Deepen Intellect
Canvas Deep Dive: Tools, Tips, and Strategies

Getting Started in Canvas

As you begin your coursework, feeling confident in navigating Canvas will help you stay organized, communicate effectively, and manage your workload throughout the term. This page introduces five essential areas of Canvas that you'll use in every online class.

Each section includes a recommended action step. Open Canvas in a new browser tab, and take a few minutes to complete the tasks so you can build strong habits for success in your online learning environment.

Navigating Modules

Navigating Modules

Modules are the backbone of your courses in Canvas. In most PSC classes, instructors organize weekly content—including readings, videos, instructions, and assignments—inside Modules. Working through these modules in order helps you stay on track and ensures you don’t miss important materials.

Action Step

Open the Modules tab in this course. Notice how the content is structured by the dimensions of DU's 4D Experience. In your upcoming courses, the modules will be structured by week.

Viewing Course Announcements

Viewing Course Announcements

Announcements are the primary way your instructor communicates updates, reminders, or changes to the course. Checking announcements regularly helps you stay informed and avoid missing important information.

Action Step

Click Announcements in this course. Read the most recent announcement and adjust your Canvas notification settings if you don’t receive announcements by email or push notification.

Engaging in Discussions

Engaging in Discussions

Discussions allow you to connect with classmates, share your thinking, and participate in course dialogue. All of PSC's online courses use discussion boards for graded participation, reflection, or peer interaction. Posting early and checking back for replies helps foster meaningful engagement.

Action Step

Navigate to Discussions in this course. Read the instructions for a discussion board activity and note expectations such as deadlines, word counts, or reply requirements.

Submitting Assignments

Submitting Assignments

Assignments are submitted directly through Canvas—either by uploading files, completing text entries, submitting URLs, or using external tools. Submitting on time and in the correct format helps ensure your instructor receives your work without issues.

Action Step

Go to the Assignments tab in this course. Click on an upcoming assignment and read the submission instructions carefully. Check whether the submission type is a file upload, text entry, or something else.

Finding and Reviewing Rubrics

Finding and Reviewing Rubrics

Discussions, activities, and assignments in Canvas include a rubric, which explains how your work will be evaluated. Rubrics outline criteria, point values, and performance expectations, helping you understand what a successful submission looks like before you begin.

Reviewing a rubric early can guide your planning, writing, and time management.

NOTE: The process in the video above is consistent with viewing rubrics for ungraded discussions as well!

Action Step

When your upcoming course(s) is available, go to the Assignments tab and open an upcoming assignment. If a rubric is available, click “Show Rubric” to review the criteria and performance levels. Note which areas carry the most weight so you can prioritize your efforts.

Accessing Instructor Feedback

Accessing Instructor Feedback

Throughout your courses, instructors will provide feedback on assignments using Canvas. This feedback may include written comments, annotations directly on your submission, or a grading rubric. Learning where to find feedback now will help you review it efficiently once grades are posted.

Action Step

Click the Grades tab in this course. Familiarize yourself with the layout and where grades and feedback will appear during the term. You might not have anything to review yet—this step is focused on knowing where to look later.