools have made it easier for us to be efficient in teaching and learning. Using auto-feedback features, and systematic announcements we can manage our classes and our learners to maximize our output. But what is the net effect of this efficiency model? In this session we will discuss facilitation and design practices that can re-humanize our courses to both strengthen the learning community and increase student success and retention. Great for all faculty.
Monday, August 17, 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
HCM Course #002306, Session #0002; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
3D Retention Strategies
The first few weeks of class can be rough for students. In this session we will explore a simple model that will help reveal dropout warning signs while learning proactive intervention strategies. Discover how you can collect and review key Data indicators, Develop an engaging community and use Dialog (communication/feedback) to keep all your students on the path to completion. Great for all faculty.
Friday, August 21, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
HCM Course #002118, Session #0002; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Inspired Resources
Out of the Box! MCC’s Getting Started Module
The MCC Getting Started Module is designed to provide Mesa Community College faculty with the basic elements necessary to effectively welcome students to a course and connect them with valuable resources. Based on the Quality Matters rubric and the work of the MCC eLearning Committee, this module is a duplicative template that contains best practice ideas, resources and activities for a variety of course formats and needs. Come to this informative session to review the module and learn how to modify it for your course(s). Great for all faculty.
Pick from the following sessions:
Friday, August 14, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
HCM Course #002255, Session #0002; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Monday, August 17, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
HRMS Course #002255, Session #0003; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
MCC’s Video Toolbox
Looking for assistance with video? Look no further. Come to this session to see our new MCC Video Toolbox, carefully packed with everything you need to create stunning and content rich videos that will help your learners reach their educational goals. Great for all faculty interested in video production.
Monday, August 17, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
HCM Course #002313, Session #0002; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Behavior Assessment & Disability Resources at MCC
Join MCC’s Dean of Student Services, Meredith Warner, as she discusses behavior assessment inside (and outside) the classroom and Disability Resource Services at the college. Through real-MCC examples participants will learn about the diversity of student concerns and needs on our campus. Walk away with hands on tools to more effectively manage your classroom and ensure the safety of all learners while helping them reach their educational goals. Great for all faculty.
Monday, August 17, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
HCM Course #002257, Session #0002; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Introducing Adobe Connect
Adobe Connect is the premier resource for online live classroom and web conferencing solutions for eLearning and business applications and it is now available at MCC! Adobe Connect’s comprehensive product provides a safe platform for virtual real-time instructional and non-instructional presentations with features such as: screen and file sharing, video/audio capture, mobile device support, session recording, live polling and more! Learn more about Adobe Connect features, best use cases and how to request a session. Great for faculty and staff interested in live conferencing.
Friday, August 21, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
HCM Course #002361, Session #0001; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
Inspired Support
New Adjunct Orientation
New Adjunct Faculty Orientation is designed to welcome new Adjunct Faculty to teaching at Mesa Community College. Orientation includes a welcome by President Dr. Pan and Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Yohe. This session will cover all the little and big things you need to know about being an Adjunct Faculty Member. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet fellow faculty members, discover success strategies for starting the semester off right (including syllabi creation), and learn about the crucial support systems available to you and your students at MCC.
Saturday, August 15, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
HCM Course #001830, Session #0005; CTL AS Building – Room 175; Register Now
It’s Your CTL – Personal PD Information Session
A new space and a new face for Professional Development opportunities at the MCC Center for Teaching & Learning. Stop by to learn about our services including the new Professional Development request process where we help connect you to learning opportunities that will meet your needs. Discover how we can create tailor-made self-help materials/references, custom sessions/workshops and provide consultation services for your program or project. It’s all here! It’s your CTL!
Friday, August 21, 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m., AS Building – Room 175
No registration required!
CTL Open Labs
Drop in during any time of the open lab to access resources and help with Canvas or building/planning your course! CTL Staff will be available to answer questions as you work on your classes to get started for the semester. Handouts and computers are available so that you can come in and work and ask questions as you go.
Southern & Dobson CTL, AS Building
Saturday, August 15, 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Monday, August 17, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday, August 21, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Red Mountain, Palo Verde Building, Instructional Support Office
Monday, August 31, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 3, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
View the full Guide Book
Questions? Call the CTL 1-7331.
