This page includes several video tutorials to help you get started in your new Canvas course.
What is Canvas you ask? Well, Canvas is a cloud-based learning management system (LMS) developed by Instructure, Inc. The University of Cincinnati has chosen to pursue a pilot of this LMS based on the benefits and enhanced learning experiences shown in other local institutions which have chosen to migrate to the Canvas platform from another LMS, such as Blackboard.
The following video will describe the general course navigation in Canvas. Please note, your specific program / course may not use all of the left-side navigational options shown in the video. Should you have questions, please contact your course facilitator.
The following video will describe how to find and submit your assignments in Canvas. Please note, your specific program / course may not use all of the left-side navigational options shown in the video. Should you have questions, please contact your course facilitator.
The following video will describe how to find and participate in your discussion board assignments through Canvas. Please note, your specific program / course may not use all of the left-side navigational options shown in the video. Should you have questions, please contact your course facilitator.
The following video will describe how to find your grades in Canvas. Please note, your specific program / course may not use all of the left-side navigational options shown in the video. Should you have questions, please contact your course facilitator.
The following video will describe how to find and participate in Groups and group activities in Canvas. Please note, your specific program / course may not use all of the left-side navigational options shown in the video. Should you have questions, please contact your course facilitator.
The following video will describe how to find and submit your quizzes, tests, and exams through Canvas. Please note, your specific program / course may not use all of the left-side navigational options shown in the video. Should you have questions, please contact your course facilitator.
The following video will describe how to use Kaltura - the UC Canopy video creation and repository tool through Canvas. Please note, your specific program / course may not use all of the left-side navigational options shown in the video. Should you have questions, please contact your course facilitator.
Click here to open your Kaltura Media Tool / Gallery.
Where's Blackboard?
After extensive testing and a semester long pilot, UC has decided to adopt Canvas by Instructure to be the learning management system for the university. Beginning in Summer of 2019 and continuing through Spring of 2020, you will see more and more of your courses in Canvas instead of Blackboard. Please check with your instructor to be sure which system you should access for each course.
Why is UC moving to Canvas?
Canvas is generally thought to be easier to use for both faculty and students. We hope you'll agree, because we care about your learning experience. Student feedback during the pilot was very positive and was a driving factor in the decision to switch to Canvas.
Will all my courses be in Canvas?
Probably not at first, but by Summer of 2020, yes, all your courses will be on Canvas. In the meantime, we realize that means that you might have to access both Canvas and Blackboard to get to the material for all your courses. We know that's a pain, but it's just not possible to move the entire university to a new learning management system all at once. We appreciate your patience during the transition.
What if I have an Incomplete or an ongoing research project during the last semester we have Blackboard? Will I be able to finish my course work?
Yes. Your instructors will be able to move their courses from Blackboard to Canvas so you can finish your course work.
I belong to an organization that uses a Blackboard course site to communicate and share files. What happens to that?
Those details are still being worked out, but organizations that have a Blackboard course site will be provided a space to continue to share their files and to communicate with each other. Stay tuned for details about that during the 2019-2020 school year.
Where do I find help if I need it?
We're really hoping that Canvas is so much easier to use that you won't run into much trouble. But if you do, contact the 24/7 Help Line at 1-(855)-745-4414. Also, you can access the handy tutorials on using Canvas above on this page.
24/7 Canvas Support: 1-855-745-4414
IT@UC Canvas Support: Service Desk (IT@UC Help Desk)
Canvas Guides: Search the Canvas Guides
Ask the Community: Get help from a Canvas Expert