Hello Colleagues!

This week we want to let you in on a few Canvas secrets . . You may already know some of them but there might be a few new tricks you can add to your tool box!

Update your profile picture and BioLinks to an external site. so your students can know a little more about you

If you are a Module Lead, add a picture to your module cardLinks to an external site. - give it some personality so it stands on the Dashboard. You could upload an image (copyright cleared of course) or use Canva.comLinks to an external site. to design your module card

Take a look and update your notification settings per moduleLinks to an external site. (many of you have asked about this over the years and Canvas have delivered!)

Star the modules you wish to see on your Dashboard, we have been using Canvas for a few years now so you will need to manage your modules

Throughout your content creation in Canvas, use the Student View toLinks to an external site. experience the module as a student would see it (don't try and click outside of your module, it wont work)

Pre-set module announcements to post on a certain date to provide weekly reminders about whats coming up or activities to complete - this can be part of your learning journey and a useful way to keep in contact

Keep your files organised in your module by creating folders Links to an external site.- you can also lock files to release on a certain date

Don't let the quiz question types get in your way, think creatively and have a play - look how multiple drop down question typeLinks to an external site. can be used for matching images Links to an external site.

Create interaction with Mentimeter in your self-directed session and share the resultsLinks to an external site. with students - this way they can see their peers are learning with them

Regularly use the Accessibility CheckerLinks to an external site. on your session pages

Import contentLinks to an external site. across modules to save time (so many of you are doing this which is neat to see)

Validate your links in your module to make sure they are going to the right place. If external links are broken, this will pick it up and it will warn you if you are linking students to another module (this is risky as you have to make sure they have access to the other module)

Enabled New Module AnalyticsLinks to an external site. ready for the new year - Open your module and choose 'Settings' from the module menu, followed by 'Feature Options'. Find "New Module and User Analytics" on the page and move the slider to the "ON" position. Click the 'Save Changes' button. This option will now display in your module menu, don't worry students can't view it!

Did you know students can use the notesLinks to an external site. and discussion functions built into Panopto - game changer for how they can interact with your video content.

Don't forget Canvas Live Chat and emailing LTS@sgul.ac.uk if you get stuck or want to discuss an idea. Oh … and don't forget the Learning Technology Quick Guides for Staff. This is an open module so you can send links to staff who may not have access to Canvas.

Keep learning and stay connected (virtually),

Learning Technology Services