For a full description of the sessions visit the CTL Calendar, ctl.mesacc.edu/events/calendar.
Important Notices
Canvas Community Update
Canvas has launched an updated Community feature for users. The Community is a resource for students and instructors to find helpful guides on how to use Canvas, as well as to participate in feature discussions, find best practices and more.
What does this mean to you?
Aside from the valuable resource that the Community presents, the single most important takeaway from this is any current links to Canvas Guides will no longer work after June 30. If you have linked to Canvas materials to help students do or access something in your course related to Canvas, you will need to update those links to the new community links. This includes any college provided information (such as Getting Started modules, course templates, etc.) that links to Canvas guides.
Instructure, the makers of Canvas, will have redirects in place for the links until June 30, but after that time the redirects will no longer work.
Accessing the Community:
Canvas Course Deletion to Begin Fall 2015
To reduce the quantity of old courses on the server, Spring 2014 and older SIS courses will begin being deleted the 3rd week in September, 2015. This will be the first in a regular cycle of course deletions that will occur every semester throughout the district.
What does this mean for you?
Beginning the 3rd week of September courses from Spring 2014 and later will no longer be available for you to access. All course materials and student information associated with those courses will be deleted. These courses will also no longer appear in your course menu, inbox or calendar list.
Preparing for Course Deletion
- Begin exporting your old Canvas courses. Even if you rollover your course from semester-to-semester, we recommend that you retain a copy of any of your courses that will be deleted, as the export file can be imported into another Canvas course at a later time. Note: A course export does not include student records.
- Student grades and work (those you want to retain beyond the life of the course) should be downloaded at the end of each semester. Please pay attention to announcements about end-of-semester practices for details on these processes.
- Once the initial course deletions are finished, you can expect five semesters of courses to be retained at any one time. Plan each semester to export your course content and download student records to make sure you always have a back-up of important course information.
What about records retention and dispute of grades?
The current deletion plan meets the records retention policy of the district and state of Arizona. MCCCD’s official policy on records and information management.
Summer & Fall 2015 Course Shells
Summer and Fall 2015 course shells have been opened in Canvas. You will find links to all your summer courses on your Course List. TIP: Customize your course menu to include summer and fall courses in your quick pick drop-down menu.
Don’t see your course listed?
Check the Class Schedule to make sure you are assigned as the instructor. If not, contact your department. If you are assigned as the instructor and your course still does not appear, contact the MCC CTL at (480) 461-7331.
Please contact the MCC Center for Teaching & Learning if you have any questions about this information or would like support using Canvas.
View More Notices
What’s New in Canvas?
Here are some highlights of the recent and pending changes to Canvas including a summary of the most recent production release on April 4 and the upcoming release on April 25.
April 4th Production Release –
Interface Polish & Discussion Creation Date Changes
In this release Canvas made adjustments to the Learning Outcomes and Learning Mastery Gradebook areas that included a change in calculation of mastery based on a decaying average and a change in language for mastery levels.
Other updates in this release included the continuation of user interface changes for consistency of the look and feel of Canvas. Original discussion creation dates are now also invisible to students and observers making it easier to move discussions from semester to semester.
Finally, the Facebook integration with Canvas is no longer supported.Read the Production Release notes for details.
April 25th Production Release –
Anonymous Peer Review & Date Validations
The following features and updates are currently being reviewed in Beta and are slated for the April 25 production release. Note: The beta environment will be more sluggish than production (live) Canvas and resets every few weeks. Not all features in beta are available at MCCCD. Placing a feature in beta does not guarantee it will be part of the upcoming production release. Please view the April 20, 2015 Production Release Notes for complete release details.
Peer Reviews Go Undercover
By popular demand (learn more about voting feature ideas) Canvas is exploring a series of options to improve Peer Reviews starting with anonymity features. When setting up a Peer Review assignment, Instructors will have the option to hide the student reviewers names from the student submitting the work. Later updates will include the option to hide the name of the student submitting the work. Note: The Peer Review feature is available for assignments and discussions.
Learn More:
Creating Peer Review Assignments
Creating Peer Review Discussions
Your Dating Skills will be Validated
Canvas will now validate all due and availability dates for new, edited and basic assignment shells. Instructors will receive an error message for dates that fall outside of the course or term start and end dates.
