Canvas Basics

Your learning will be supported with Canvas — our UBC Learning Management System (LMS). Here you will find information, places to connect, places to write and share ideas, and ways to submit Assignments. This digital tool does not replace or remove your instructor or YOU from the teaching and learning equation.

Click on the tabs below to view details about using different Canvas features.

Canvas Overview

For an overview of Canvas including technical requirements, how-to instructions, and tips, check out:

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User Settings, Profile, & Notifications

Taking a bit of time to set up your Profile, User Settings, and Notification preferences can save you time and help keep you on track.

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Canvas Notifications

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Need more help with setting up your Profile, User Preferences, and Notifications? The Canvas Student Guide Links to an external site. will help.

Discussions & Rich Content Editor

Using Discussions: Overview

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Using the NEW Rich Content Editor

Familiarize yourself with the features of the NEW Rich Content Editor, the discussion board editing environment that provides you with options to format your text, add images and videos, and add links to external sources.

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Calendar and Working in Groups

Canvas Calendar

Learn more about how to use the Canvas Calendar to keep your coursework and tasks organized.

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💡 Calendar and TO-DO list options

As a student, you can also add an item to your calendar [How do I add a to-do item in the Calendar as a student? Links to an external site.]. You can manage your TO DO list outside of the calendar to help you complete multiple tasks for multiple courses. Review the notes on this Canvas Community page: How do I add a to-do item in the List View Dashboard as a student? Links to an external site.

Groups in Canvas ('People' option in the sidebar)

During this course, you may be assigned to work in a variety of groups. Here are some of the basic group structures that will be utilized to enhance your learning. Please be aware that Zoom breakout rooms are NOT the same as Canvas Groups. You can explore more about Zoom breakout rooms on the next page on 'Digital Tools'.

For students who are new to Groups within Canvas, review this video to get started:

Click here Links to an external site. for more information on accessing and using Group pages.

Help Resources

If you are new to online learning or Canvas, please review eLearning Help & Resources and Education Library Research Help.