Teaching with Canvas

What is Canvas?

Canvas is a cloud-based learning management system (LMS) that allows instructors to provide learning opportunities for their students through digital content, assessments, communications, and grading. All courses at Ontario Tech University have course site (commonly called "course shell") in Canvas at the start of each semester. 

You can access Canvas at learn.ontariotechu.ca. Students use their Student ID Number and Network Password to access the LMS, while faculty and staff use their Banner ID and Network Password.

Why use Canvas?

Canvas offers powerful and flexible opportunities for instructors to work with their students. Depending on the discipline, learning outcomes, and size of your course, you might choose to leverage some or all of the functionalities of Canvas. Some ideas you might choose include:

Manage course content

Use Modules to organize your content. Post weekly slides, reading materials, and videos for students to easily locate what they're looking for.

Assess your students

Issue assessments to the entire class or to groups of students, set due dates, and collect files all in one place. Canvas' SpeedGrader lets you use rubrics, provide comments and post grades for students without downloading individual files.

Hold online classes

Kaltura Virtual Classroom is integrated in Canvas and allows you to hold live virtual class meetings with students. You can also create breakout rooms, share files, chat, and share a virtual whiteboard.

 How does the Teaching and Learning Centre support Canvas?

The Teaching and Learning Centre is responsible for supporting faculty and students in the use of Canvas. Technical support for Canvas is provided by IT Services.

Important Canvas Policies and Procedures

• Academic Staff Responsibilities With Regard to Students
• Directives on the use of Digital Learning Resources for Assessment Purposes
• Examination and Grading Policy
• Information Security Policy
• Technology Use Policy
• Virtual Proctor System Directives