Learn More:
What are Assignments?
Availability vs. Dues Dates – What’s the Difference?
Mark Your Calendar – June 6 Brings Big New Features
On June 6, 2015, the following changes will be made in Canvas:
- Differentiated Assignments (by section) will no longer be a Feature Option (not currently enabled in MCCCD) in Canvas and will be enabled for all Canvas users as a standard feature. What are Differentiated Assignments?
- The new Files interface (Better File Browsing) will no longer be a Feature Option (not currently enabled in MCCCD) in Canvas and will be enabled for all Canvas users as a standard feature. This change will enable New Files on the course and user levels.Using Files as an Instructor.
Other Updates & Bug Fixes
Review the release notes site for details of all the recent changes to Canvas including the Bug Fixes. Want to ask Canvas to consider a feature option? All Canvas users are encouraged to make feature requests that can benefit the teaching and learning environment of the Canvas tool. Learn more about voting on Features and Sharing Feature Ideas.
Canvas “On-the-Go”! – Mobile (Android & iOS) Updates
Review the latest release notes for each mobile platform. Android (4.3) update features an internal calendar and improved notification set-up and the iOS SpeedGrader update features a completely updated and improved grading experience on the iPad.
Did You Know?
Why is Canvas Always Changing!?!
Understanding the Canvas Release Cycle
From the beginning Instructure, the makers of Canvas, wanted to create a Learning Management System that was responsive to teaching and learning needs. From adding new features that enhance the learning environment to fixing bugs/issues, the goal is to have a product that is flexible, current and innovative. To ensure this, Canvas is on a 3-week update-release cycle.
From Beta to Production
The Canvas Release Cycle includes a beta and production environment. Feature changes and bug fixes are first deployed in the beta environment so that the community can test and preview the changes before they are moved in to the live or production environment. Instructure publishes a set of notes prior to and with all releases (both production and beta) to let users know what has been updated and changed.Not all changes placed in the beta environment will come to production immediately or ever. The purpose of the beta is to “test” new features. Canvas may or may not release these features based on the results of the testing. That is why it is important for instructors to pay attention to the release cycle.
How can I get involved?
Instructors can take advantage of the release notes and beta preview period to familiarize themselves with the changes and to provide feedback to Canvas. This feedback is considered when Canvas moves features to production.
To get involved:
Subscribe
to the update release notes.
Preview
the beta releases (log-in to maricopa.beta.instructure.comwith your MEID/MEID Password).
Note: Do not use the beta environment to teach or update your course. It is not accessible to students and will be overwritten every 3-weeks.
When is the next release?
Production release notes were released on 4/20 with the upcoming release and documentation to follow on 4/25. The next beta release notes and release will be on 5/4.
Canvas Training
Online Resources, Tutorials & Guides for Faculty
- Canvas 101 is an open enrollment course that covers the basics of setting up a new course in Canvas. To enroll, simply click on the “Join this course” button on the Course Home Page. There is no facilitator, but it is a good series of self-paced exercises for faculty wanting to learn Canvas basics.
- Canvas 102 Demo Videos are a comprehensive 3 hour video presentation of all things Canvas for instructors. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.
- Canvas Guides are available that cover all major features of Canvas by question topic. They are easy to navigate and mostly image-based walk thru demonstrations of how to use a particular feature.
- MCCCD Canvas Help Area provides how-to documents, and support information to all Canvas users, students and faculty.
CanvasLive Webinars
CanvasLIVE is a free webinar series designed to give Canvas users additional training and a place for members of the Canvas Community to share their knowledge. Each session includes a quick tutorial and overview on a Canvas tool or feature, followed by a focused demonstration and a short Q&A. Sessions are archived so if you are not able to attend a live session you can still benefit from the presentation.
- Check out all of the upcoming sessions on the CanvasLIVE Schedule currently featuring the new Community (5/5), the Creative Commons in Canvas (5/11), Peer Reviews (5/17) and more!
- Check out the forum that includes all CanvasLive Archives.
