Getting to know Canvas

This section will help you take your first steps with Canvas, showing you how to log in, navigate the interface, and locate your course units. We’ve compiled essential resources and step-by-step instructions to help you quickly get up and running.

Before diving into Canvas, it’s essential to understand both your role as an Instructor and ensure your technology meets the Canvas requirements. These fundamental elements will ensure that you are able to access the Canvas system without any issues.

The following information will guide you through how to log into Canvas and how to accept course invitations.

A ‘Sandbox’ in Canvas is the equivalent of a ‘playground’ in Blackboard. Simply put, it is an empty course that you can play around with and use for whatever you like. For example, you could use your sandbox to familiarise yourself with the Canvas interface, test tools such as building quizzes and assignments, or create and store content that you may wish to use in the future with students in live Canvas courses. The following guide provides more information about how to access your sandbox, and how to add users to your sandbox:

If you have not already watched the video on the homepage, please watch it here to get a good introduction to the Canvas interface and its tools. There is also a video from Canvas below that we recommend watching to get an overview of the dashboard, sidebar, Global Navigation menu and course interface.

The following links will guide you through the essential navigation tools, from the Dashboard to the Calendar, ensuring you can easily navigate the Canvas system.