Intro to Communication Tools

Introduction

Before you learn how to operate each of Canvas' communication and discussion tools, the resources on this page will help you examine the available options and consider your overall communication strategy for keeping students informed and engaged throughout your course.

On This Page:

    1. Explore options for communication and discussion
    2. Create your communication plan

 

Explore options for communication and discussion

Canvas has a few different options for communicating with your students, so it's important to understand which communication tool will best serve your purpose: 

  • Use announcements when you want to inform the entire class about course activities or to post interesting course-related topics
  • Use conversations when you want to communicate with a group or an individual student
  • Use discussions when you want interactive communication between two or more people within your course

NOTE: You can also communicate with your students through external tools, such as Top Hat, to enhance engagement. To learn more about using Top Hat, please explore the Top Hat Learning Path.

 

Create your communication plan

Review the recommendations for communication with students contained in a comprehensive guide to managing your course from the Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences’ John A. Dutton e-Education Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence.

NOTE: While the recommendations available at the link below are directed at online instructors, they are widely applicable and may be adapted to your specific teaching context: