Student jumping

Using Canvas

TIP: Bookmark this Page!
The videos and instructions could come in handy throughout the quarter and you'll want easy access to this information.

Canvas is a robust course management system with much flexibility. All courses you take that use Canvas will be configured slightly differently. Some may use outside tools like Turnitin or Publisher course content; others will only use Canvas.

When you log into a course, you may come to a home page that looks like a webpage, or you may be taken to the Canvas Modules page. Modules are an organizational tool, usually set up by weeks or topics, to help you manage the course material. Though you can often click on upcoming activities and assignments from the course homepage or the dashboard, if your instructor uses modules, we recommend you visit the modules pages each time you log in. This is where you'll find important information about the week/topic.

Technical Requirements

Canvas supports the current and first previous major releases of the following browsers:

Internet Explorer (Windows only—please make sure your operating system is also current as noted in the computer specifications lesson; you may need to download the Windows 10 Anniversary Update to submit Canvas assignments)
Safari* (Note that Safari is currently not recommended if you need to see images as there are issues with cross-site tracking that prevents viewing all images)
Chrome
Firefox (Extended Releases (Links to an external site.) are not supported)
Flash

We highly recommend updating to the most current version of your preferred browser. Your browser will notify you if there is a new version available.

Run the Computer Readiness Test (Links to an external site) to test your browser and see what plug-ins you might need.

24/7 Help

De Anza Online Education Center

Our Online Education Center can help with issues regarding signing on or uploading assignments. It's your first stop for technical issues with Canvas.
Monday-Friday
8:00am-5:00pm
408.864.8969

After Hours Only
You can contact Canvas Support when our Online Education Center is closed, including weekends. Canvas Technical Support can't help you with log-on issues. Select Canvas Chat from the Canvas Help Menu.

Canvas How-To

You can explore the below instructions and videos as you need them throughout the quarter.

Your Canvas Profile

You can change your personal information and upload an image to your profile. You can even change your preferred language.

Change your Profile (video)
Change your Profile (written instructions)

Notifications

There are many forms of communication in Canvas. Your instructor will most often use Discussions and Announcements. You can change how you are notified of either, but we recommend you keep instant email notifications on for Announcements.

Change your Preferences (video)
Change your Preferences (written instructions)

File Management

Your personal files are where you can store documents & images for your course.

Manage your Files (video)
Manage your Files (written instructions)

Communication

Wondering how to communicate with your instructor or peers without using Discussions?

Canvas Communication (video)

Discussions

Most of your courses in Canvas will use discussions. You might initially need assistance with posting and replying.

Discussions Basics (video)

Assignments

There are several ways you might submit assignments in Canvas. Your instructor may have you upload papers or type your answers within Canvas.

Submitting Assignments (video)

Quizzes & Tests

Quizzes and Tests in Canvas will likely have set dates and will often be timed.

Quiz Basics (video)

Grades

You will be able to keep track of your Grades in Canvas. Some assignments and quizzes may be graded automatically, and some may require the teacher to grade.

Check Your Grades (video)

Canvas Apps

You can use Canvas on your computer, and will likely need to for some assignments. But you can also use Canvas on your iOS or Android device. You will log in with your De Anza MyPortal credentials when you first launch the app.

For Additional Learning Resources:
Go to the comprehensive Canvas Guides. You'll find student guides for the web, phone and tablet interfaces. Be sure to visit the Canvas Community forums to engage with other Canvas users and learn from the shared knowledge online.

Navigation
Return to Previous Page	Continue to Next Section