3 Ways to Improve Your Canvas Experience

Do you need help to acclimate to the shift from Moodle to Canvas? I know it has been quite a challenge to figure out how to find materials and stay updated on assignments. Would you believe me if I told you that you could help yourself be more organized and find assignments more straightforward in only three simple steps?

Throughout the first week, each professor's Canvas has been very different. Some have spent time learning how to navigate the program, while others are beginners struggling to use the new technology. I have struggled with some platforms to be able to access due dates and other assignments. However, by taking these three proactive steps, I have been able to feel more confident in my ability to access information regarding assignments and due dates. These methods have allowed me to stay on top of my schedule and work ahead. 

Step One: Update Your Google Calendar

So many people spend numerous hours transferring their assignments from Canvas into their Google Calendar or a spreadsheet. I would, like most students, want the quickest way to transfer all that data. Thankfully, there is an easy and more efficient way to get your schedule organized. Save your time and go to Canvas. Click on the calendar icon. Next, look at the right side of your screen and click Calendar feed. Once selected, copy the URL. Then open your Google Calendar. Look to the left side of the screen and click the plus button next to the other calendars. Go ahead and select the URL and paste your URL from Canvas. Finally, click Add to Calendar. Now you’ve saved yourself time, and every assignment your professor adds on Canvas will be linked to your Google calendar. Overall, this step allows you to have a clear view of all the assignments due each day for all your classes.

Step Two: Download Better Canvas

One of the downsides to Canvas is that it doesn’t showcase a to-do list or list the assignments students have coming up. Personally, if I don’t see it, I’m going to struggle to search for it. Most students want to see what they need to compete right away. Luckily, Better Canvas allows you to change your screen to dark mode, add better assignment lists etc. It’s an easy platform to navigate as well. First, go into your search engine and Better Canvas. Once you pull up the link, you can add it to Chrome. Afterward, click the puzzle piece icon next to your search engine bar and pin it to find it more easily. Once that’s done, you can add tasks and grades for each class on the dashboard. Furthermore, it separates announcements and due dates, has customizable dark/light modes and GPA calculators.

Step 3: Download Tasks For Canvas

This extension allows users to stay on track with what assignments they have completed and what needs to be accomplished. This step is essential for having an easily accessible way to figure out what assignments are due. Downloading this extension is similar to the process in the second step. Go to the search engine and search Tasks for Canvas. Once on the link, select Add to Chrome. Go back to the puzzle icon and pin it for easy access. Once done, refresh the page, and Task for Canvas creates a link for all your assignments and you can check off what’s completed. 

Bonus Step: 

Find a cool color palette and change the hex codes to make your dashboard more aesthetic. 

I hope this brief how-to was easy to understand and after downloading these extensions your Canvas is easier to understand and manage. Education is about adapting and these three steps allow us to stay on top of the change. Plus, who doesn’t love an aesthetic page? In essence, it’s better to look at and more manageable to stay on the right track. I know these programs have allowed me to be more organized and prepared for my classes.