- Have an idea for a future CanvasLIVE webinar? Click to Suggest a Future Topic
Keep Learning Blog
Keep Learning is an education technology blogging project created by the makers of Canvas, Instructure. The purpose of the blog is to engage educators in meaningful dialog around educational technology. Posts are written by educators and technologists around the world. If you would like to contribute, send an email to jared@instructure.com or just visit the site and Learn. Teach. Share.
Web-Based Teaching & Learning
Prepare for or Retool Your Online, Hybrid and Web-Enabled Course
The CIS 236 and CIS 237 series is designed to help you get started in or retool for the unique world of teaching & learning in the hybrid and online formats. It can also help support you in web-enabling your ground/face-to-face course.
First, experience the ‘student’ perspective of online learning in CIS236. Get helpful tips to facilitate a course including policies, procedures and content management (copyright and accessibility). Along the way, see what the Canvas learning management system can do to enhance any course format and discover new digital teaching tools to engage learners. Then explore course design and content creation more deeply in CIS 237. Build engaging assignments, group activities and integrate technology to support learners’ needs.
Instructors will complete the series with practical tips, researched pedagogy and a duplicative structure for building and facilitating an online or hybrid format class or supporting a ground/face-to-face course with an online presence.
Advantages of the Open Entry / Open Exit Format
Mesa Community College is offering CIS236 and CIS237 in the Open Exit/Open Exit format for the Spring 2015.
Flexible Learning!
- Pick your own start date (1/19 – 3/13)
- Set your own pace over an 8 week period
- No hard deadlines.
Enroll Today
Enrollment through My.Maricopa.edu. (SIS will be unavailable until February 16)
- Complete your Student Information Form
- Register for Class
- Pay for the course, Learn About MCCCD Tuition Waivers:http://www.maricopa.edu/publicstewardship/resources/tw.php
If you have difficulties registering or have questions about these courses, contact the instructor:
CIS 236: Web Based Teaching & Learning I (2 credits), Section #31761
Experience using a web-based learning environment from an online student’s perspective. Use communication tools, submit assignments, use evaluation tools, and navigate an online-learning environment. Introduction to the basics of online pedagogy and lots of hands-on experience with a web-based learning environment and digital teaching tools! Prerequisites: CIS133CA or CIS 133DA, or permission of instructor. Contact instructor for override code.
- Offered fully online during Spring 2015 (Open Entry/Open Exit) – Choose a start date between January 19 and March 13. Students will have 8 weeks to finish the course from the start date.
CIS 237: Web Based Teaching & Learning II (3 credits), Section #31762
Discuss theories, methods, and best practices for designing, developing, and delivering an online course including Classroom Assessment Techniques, Flipped Classroom, Quality Matters and more. Create an online or hybrid course module using a web-based learning environment. Prerequisites: CIS 236, or permission of instructor. Contact instructor for concurrent enrollment code (allowing students to take CIS236 and CIS237 simultaneously).
- Offered fully online during Spring 2015 (Open Entry/Open Exit) – Choose a start date between January 19 and March 13. Students will have 8 weeks to finish the course from the start date.
Canvas End of Semester Best Practices
In order to ensure a smooth, end of the semester, please consider following the best practice activities for closing your course and transitioning to the next semester.
Important Notes
Ensure that student grades are tabulating correctly:
- Check your grading options including any assignment groups and grade weighting (if applicable) from Assignments in the course navigation.
- Enter zeroes for any student work not submitted OR from Grades select the “gear” drop-down menu, click “Treat Ungraded as 0’s” to ensure unsubmitted assignments are scored with a zero. Detailed instructions.
Do not conclude your course or lock modules if you have assigned a grade of “Incomplete” to a student. They still need to access and participate in the course material.
Withdrawn student data, downloading of data, and sending of messages is not available after final grades have been entered in My.Maricopa (SIS). Instructions for accessing grades in Canvas after conclusion.
End of a Canvas Course FAQs
BEFORE Entering Grades in SIS (My.Maricopa)
Archive Grades – Download your grade book to CSV to archive it locally on your computer or flash drive. Click on Grades > Click on the Gear symbol > Click on Download to CSV More Information – Downloading Grades
Gather Data – Download any assignments, course surveys, quizzes or exam results to archive them locally on your computer or flash drive.
