Tag Archives: browser

What the . .?! Canvas FAQs

Posted on by

We’ve scoured the Internet and compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Canvas.

Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash

 

 

Brette Wilton-Kristoff, Graduate Student , Communications Specialist, GMCTL,

March 26th, 2021

 

 

1. Why am I receiving so many notifications from Canvas? 

  • All new Canvas user accounts are set to certain default notification settings.
    • Change your ‘Notifications’ preferences in your Account  settings, accessible from your Global Navigation menu (left-hand side bar) or on a course page, the Course Notifications – in the right-hand sidebar.
    •  To learn more, see setting your notifications

2. Why does Canvas seem slow at times?

  • Many factors can affect the processing speed:
    • Like your wireless connection strength, shared usage and/or bandwidth of your internet connection, and other applications you have open, which internet browser is being used, and the processing power/age of your computer.
  • If Canvas seems slow, try doing these first: 
    1. Close all other applications and browser tabs
    2. Try disconnecting /reconnecting to your wireless network
    3. Try moving closer to the wireless router/access point
    4. Restart your computer

3. Which web browser is most compatible with Canvas?

  • Chrome, then Firefox works best. Currently USask IT Support is identifying issues with using Safari for accessing Canvas. Check to see if your web browser is compatible here.

4. How do I view my grades in Canvas?

  • See your grades and any feedback via the grey View Grades button on your Dashboard’s right-hand sidebar.

  • Locate your grades directly in your course by clicking on the ‘Grades’ tab in the course menu (usually in green at USask). 

 

5. Can I hide my recent grades from the Canvas Dashboard?

 

 

For more support options with Canvas, see the USask Student Canvas page.

We acknowledge that the University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6, traditional Nehiyaw territory, and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. 

 

Using the Canvas Student App

Posted on by
Checking out the Canvas app - Photo by K. D. W. Kristoff, CC by 2.0

Checking out the Canvas app – Photo by K. D. W. Kristoff, CC by 2.0

 

Download the Canvas Student App on your iPhone (IOS) or Android for easy access to your course content, calendars, and chats.

 

Brette D. W. Kristoff, Graduate Student, Communications Specialist, GMCTL, February 8th, 2021

 

Use the Canvas app to take your coursework on the go with you. If you have reading assignments, group work, or Inbox messages to respond to, the Canvas Student App is easy to use from wherever you are. 

Canvas Student IOS Guide:

  • Search and Download the Canvas Student app for iOS from your app store.
  • Open the app, and select the  U of S as your institution. Then, login using your NSID and password.
  • Check out the full Canvas Student Guide for IPhone for further instructions.

Canvas Student Android Guide:

  • Search and Download the Canvas Student app for Android from your Play Store. 
  • Open the app and select the U of S as your institution. Then, login using your NSID and password.
  • Check out the full Canvas Student Guide for Android for further instructions.

Getting Started with the App: 

By default, the app takes you to your Canvas Dashboard where you can access your courses and favorite groups from your mobile phone.

  • Customize your app landing page and other app features in your User Menu, located at the top left corner of the App.
  • The App looks similar to the desktop version with access to pretty much all the same stuff!
  • Remember, it is not recommended that you use the mobile version of Canvas to take quizzes and exams. 

How do I find my User Menu?

  • At the top left corner of the app Dashboard, is your User Menu.
  • Here is where you can find your settings and help features, there you will find your Files folder.
  • For both IOS and Android, access mobile Help options from the User Menu. 

 

How do I manage my email and push notifications for the App?

  • Find the Settings tab in your User Menu.
  • Enable your notification preferences to get important reminders, calendar updates, Inbox notifications and more.

 

 

 

 

Where do I access my Course content in the App?

  • From your Dashboard, select the course you want to access. This will take you to the Course Home page just like in the desktop version.
  •  Click on the title of the course you want to access to find your Modules, Files, People, Grades, and everything else.

What else is cool about the app?

  1. Use the document scanner in the app to easily scan and upload Files and Assignments.
  2. Bookmark pages on the app for quick reference later:
    • If you’re using the app to catch up on your course Reading Assignments, select the bookmark option from the drop-down menu at the top right corner.
    • Your saved bookmarks can be found for quick reference in your User Menu.

Remember: Use the Student App for anything except Canvas quizzes and exams. It is not recommended you take quizzes on your mobile device and “remotely proctored” exams will only work on your laptop or desktop computer.

_____________________________________________________________________

We acknowledge that the University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. 

For more support options with Canvas, see the USask Student Canvas page.

3 Canvas Tips to Stay Organized

Posted on by

Brette D. W. Kristoff, Graduate Student – Communications Specialist, GMCTL

October 1, 2020

Staying organized and on top of your coursework is easier with Canvas. Here are a few tips to help you use Canvas tools this term!

1. It’s important to keep all your deadlines together, in one place. This is the function of the Canvas Calendar—all your important Canvas course dates will be synced to your Calendar when your instructors update the course schedule to Canvas.

    • Visually, this will help you map out the flow of the term. Take note of all major deadlines and assignments (Any weeks where you have multiple things due? If so, prioritize, and plan ahead accordingly!)  

2. One time I couldn’t get my computer to turn on 3 minutes before a timed final exam. To avoid this stress, I recommend you give yourself some time (15 minutes at least!) to secure your web connection and platform access before any remote learning sessions, MEETS, or online exams (worst case, you’ll have more time to review your notes). 

Here’s a list of web browsers supported by Canvas. 

  • Tip: Unsupported browsers such as Internet Explorer will not run Canvas properly. Most other major Internet browsers will work just fine for most Canvas functions.
  • For troubleshooting tips and IT help, go here.

3. Try out the What-If Grades function on Canvas to predict your grades and averages: 

  •  Under your Grades tab, select the course and assignment and enter a hypothetical score to see the What-If result (sorry, this won’t change your actual grade – only instructors can do that). So feel free to plug in any numbers at first to get the feel for it! 
  • Canvas will show you how this new hypothetical score would affect your overall grades. This can be done with all upcoming or completed assignments or tests.
  • Predicting your grades like this will give you a better sense of your overall grade standing in each of your courses.

Click the arrow beside your What-If grade to revert to your original score.

Remote learning is an adjustment for everyone but Canvas is designed to streamline our student experience. What’s been your biggest adjustment in transitioning to remote learning?

For more support options with Canvas, see the USask Student Canvas page.