Content Creation
Canvas makes it easy to deliver course content directly to your students, using a variety of tools like Pages, Assignments, Quizzes and Discussions. While these tools have very different functions, creating and editing content is all centered on the Rich Content Editor (RCE).
Master the RCE to confidently create content across Canvas that connects throughout your course and leverages multimedia to engage students.
VIDEO – Rich Content Editor (4:42)
In the video tutorial below, you will learn how to use the Rich Content Editor in Canvas. The Rich Content Editor is used all throughout Canvas, for Announcements, Assignments, Discussions, Pages, Quizzes, and the Syllabus. This video focuses on Pages, but the Rich Content Editor will look the same as you create and edit other types of content.
CONTENT CREATION – BEST PRACTICES/TIPS AND TRICKS
- Make use of the publishing and unpublishing functionality to build content even while your course is in session. Items that are unpublished aren’t visible to students and allow you to work in the background of your course without distracting students.
- Canvas makes it easy to duplicate Pages, Assignments, and Discussions you have already created. Explore each Content Type below to find information on duplication in your Canvas course.
CONTENT CREATION – FAQ
Editing
Canvas consistently uses the Rich Content Editor (RCE) for editing in all of its tools. Learn the basics to feel more comfortable creating and editing content across Canvas.
How do I style text content in the Rich Content Editor?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10283-415241511
How do I create a hyperlink in the Rich Content Editor?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10305-4152719751
How do I insert course files into the Rich Content Editor using the Content Selector?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10443-415265829
How do I insert a table using the Rich Content Editor?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10346-415241504
How do I record a video using the Rich Content Editor? (you can ignore the section on Flash settings)
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10393-4152719747
How do I link to a YouTube video in the Rich Content Editor?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10367-415241508
How do I insert links to course content into the Rich Content Editor using the Content Selector?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10429-415265828
How do I insert images into the Rich Content Editor using the Content Selector?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10459-415265830
How do I embed images from Canvas into the Rich Content Editor?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10259-4152115077
How do I use the HTML view in the Rich Content Editor?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10309-4152719750
How do I use the Math Editor in the Rich Content Editor?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10298-4152724160
Content Types
The Course navigation menu in Canvas offers many places to start creating content, which can be overwhelming. Assignments, Pages, and Discussions are good places to start a solid foundation for your online interactions.
Assignments
Use Assignments to collect online submissions and provide feedback or grades. They can also be used to capture grades for face-to-face interactions. If you’re looking for a way to assign readings or other preparatory tasks, Assignments aren’t the best tool. Think about using a Calendar Event or a Page instead.
Assignment Creation – VIDEO
https://community.canvaslms.com/videos/1091-assignment-creation-instructors
What are Assignments?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10733-67952724474
What assignment types can I create in a course?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10092-415254365
What is the difference between a Canvas Assignment and a Canvas Activity?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10063-415246543
How do I create an assignment?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-9873
How do I add or edit details in an assignment?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10113-415241285
How do I create an online assignment?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2651
How do I duplicate an assignment?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-11793-4152768840
Pages
Pages are a blank slate for providing content. A page can provide information on a topic, hold images or videos, list readings, provide an introduction, be a schedule, serve as a table of contents, and more.
Pages: Creation & Management – VIDEO
https://community.canvaslms.com/videos/1115-pages-creation-and-management-instructors
What are Pages?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10737-67952724477
How do I create a new page in a course?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-1842
How do I duplicate a page in a course?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-11776-4152768841
Discussions
Create Discussions to foster conversation and community in your course. Discussions can be a place for questions, synthesis, and review. Use creative prompts to encourage debate and higher order thinking.
Discussion Creation – VIDEO
https://community.canvaslms.com/videos/1108-discussion-creation-instructors
What are Discussions?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10727-67952724152
How do I create a discussion?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-9937
How do I use the Discussions Index Page?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10025-415276774
How do I assign a graded discussion to a course group?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10330
How do I allow students to attach files to a course discussion?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10085-415265779
How do I allow students to create a course discussion?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10189
How do I duplicate a course discussion?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-13341-4152802868
back to top
Calendar
The Calendar tool (found in the purple global navigation on the far left) is useful for visually planning the scheduling of your course. Add Events and Assignments to your course in the Calendar and change dates easily using drag-and-drop.
Scheduler
The Scheduler allows you to create time slots for office hours, meetings, or presentations and have students sign-up in Canvas.
What is the Scheduler?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10719
How do I add a Scheduler appointment group in the Scheduler page?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10171
How do I remove students from a Scheduler appointment in the Scheduler page?
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-9949