Duke University and Duke Kunshan instructors* who want to use Canvas to teach in Spring 2024 can now edit their course sites. If you have not yet logged in and begun exploring Canvas, we encourage you to do so now. There are currently two paths for building your course in Canvas:

*You must be listed in DukeHub as an instructor of record before you will see your course(s) in Canvas. 

Our early adopters report that Canvas is easier to use than Sakai, but we have many opportunities for you to get support over the next few weeks if you have any questions:

Join us at one of our end-of-term study hall sessions to work on your Canvas site(s) alongside peers with Learning Innovation staff available to answer questions. 

For in-depth instruction, sign up for one or more of our virtual, live Canvas workshops. Join all three or pick the ones best for you.

Our 25-minute one-on-one consultations are ideal if you have some Canvas experience but need focused help with your course(s). We also host virtual open office hours twice weekly. 

Canvas’ 24/7 support boasts an average 5-minute response time for chat and phone calls, though you are also welcome to email us at canvas@duke.edu any time.

If you will have a teaching assistant this coming Spring, share the “For TAs” page with them in advance as a starting point for any questions that may arise as they use Canvas beyond their typical student experience. Teaching assistants are also welcome to attend any of our Canvas workshops for more detailed instruction on using Canvas, though these workshops are designed for instructors who may have more permissions than they will.

All workshops are virtual and in Eastern time.

Are you interested in making your course more accessible and easy to use - particularly to accommodate students with disabilities? UDOIT Advantage scans your Canvas courses automatically, identifies issues and quick fixes, and provides guidance to improve accessibility with ease – and Duke provides this service for free to all faculty and staff. Join Cidi Labs and Duke Learning Innovation to learn how to use UDOIT to fix accessibility issues in your Canvas Content and Files! Register Now >

This workshop is recommended for anyone who has not used Canvas as an instructor before or those who would like a refresher on Canvas. Instruction is expected to last about 60 minutes, with the remaining time available for questions. This session will include some of the basic “getting started” and Canvas configuration information. 

This workshop is strongly recommended for all instructors. This session will focus on the core of Canvas – the Modules tool – and how to use it and several other key Canvas tools to best organize your site to support student success. Instruction is expected to last about 60 minutes, with the remaining time available for questions.

This session will cover assessing student learning in Canvas using quizzes, graded discussions, assignment submissions, and the gradebook. Instruction is expected to last 75-90 minutes; any remaining time will be available for questions.

Set yourself up for success with Canvas by preparing your Spring courses before winter break. To help you in that endeavor, we are hosting two study hall sessions at the end of the term to help you set aside some time to dedicate to working on your Canvas site(s). You will benefit from working alongside colleagues, and Learning Innovation staff will be available to answer questions as you work. No registration necessary; just drop in and join us during the listed hours at our office space in Bostock 129 (next to the Edge Workshop).

Do you teach at DKU? The Center for Teaching and Learning has developed a website with Canvas resources and workshops specifically for DKU instructors - check it out.