Tools you'll use most often

Tools You'll Use Most Often

Each online/hybrid course is different, and the tools your instructors will use may vary. In your online/hybrid courses your instructor will tell you what you’ll be using and give you instructions how to access and use the various instructional tools and software programs.

Here are some basic CANVAS features that you’ll probably use in most of your classes (for this demo class, some of the tools have been disabled):

TOOL	DESCRIPTION
ANNOUNCEMENTS	This tells you what your instructor feels is important information, like reminders about due dates. Whenever there is a change in your class, you will get an update. In CANVAS you can receive these notifications on any device/email of your choice by choosing your setting in your NOTIFICATIONS.
ASSIGNMENTS	This is where you can see a list of all your course assignments and upload them to be graded.
CALENDAR	This is a handy way to keep track of all the deadlines you will have in your classes. The CALENDAR is a global feature, meaning it shows all the important dates for every class you have that uses CANVAS. If your instructor updates or changes the dates for anything in your class, you will automatically receive an Announcement about the change in your CALENDAR.
COLLABORATIONS	When doing a group assignment, the COLLABORATIONS tool lets you create, save and edit documents and lists in one place. You can also use an interactive text-based whiteboard to work with your group members. If you are curious about what this looks like, click on this DEMO SAMPLE COLLABORATION Links to an external site. and try it out!
CONFERENCES	This is a way to communicate synchronously (in real time) with your instructor and other students. With this tool, your instructor can deliver a webinar (web-based lecture/seminar), share resources and slides with you, or show you how to do something. If your instructor holds virtual office hours, this will probably be the tool you will use to communicate with them.
CONVERSATIONS	This is basically a messaging program contained within your class where you can send messages to your instructor or fellow classmates. You can access CONVERSATIONS by clicking the Inbox link in the Help Menu in the upper right hand corner of this screen.
DISCUSSIONS	This is where you can discuss questions about the course materials with your instructor and classmates. Click on the DISCUSSIONS link in the Course Menu to see a sample question. You are welcome to contribute to the discussion, keeping in mind the posted guidelines for netiquette (appropriate manners and protocol for communication in online interactions).
ePORTFOLIOS	This is a way to collect the work you do for your classes. This tool is attached to your profile and not to an individual course. So, you can create as many ePortfolios as you wish while you are a student at PCC. ePortfolios can be made public or private in CANVAS.
GRADES	This is where you can check your grades and keep track of your progress.