Canvas Spotlight: Canvas Mobile App
What mobile app should I use to access Canvas?
Canvas provides two separate apps for mobile access: the Canvas Teacher app for instructors and the Canvas Student app for students. If you are in multiple roles at Tulane, e.g., taking a course and teaching a course, then log into each app separately for the tasks associated with the role. The Canvas mobile apps are available for download on various mobile devices. Download Canvas apps. Links to an external site.
Note: Canvas Apps are just like your other device apps. Please remember to update the app from time to time.
Canvas Teacher App
The Canvas Teacher app allows instructors to access and edit parts of their Canvas courses remotely, help you grade assignments, participate in discussions, and communicate with students using the Canvas inbox. The Teacher app can help you complete simple and concise actions. The Canvas Teacher app is best used after a course is built. It is not intended for use during the primary course-building process.
What are the best uses for the Canvas Teacher App?
Messaging Students Using the Canvas Inbox
Use the Inbox feature to reply to a student quickly using text replies. This may be easier through the app than logging in with your computer when you are on the go or need to respond promptly. Messages sent and received using the Canvas Inbox are contained and stored within the LMS, protecting you and your student's privacy.
Grading Assignments with SpeedGrader
This may be a viable option for you if you have a simple assignment to grade by a certain date or within a certain time limit and don't have ready access to your computer. The Canvas Teacher app can grade with some of the same functions as the desktop version of Canvas.
Participating in Discussions
Discussions typically become more engaging when you interact with the responses. This can be done easily and quickly when you have a few moments in between your daily encounters. This is also a great way to add photos, quick video responses, and other media accessible from your mobile device.
Posting Announcements
Add announcements quickly with the entire class. Sending announcements through Canvas is optimal. Your announcement is posted to the course for students to access as soon as they log in to your course, and it's also sent as an email to students. This may be useful when you are in the field and have captured photos on your mobile device that you would like to share with your class.
What are some limitations of the Canvas Teacher App?
The Canvas Teacher App is not intended to assist in the course-building process. Some additional limitations include:
- View or edit the grade book;
- Create, add items to, or remove items from Modules;
- Create new assignments, quizzes, or graded discussions;
- Reply to group discussions;
- Change the submission type of an assignment;
- View or edit the syllabus.
Canvas Student App
The Canvas Student app can help students stay on track and achieve learning goals while offering easy access to your organized course Module structure. Students can submit assignments, participate in discussions, view grades, and access course materials. The Student app also provides access to course calendars, To Do items, notifications, and Inbox messages.
It's worth noting that not all Canvas features are currently supported on the Canvas Student App. Refer to the Canvas Student Mobile Features Links to an external site. resource for details. Some Canvas course menu apps may require additional login steps to access content (e.g., textbook publisher content).
What are some ways for me to optimize my course for use with the Canvas Student App?
Build Your Course with Accessibility Standards in Mind
When your content is accessed on a smaller mobile device, navigating pages with complex details, small print, and other similar flaws can be difficult. When designing page content, consider using headers and breaks in between sections of information. For PowerPoint slides, try minimizing text on each individual slide and use a minimum of 18pt font. Ensure your files and page content avoid color contrast issues. Utilize the Accessibility Checker Links to an external site. within Canvas or UDOIT Links to an external site. to inform you of any revisions you can make for an optimal student experience.
Finally, consult with experts and stay informed on universal design for learning and accessibility best practices for course design through university resources like the Center for Engaged Learning and Teaching (CELT) Links to an external site., Office for Campus Accessibility, Goldman Center for Student Accessibility Links to an external site., and the ILC Links to an external site..
Use the Text Entry Option for Assignments
Consider using the Text Entry option for assignment submissions when appropriate for your assignment requirements. Students submitting shortened assignments or using low internet bandwidth have a greater capacity to participate in the assignment with multiple means of entry. You can check the Online Submission option for both File Upload and Text Entry. Submissions will still be visible to you and accessible in SpeedGrader.
Organize Content with Course Modules
Students using the Canvas Student app typically navigate through courses using Modules. The best way to build a course that is compatible with students accessing the course through multiple digital means is to use Modules. Format chunks of information or concepts in Modules, or consider using Assignment Groups to structure how you want students to work through your course content.
Have additional questions about Canvas?
Join our weekly Teach Anywhere virtual office hours during the semester or request a consult with ILC about your Canvas questions. Email ilc@tulane.edu for info.