0.4 | Using Canvas in a Classroom

Why should you take the time to learn and use Canvas? Although there are many reasons, two common reasons to use Canvas are to enhance student learning and save time.

Let's review how Canvas helps you to enhance student learning and save time. Read on for some important points, tips, and tools for being successful!

 Enhance Student Learning

As a teacher, you are the professional. Canvas is a tool to support your instructional pedagogy. Don't use technology for the sake of using technology - use it to enhance student learning!

You will find many techniques and tools in this course to help you support your students.  

Read on for some important points, tips, and tools for being successful!

 Save Time

By leveraging Canvas tools, you can almost eliminate the questions of

• "I missed class yesterday, what did we do?"
• "I lost my syllabus, can I have another?"
• "Why did I miss these points on this assignment?"
• ...the list goes on.

If you put your course materials in Canvas, the answer to these questions is always "Check Canvas." Students will quickly learn to check Canvas before coming to you with these questions.

Canvas can also:

• replace the inbox on your desk (if you are fortunate enough to have your own desk.)
• be the class calendar
• send notifications and updates 
• replace the weekly teacher communication to parents of elementary grades
• help distribute documentation that needs to be returned
• be a 'bell ringer' at the beginning of class, or be an 'exit ticket' at the end of class
• Post grades, group assignments, peer reviews, collaborations
• ...and so much more!

By investing the time to learn the tools of Canvas you will develop the knowledge needed to leverage your time in the future!