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Introduction to Canvas

Canvas is Penn State's official Learning Management System (LMS). Through your Canvas Dashboard, you can access course information online any time using a computer or mobile device. While every course uses different features and tools, below are some of the most common ways students interact with Canvas:

Use Modules for Course Navigation: Click on modules in the course navigation menu to see an overview of the entire course.

Stay Informed about Announcements and Notifications: Choose how to receive course notifications (email, text) and how often you would like to be informed.

Access the Syllabus and Course Schedule: The course schedule (at the bottom of the syllabus page) will be updated dynamically throughout the course. Use the "jump to today" button to see deadlines for the current date at a glance.

Stay Up to Date with the Canvas Calendar: The Canvas calendar automatically shows the due dates for assignments and other activities across all of your courses.

Submit Assignments and Quizzes: All assignments and quizzes included in Canvas should include clearly stated due-dates and instructions for submitting your work.

Engage in Discussions: Post to discussion boards in your courses to engage in relevant conversations with your classmates.

Use Groups for Collaboration: Access your course groups to collaborate on projects, engage in group discussions, and share files;

Canvas Features

Learn about some of the most important features of Canvas in this short video:

Additional Resources:

Video Script

Browser and Software Requirements

You will need reliable internet access and a PC or Mac with an updated web browser. In addition, you will need a broadband internet connection (DSL or faster), and the ability to playback media content (for courses that include audio and video).

Supported Browsers: Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser. Canvas supports the two most recent versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. We highly recommend updating to the newest version of whatever browser you are using as well as the most up-to-date Flash plug-in. Learn more about which browsers Canvas supports here: Which browsers does Canvas support?

Get Help/Technical Support

Screenshot of Canvas Help button

If you encounter a problem or have a question about using Canvas, clicking on the Help button at the bottom of the global navigation menu (on the left side of your screen) will provide several options for help including chat, email, and Canvas Guides.

Learn More

There are variety of Canvas how-to documents available for students at Penn State. Access any of the following resources to learn more about using Canvas or to search for answers to your questions:

Getting Started Guide for Students (Online version)
Getting Started Guide for Students (Download PDF version)
Complete Student Guide (Online version)
Complete Student Guide (Download PDF version)

Complete the Canvas Orientation

The remainder of this orientation module includes tutorials to help you successfully use Canvas features you may need throughout the semester. PLEASE NOTE: The content of this module may be customized to reflect only the specific features applicable to this course, or your instructor may choose to include all of the available Canvas tutorials. Even if you have seen this orientation module before, it is important to check for any specific features and requirements that may be new to you.

Navigation:

When you're ready to continue, click Next $\triangleright$ below to go to the next page in the module. If you're using the Canvas app, you'll select the back button.