On the Road with Canvas - A Student Guide

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.

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)
Add an Image to a Discussion Post

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)
Add an Image to an Assignment Post

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)

With Canvas, we have 24/7 help available:

De Anza Online Education Center
Contact us by Opening a Ticket in the Canvas Help Menu, or emailing onlineeducation@deanza.edu

After Hours Only
You can contact Canvas Support when our Online Education Center is closed, including weekends: Visit Canvas Chat in the Canvas Help Menu

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.