Canvas
Login to Canvas
Canvas is a cloud-based, vendor-hosted learning management system (LMS). Based on positive results from pilot studies and campus feedback, Canvas was adopted as the single, centrally supported UW-Madison LMS in 2016.
Key Features
- Easy-to-use, learner-centered, content-focused design
- Core LMS functionality, such as grading, quizzing, calendaring, discussions and more
- SpeedGrader feature allows simple grading with timely feedback options
- Browser-based interface works on multiple devices
- iOS and Android apps for students and instructors
- Frequent feature and tool updates
- Graphic analytics reporting engine
- Robust notifications
- Integrated with Kaltura MediaSpace, Zoom, Piazza, Top Hat, Google Apps and many other external tools
- Holistic integration of learning outcomes, rubrics and grading
- Rich, multimedia feedback options (including text, audio and video commenting in messages, assignments, course discussions, graded work and grade submissions) — without downloading and re-uploading files
- Integration with the university’s Student Information System (SIS) to provide auto-creation of courses and rosters
- Easy access to the Canvas Commons learning object repository to share and collaborate on course content
- High-quality end-user documentation in the Canvas Community
- Is there a feature you’d like to see developed? This request form can be submitted and campus will review your request and then contact the vendor. Before submitting a request, please review the previously submitted requests to see if your request has already been made and what the accompanying status is.
Integrations
- UW-Madison’s instance of Canvas is integrated with an ever-growing number of third-party tools.
- For information on how to request an integration with Canvas, see this document.
Instructional Uses
There are a variety of ways that Canvas can help enhance your teaching. Examples include:
- Deliver course materials
- Assess learning
- Provide interactive learning experiences, including discussions
- Score and provide feedback on assignments and quizzes
- Connect with your students outside of the classroom
- Foster online discussion or enhance in class discussion. More information on the value of online discussions is available in the “What are the pedagogical uses of online discussion boards” guide.
- Collaborate with colleagues on course content and design. See “What are the pedagogical uses of Canvas Commons?” for information on using Canvas’s built-in learning object repository to share best practices, explore content, and iterate on course design.
Getting Started
To log in to Canvas, visit canvas.wisc.edu.
Trainings and other Canvas-related events offered by DoIT Academic Technology are listed in this calendar.
Helpful Resources
- Learn@UW-Madison Canvas KnowledgeBase
- Canvas Community: Documentation from Instructure on how to use Canvas and a forum to ask questions and get answers on Canvas
- Web accessibility guidelines
- Request Form for a Non-Credit Canvas course: Requests for a Continuing Studies, institutional compliance/training, sandbox, or other type of non-credit Canvas course should be submitted here. Credit-based courses are automatically generated prior to each term. For more information about resources available for these type of courses, refer to the guide What resources are available for Canvas non-credit courses.
Support
The DoIT Help Desk provides instructors, staff and students with free tech support and troubleshooting help by phone at 608.264.4357, email at help@doit.wisc.edu and chat at helpdesk.wisc.edu. In-person support is also available at the DoIT Help Desk service desk in the Computer Sciences building. Visit helpdesk.wisc.edu for hours and more information.
Instructors and instructional staff can also request a consultation through the DoIT Help Desk. A DoIT AT consultant will help you select and use the right learning technology to improve student success. In addition, the Learn@UW KnowledgeBase offers helpful documents for instructors, course owners and students.