Faculty Support and Training
There are many ways to connect with Academic Technology Services and Canvas to get support:
CSULB Resources and Training for Instructors
Academic Technology Services (ATS) provides materials, professional development programs, and workshops specific to the needs of the CSULB campus.
Canvas Sandbox and Development Courses
Request a sandbox or development course from ATS to explore the Canvas platform and start building your content.
- A sandbox is an empty course shell where you can try the features and familiarize yourself with the navigation and structure.
- A development course is a staging area where you can build and modify your course content entirely and then copy it into your live course when released each semester.
Quick Start in Canvas
Get step-by-step instructions for building a basic course quickly in Canvas.
Canvas Course Layouts
Import a pre-built Canvas Layout (template) and edit it to fit your subject matter. Choose from Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced layouts.
Canvas Quality Assurance Checklist [PDF]
This checklist provides instructors with recommendations for ensuring that their courses meet established quality assurance guidelines.
For Your Students
Student Announcement Template [PDF]
Post this announcement in BeachBoard to alert your students that the course will be taught in Canvas instead. The template includes instructions for accessing Canvas and resources for students to get learn how to use the new platform.
Passport to Canvas Student Course Request Form
Share the link to this course request form with your students! This self-paced course designed by Canvas provides everything students need to know about using the platform. It covers how to keep track of assignments, check grades, and view feedback from instructors. It also helps students learn how to organize learning material and stay in touch with classmates.
Canvas Student Quick Start Module [PDF]
These instructions tell you how to view the student orientation module included in all courses course. You may use it or remove it at your discretion! The module gives students the basics of using Canvas tools to communicate, submit assignments and take quizzes.
Instructors' Training Course: "Growing with Canvas"
This self-paced course will take instructors through everything they need to know about using Canvas. We recommend that you request a Canvas Sandbox from ATS at least one week before taking the course so you can practice the activities presented in the training.
BeachBoard and Canvas Comparisons
June 15 | 10-11am
In this interactive workshop, we'll compare BeachBoard and Canvas with hand-on activities in Canvas. Resources materials will also be provided.
Building in Canvas
June 30 | 2-3pm
In this workshop, users will be introduced to the Announcements, Pages, and Modules tools in Canvas. We will provide a walk-through with steps for creating and managing these tools as well as their functionality.
Canvas Gradebook Setup
July 18 | 10-11am
In this workshop, faculty will be introduced to the Canvas Gradebook. Topics will include how to set up auto-calculated weighted scoring, basic view settings, and tips for configuring the Gradebook using assignment groups.
Canvas Navigation Basics
July 26 | 10-11am
In this workshop, users will be introduced to the Canvas navigation bar as well as account, profile, and course setting options. Users will be able to set up their Canvas accounts by following along with the demonstration, and additional resources for further learning will be shared.
Student Engagement in Canvas
August 10 | 2-3pm
In this session, we'll introduce tools found in Canvas that will help foster and create an environment for student engagement such as Collaborations and Peer Review Student.
Canvas Feedback Forum Fridays
June 24, July 8, July 22, August 5, August 12 | Times vary
The Feedback Forum Friday series is a venue for all faculty to be able to join and discuss all things Canvas. ATS would like to receive any and all feedback related to the institution's LMS transition. Dedicated instructional designers will facilitate the discussions.
CANVAS Resources and Training for Instructors
Canvas provides a vast array of materials and videos to help you quickly get familiar with the platform.
When you access Canvas, select the Help icon
Canvas Instructor Guides provide detailed written instructions for using all of their features.
- Explore the Canvas gallery of video tutorials/demos to learn how to use all the features.
- Get started quickly with "Set Up Your Canvas Course in 30 Minutes or Less," a series of 7 videos on the essentials of using Canvas.
Find the link to the Training Services Portal [pdf instructions] within your Canvas global navigation panel (see below). This portal gives instructors access to a wide variety of self-paced and live training developed by the makers of Canvas. CSULB currently has a paid subscription for this Training Portal through January 2023- so take advantage of these excellent resources now!
Recommended LIVE Training Sessions
- Course Communications
- Leveraging Modules
- Assignments
- Quiz Basics
- Gradebook and Speedgrader
- Home Pages
- Groupwork & Collaboration
- Data for Teachers
- Student Experience
- Content Area Specialty Session
- Mobile Apps: Teacher App
Recommended ON-DEMAND Training Sessions
- Learning Pathway, Opening Canvas Learn comprised of:
- Opening Canvas
- Creating a Canvas Course
- Getting Started with Assignments & Assessments
- Grading & Feedback
- Stand-Alone Courses:
- Preparing to Launch
- New Quizzes
- Teacher App (iOS or Android)
- Canvas + Google Integration
How to Access the Training Portal
- Visit your SSO/MyApps dashboard and select the Canvas tile:
- Click on the "Help" icon at the bottom of your Canvas Global Navigation bar.
- Select the Training Services Portal link from the menu:
- Select "Authorize" to access your account.
- Take the tutorial offered on the pop-up window to learn more about the offerings. Or, you can skip it and exit the pop-up.
- You’ll be taken to the Learning Library tab.
- Scroll down to view all the tutorials at the bottom of the screen. Or, use the Search, Sort by, and Filter by features to find a specific topic.
How do I access Canvas Commons?
The Canvas Commons link is on the left Global Navigation panel on Canvas. Content shared by CSULB users will appear at the top of the Commons dashboard by default. Use the search or filter controls to find specific content.
What can I do with Commons?
Create your own personal repository to store course content and materials submitted by peer educators and re-use them across all of your courses. You can contribute to the community by sharing resources that you've created that would be of benefit to others.
The Canvas Community is an online gathering place where Canvas users can share, collaborate, and shape Canvas together.
- Join the discussion! Be part of the Canvas Community to find and share resources among peers.
- Join an Interest Group. Canvas offers a variety of interest groups, including HigherEd Users and multiple language groups. Also, visit Resources by Language to find resources in your preferred language.
- Contribute your ideas to improve Canvas in the Idea Conversations forum. Make suggestions for future development to improve the experience for all.
