Canvas Quick Start
For a student, the Canvas - Learning Management System is a single online platform to access all of their course materials, assignments, grades, and communication with teachers and classmates. It provides a centralized location to view upcoming assignments, turn in work, find course resources like videos, see teacher feedback, and participate in online discussions. Canvas helps organize a student's online coursework and helps the student manage their learning environment.
Introduction to Canvas
Canvas is a Learning Management System. To learn more about Canvas terminology and definitions, visit How does Canvas define the terms used to describe its features and functions?
Because Canvas is a web-based system, it doesn’t need to be installed on your computer. However, you’ll want to make sure that your computer and web browser meet the basic requirements to run Canvas.
Canvas also has a free mobile app available for iOS and Android that is specifically tailored to students. You can learn more about how the mobile app features compare to Canvas on the web.
How to Log in
Students access Canvas by navigating to https://canvas.illinois.edu/ Use your ‘NetID login’ to log in with your University of Illinois Urbana Champaign campus username and password. Your NetID is a name assigned to you that is unique across all University of Illinois campuses. It serves as your login to many University computing and networking services and determines your university email address, which is similar to: netid@illinois.edu.
For more information on how to log in: https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/How-do-I-log-in-to-Canvas/ta-p/618760
You should see the following when you login:
For information on verifying your login see: https://verify.uillinois.edu/
To find a forgotten netID or change your password see: https://identity.uillinois.edu/iamFrontEnd/iam/forgottenPW
Navigation and Course Access
After logging in, you will land on your course Dashboard page. If you have more than one course, you can filter and search for the course you are seeking.
The Global Navigation Menu is located on the left side of every page in Canvas. Global Navigation links provide quick access to frequently used Canvas features. These links provide access to all your courses collectively. Default links include Account, Dashboard, Courses, Groups, Calendar, Inbox, History, and Help.
For more information on course navigation see: https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/How-do-I-use-the-Global-Navigation-Menu/ta-p/618767
Once you select your course, you will be given a course navigation index specific to your course. Links in this menu may vary by course.
You have the option of navigating your course by using the course index or by clicking the links presented on each course page or module. Some courses may contain additional tools and content in tabs or links on the right-hand side of the page. You can access these by clicking each tab or link.
Forums
If you are not sure how to go about completing the assignment, post your question to the instructor. Some courses will have announcements to follow, and some will have a discussions module where your classmates and the instructor are encouraged to help you understand the assignment. Again, these modules will vary per your individual course. A General Q & A forum may also be available if you have a general question about the course. Posting questions in forums allows everyone to benefit from the answer. Most likely, other students also have the same question.
** If your question is of a personal nature or grade related, please contact your instructors directly.
Updating Your Profile
Adding a picture to your Canvas profile helps your fellow students and instructors recognize you, which can be particularly useful during your initial weeks. To edit your profile, Click Account in the upper left portion of the screen to expand the account menu then select Profile. Once there click Edit Profile Picture. You can then either take a current picture or upload a picture from your device.
To edit your profile:
- Click Account in the upper left portion of the screen
- Click Profile.
- Click Edit Profile Picture.
- Either Upload your picture or take a new picture with you web cam.
- User picture: do include a distinctive User picture. A picture of your face will help staff and students get to know your name. Your image will be cropped & resized automatically.
- Name: if your name is incorrect, please contact Tech Services at (consult@illinois.edu) for assistance in changing it for you.
- Timezone: The Timezone field is used to convert time-related messages on the system (such as assignment deadlines) from the local timezone (the time in London) to the correct time in whichever zone you have selected. Check this is set to your local timezone by going to Account then Settings, then edit settings on the right side of the screen.
After filling as much information as you want in each section, scroll down and click Update Settings to save your changes.
More information an changing Account Settings can be found at: https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/How-do-I-change-the-settings-in-my-user-account/ta-p/615322
Assistance and Support
- In case you're uncertain about where to find something or how to use a specific feature, reach out to your tutor or instructor first.
- For technical queries or if you're experiencing any difficulties, get in touch with NetMath Tech at: tech-staff@netmath.illinois.edu