The chat feature in Canvas is an open interface that allows users to communicate amongst each other in real time. The convenience of chat makes collaborating outside of the classroom easy. Currently, Canvas chat allows users to interact by typed text, webcam, or audio. Additionally, users may share their desktop, a YouTube video, virtual whiteboard or notepad with each other.
Instructors may wish to use chat in order to:
- Have "virtual office hours" to help and converse with students while away from campus.
- Allow a space for students to talk amongst themselves, share content, work together on assignments, or answer each other's questions.
Please note that conversations that take place in chat will not be saved. The chat space is meant for temporary conversation and sharing. If you are looking for a more permanent tool for discussion, try conversations (messaging) or discussions (discussion board). For online lectures and large group or class discussions, try the conferences (web conferencing) tool.
The Chat Interface
1) Type in the text box and press enter to send a text message to everyone in chat.
2)
- The Start Broadcasting button will start your microphone/webcam and allow you to address users in chat via video or voice.
- The Share button allows you to invite others from outside the course in to chat by providing a temporary URL to access the chat board. They do not have access to any other parts of the Canvas course.
3)
- You can embed YouTube videos by clicking this icon
- The raincloud icon
- The pen icon will access the virtual whiteboard which allows you to draw and write to all chat members.
The right column will list all users in the chat. You can initate a private message by right clicking on the user. In addition, you can remove users from the chat and block them.