Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Teachers

Q1: How do I log in to Canvas for the first time as a teacher?

A: To log in, visit the Canvas login page for Providence College at Canvas Login. Use the faculty credentials provided by the IT department. If you are unsure of your credentials or have not received them, please contact the IT support center.

Q2: How can I set up my course on Canvas?

A: To set up your course, navigate to your Dashboard after logging in, click on 'Courses', select 'All Courses', and then 'Start a New Course'. You can then add course materials, create assignments, and adjust settings according to your syllabus.

Q3: What should I do if I forget my password?

A: Use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset your password. You will need to enter the email address associated with your Canvas account to receive reset instructions.

Q4: How do I add assignments and grade submissions on Canvas?

A: To add assignments, go to the 'Assignments' section in your course and click on 'Add Assignment'. To grade submissions, click on the assignment in question, view the submission, and enter grades directly in the gradebook.

Q5: How can I communicate with my students through Canvas?

A: You can use the 'Announcements' feature to send messages to the entire class or the 'Inbox' to send individual messages. Additionally, setting up discussion boards can facilitate class interactions.

Q6: How do I use the Canvas mobile app as a teacher?

A: Download the Canvas Teacher app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Log in using your faculty credentials. The app allows you to manage courses, grade assignments, and communicate with students on the go.

Q7: What are the best practices for organizing course materials on Canvas?

A: Organize your course materials into modules for easy navigation. Use clear and consistent naming conventions for files and assignments. Additionally, providing a course calendar and syllabus in Canvas can help students stay organized.

Q8: How do I handle technical issues or glitches on Canvas?

A: Contact the IT support center with a detailed description of the issue, including any error messages and screenshots if possible. They can provide technical assistance and troubleshooting.

Q9: Can I customize the notification settings on Canvas?

A: Yes, you can customize your notification preferences by clicking on 'Account' and then 'Notifications'. You can choose how often you receive updates about course activities, student submissions, and other important information.

Q10: How can I make my Canvas course accessible to all students?

A: Ensure that all uploaded materials are accessible, use clear fonts and colors, provide alternative text for images, and use the accessibility checker tool in Canvas to identify and fix potential issues.

Q11: Can I have Canvas open in more than one tab without it messing things up?

A: Yes, Chrome is the preferred browser, and you might need to refresh to see changes.

Q12: Can I have Canvas open in more than one tab without it messing things up?

Q13: Publishing VS Saving - What is the difference?

A: To Publish an item, means it is visible to students. Canvas, provides either a "Save and Publish" button or a green check box to publish

The Save option allows you have a draft, without students seeing the content yet

Q14: If I use a weighted gradebook, how do I set that up?

A: To set up a weighted gradebook in Canvas, navigate to the "Assignments" page, click the three dots in the top right corner, select "Assignment Groups Weight", then check the box next to "Weight final grade based on assignment groups" and enter the desired percentage for each assignment group; essentially creating categories with specific weightings for your overall grade calculation.

Q15: Can I have sub-weights within a weighted group while grading?

A: No, you need to create separate weighted categories.

Q16: How do I open a link in a new tab/window?

A: Click on the link you have created in the canvas Rich Content Editor (RCE). Select either Ctrl+K for Windows [or Command + K on a Mac]. For target, select "new window" and then click on the OK button.

Q17: Can I create multiple quizzes with the same functionality?

A: Yes, but you need to use New Quizzes, not Classic Quizzes.

More Tips:

See this guide on how to publish a course..

See this guide on how to publish a page..

See this guide on how to publish a module..

See this guide on how to publish an assignment.

See this guide on using files Links to an external site.

Tips

Edit Due Dates in bulk

All graded items live in Assignments. Any graded item needs to be in the Assignment section, meaning for you to grade and item you must create a Quiz, Exam or Assignment.
It is good practice to use specific titles to all assignments (don't do Assignment #1, Instead name them Ralph Waldo Emerson Poem Assignment, etc.)
If you want to annotate or add comments on student work. Create an assignment for file upload. Text Entry Assignments cannot be annotated or comments added.
From one assignment category, you can drop lowest for grading, but you can also elect to have an assignment not be eligible for the drop!