For Quizzes: Click on Quizzes > Select the Quiz > Click on Quiz Statistics > Select the download option of Student and/or Item Analysis More Information – Downloading Quizzes/Surveys
For Assignments: Click on Assignments > Select Download Submissions from the right-navigation.
Send Final Communications – Send end-of-course messages to students, if desired. Please note that all communication will be preserved in the Canvas Conversations inbox. Messages will not be deleted or automatically archived by the system.
AFTER Entering Grades in SIS (My.Maricopa)
End Course – You can leave your course “as is” and it will automatically go into a read-only mode for students. Students will no longer be able to submit assignments or communicate with the class. If you prefer, you can also end your course (Settings > Edit Course Details > Enter an Ending Date for the course). We DO NOT recommend concluding your course as it becomes inaccessible to you.
Locking Content – You can selectively lock content to keep students from accessing sensitive content such as quiz results.
If you do not want students to view Quiz Questions after the end of a semester you will need to set and ending date for your course. Click on Settings > Edit Course Details > Enter an Ending Date for the course.
For Module Content, lock each module by entering a lock date far in the future – 1/1/2020 for example). Locking Modules Instructions
For Course Files, hide the Files area from the course navigation. Keep in mind that files linked to pages will still be visible unless locked. Locking Files Instructions.
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Spring 2015 Canvas Course Shells are Open
Spring 2015 course shells have been opened in Canvas. You will find links to all your assigned Spring sections on your Canvas Course List. Feel free to develop 
your courses within these unpublished shells throughout the Fall. TIP: Customize your course menu to include Spring courses in your quick pick list.
Delays in Instructor/Enrollment Updates
If you don’t see your Spring 2015 course shell in Canvas, please be patient. The SIS (My.Maricopa) to Canvas update is experiencing delays, so recent instructional changes/additions within the schedule may not yet be reflected in Canvas. We hope that this situation will resolve itself soon. Please contact the CTL with any questions or concerns.
Course Copy Tips
Don’t forget that you can copy course content from your previous Spring or Fall courses into these shells. Please see our copy guidelines to get started. Don’t forget to use the Adjust Events and Due Dates option to save yourself time. It can take up to 2 hours for copies of courses from one semester to another to be completed (size and traffic determine speed). Feel free to leave the copy page or logout of Canvas while the copy is being made.
Additionally, pay close attention to any error notices at the end of the copy process. Review any alerts reported (posted notice in the import history) and take corrective action. Errors will most often be related to broken links or empty pages.
Maintenance on Roll Call/Attendance on November 9
Canvas will perform maintenance on the Roll Call/Attendance tool on November 9 beginning at 10pm MST. The tool will be unavailable at this time for an estimated 2 hours. Learn more about the Roll Call/Attendance Tool.
Canvas Update Cycle
Canvas is on a 3-week update-release cycle. The beta (preview) release for this cycle was on 10/27, production notes were shared and the release and documentation will follow on 11/8. Follow the release schedule on the Canvas Updates Calendar.
Recent & Upcoming Updates
Strikeouts for Assignments Improve Calendar Functionality
On the calendar, students will see submitted assignments with a text strikeout. This is a visual indicator that work for that assignment has already been turned-in. For instructors, a crossed out assignment indicates that the due date has passed and that all grading has be completed.
Learn More: The Canvas Calendar
Interface Changes Expand Accessibility & Streamline Navigation
Canvas has made a variety of changes to the interface to improve the user experience, enhance navigation and comply with best practices in accessible design. Recent changes include:
- The removal of the Assignments Tab from the Global Canvas Navigation to encourage students to enter the course to find and submit assignments.
- The addition of Term Dates in the Course List to make it easier to identify courses by semester.
- The improvement of contrasting within the calendar and to grade score formatting within the Gradebook.
Be in the Know with Canvas Status Updates
Want up to the minute reports on the status of Canvas and Canvas features? Check out the improved Canvas Status tracker at http://status.instructure.com/. In this interactive interface you can review the current functionality of all the major features from Document previewing to the Media recording tools. Subscribe to Updates to receive notices of issues/incidents in your Gmail.
