Canvas

What is Canvas?

Canvas is a new learning management system used by all three UW campuses.
Canvas courses are automatically created for faculty through the UW system.

Similar in function to Blackboard, instructors can use Canvas to:

• Organize and distribute course files
• Have students submit assignments and take quizzes online
• Keep track of student grades in the Canvas Gradebook
• Interact with the class using chat, discussions, or announcements
• Communicate with other users through conversations 

Blackboard to Canvas Transition

UW Bothell has begun to transition from Blackboard to using Canvas as our main learning management system. Because of this, we reccommend that all students and faculty get acquainted with Canvas as soon as possible. UWB Learning Technologies has provided Canvas tutorials and resources that are all available through this page.

Some of the guides that may help ease the transition process include:

• Canvas FAQ for Faculty
• Migrating Blackboard Course Content into Canvas
• Backing Up Student Work from Blackboard

Key Features of Canvas

Canvas has many features that make it stand out from other LMSes, including:

• Smooth course organization and navigation
• A course file repository, a central place where instructors can upload course files and link them to areas in the course
• The Rich Content Editor, including a video integration feature available in most course tools
• A wide range of communication options--offering users the option to notify them of changes in the course via Facebook, Twitter, email or text message
• The SpeedGrader tool (available within Canvas and as an app for the iPad) allows instructors to quickly grade and send assignments to the gradebook
• Built-in rubrics that help wtih assessing online coursework and communicating expected assignment quality
• Embedded video functionality
• Discussion boards that function as a space for discourse, conversation, and communication
• Users' calendars and syllabi sync with course due dates