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Important Canvas User Notices
New Canvas 101 for Students Launched at MCC
The MCC Canvas 101 Student Orientation course has been updated! This self-enrolled, self-paced course was first made 2 years ago when MCCCD transitioned to Canvas. It is given out by faculty to orient students to Canvas. It is also published on our MCC eLearning web site, Center for Teaching & Learning Canvas Tutorials and other locations. It is highly recommended that you encourage those students new to Canvas to take this course. This will not only help them be more successful in navigating Canvas to access important course information/activities, it should also save instructional time otherwise spent on technical issues. The easiest way to share this course is to include the web link in your syllabus, welcome letter, getting started activities, etc..
Canvas 101: Student Orientation to Canvas Course – http://tinyurl.com/learncanvas
Keep Your Browsers Current & Clean!
Many of the issues users face with Canvas relate to the web browser. Canvas supports the latest two versions of all the major browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari and Firefox). Although users may be able to access Canvas with older browser versions, they may experience a variety of issues including loss of functionality and worse, loss of work if the browser crashes.
In addition, it is important for browser health and for the usability of Canvas and Canvas features to regularly clear the browser cache. We recommend that users mark their calendar to do this maintenance at least a few times per month or whenever they experience issues like being unable to record video or audio using the Canvas media tools. Some Canvas features also require Flash and the Java plug-in.
A few words on security. Canvas is a secure environment and this can sometimes cause issues with certain multimedia features like embedded videos and tools working or displaying properly due to browser security. It is important to provide links to media and tools, as well as the embedded versions to ensure that students are able to see and interact with course material.
Learn more about Canvas and browser compatibility including security. **Bookmark this resource and give it to students it is extremely valuable!
Resources for Clearing Browser Cache
When in Doubt, Switch Browsers!
One of the first things a user should try when they are experiencing an issue in Canvas is to switch browsers. It may sound like a Help Desk cliche, but a little flexibility in browsing preferences can save a lot of time and frustration. Currently most users are preferring the functionality provided by Google Chrome or Firefox. Internet Explorer is supported, but not recommended.
Canvas Update Cycle
Canvas is on a 3-week update-release cycle. The next beta (preview) release is on 9/15, production notes will follow on 9/22 with the release and documentation to follow on 9/27. Follow the release schedule on the Canvas Updates Calendar.
Recent Changes
Big changes come in small packages! Many of the recent updates to Canvas have been tiny tweaks to functionality that will make your life and the learning of your students better and better! Review all the recent changes from the 9/6/2014 release.
Canvas Course List All-Stars
The Canvas Course list functionality has been changed to allow all users (students and faculty) to more easily manage their Canvas courses. The previous customize option (to control what courses appeared in the ‘quick list’ drop-down course menu) has been combined with the My Courses page. Now users can view all their courses and select which courses to display (using the new star icons to mark favorites) in the drop-down menu all within the same location.
Your course(s) marked as a ‘favorite’ will correspond to your Courses drop-down menu, Canvas Conversations Inbox menu and Calendar menus so it is worth taking the time to customize your course list each semester!
Additionally the My Courses page includes more information about the status of a course including whether it is published or not. Note: Unpublished courses are listed in gray and include a tag which is visible to faculty and students. When students hover over an unpublished course they will see a message stating – “This course had not been published. Students should contact the course instructor for access.”
Introducing the Canvas Draft State
Canvas has recently released the highly anticipated Draft State feature that allows for content in Assignments, Quizzes, Modules, Pages, and Discussions to be in an unpublished (draft) state even if the course is published. Draft content will be invisible to students and excluded from grade calculations.
Draft State will become a standard, permanent part of Canvas on July 5, 2014 and will be activated for all Canvas courses within MCCCD on Saturday, May 10, 2014.
Teaching this Summer? ‘Opt-in’ to Draft State Now
The Draft State feature will impact all of the major instructional user interfaces within Canvas and will have a small cosmetic impact on the student view of courses. Because this change is anticipated for the middle of the summer session, we highly recommend that you remain ‘opted-in’ to the draft state feature before your summer course starts to avoid any potential disruption, albeit small, for students.
Draft State User Information Sessions
The MCC Center for Teaching & Learning has scheduled a few information sessions to help users with this transition.
Register Now
Registration Instructions
Choose from the following:
Monday, May 12, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
HRMS Course #002116, Session #0002; CTL Lab AS Building, Room 175
Monday, May 12, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
HRMS Course #002116, Session #0003; CTL Lab AS Building, Room 175
Thursday, May 15, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
HRMS Course #002116, Session #0004; CTL Lab AS Building, Room 175
Monday, May 19, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
HRMS Course #002116, Session #0001; CTL Lab AS Building, Room 175
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Important Notices
Scribd Issues Resolved
For many of you the start of class brought some technical difficulties with the Scribd Preview feature in Canvas. Scribd is the service that allows for file documents to be viewed within Canvas. In the first week of class, this feature was not rendering documents correctly, and so users (students and instructors) were receiving error messages that documents were deleted or unavailable.
This issues has now been resolved and previews should be working normally. Keep in mind that the availability of document previews is always subject to the volume of users uploading and viewing documents across the entire Canvas system. This can cause the previews to delay or even temporarily not display. Some of you may better recognize this phenomenon by the characteristic “bicycle wheels” that never seem to stop spinning when you try to open a document! To help alleviate confusion It is important to let students know about the download option for any files that you share.
New User? More about document previews.
When viewing an uploaded file shared in Canvas, users will have the option of a magnifying glass icon to open the file in the Scribd preview OR a pop-out icon to download the file to their computer.
GUIDE: Files Supported by Scribd
Canvas Connections User Group
Don’t miss the next meeting Tuesday, February 4, 12 noon – 1:00pm, CTL Team Spot – AS Bldg
New and seasoned users are welcome to join us to:
- Connect! Stay on the inside track with all things Canvas.
- Share! and Learn! with others.
- Engage! in some great conversations over lunch.
This informal user-focused group will meet bi-monthly to discuss: Features, Best Practices, Upcoming Changes, Issues/Bugs, Teaching Strategies, Design and Feature Requests.
Users should bring their own lunch. Snacks and desserts may be provided.
Join Now!
Canvas Update Cycle
Canvas is on a 3-week update-release cycle. The beta (preview) release for this cycle was on 1/27, production notes followed on 2/3 with the release and documentation to follow on 2/8. For information about Canvas updates follow the release page.
February 8 Release Preview – Amazing Features! Big Changes!
Canvas will be implementing a Production Release on February 8. Here are some highlights of the new features, updates and changes. Note: Features are subject to change based on testing! Some features may be selectively released by MCCCD.
Draft State
The Draft State feature will allow content in Assignments, Quizzes, Modules, Pages, and Discussions to be in an unpublished (draft) state even if the course is published. Draft content will be invisible to students and excluded from grade calculations. Draft State is a Course-level feature option, and will be available on a course-to-course basis once MCCCD decides to enable the feature at the institutional level.
The Draft State feature will impact all of the major user interfaces within Canvas (for instructors only).You are strongly encouraged to log-in to the beta environment to explore the features within Draft State to see what this new world will look like! Here is an overview guide to prepare you for the change: Canvas Feature Options: Draft State PDF. Additional documentation will be available in the Canvas Guides when Draft State is officially placed in the production environment.
JOIN US FOR THE FIRST
MCC Canvas Connections! Meeting
Wednesday, January 22
12 noon – 1:00pm
Join the MCC Center for Teaching & Learning *NEW Canvas Users’ Group – Canvas Connections!, a Lunch & Learn Community!
Join Now!
New and seasoned Canvas users are welcome to join us to:
- Connect! Stay on the inside track with all things Canvas.
- Share! and Learn! with others.
- Engage! in some great conversations over lunch.
This informal user-focused group will meet bi-monthly to discuss:
- Features
- Best Practices
- Upcoming Changes
- Issues/Bugs & Challenges
- Teaching Strategies/Delivery
- Design
- Feature Requests
Users will be encouraged to present or share a specific topics/features. This group will have an informal agenda and will be run by the attendees.
January 22 Meeting Menu:
Appetizer – Welcome
Soup of the Day – Updates, Issues & More
Main Course – Chewing on Chat
Check Please! – Plans for future meetings
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Learn more about Excused Assignments.
Learn more about Differentiated Assignments.
Learn more about the Like feature in discussions.
