Canvas Colorado State University

Colorado State University (CSU) is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The university is known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and natural sciences, among others. One of the key tools used by CSU to support student learning and faculty instruction is the Canvas learning management system (LMS). Canvas is a cloud-based platform that provides a range of features and tools to support online and blended learning, including course management, communication, and collaboration.

Overview of Canvas at CSU

CSU implemented Canvas as its primary LMS in 2015, replacing an earlier system. Since then, the university has worked to fully integrate Canvas into its teaching and learning ecosystem. Today, Canvas is used by nearly all CSU faculty and students to support courses, programs, and degree pathways. The university’s Canvas instance is customized to meet the specific needs of the CSU community, with features such as single sign-on, integration with student information systems, and support for a range of multimedia and interactive content types.

Key Features of Canvas at CSU

CSU’s Canvas implementation includes a range of features and tools to support teaching and learning. Some of the key features include:

• Course sites: Each course at CSU has a dedicated Canvas site, where instructors can post course materials, assignments, and announcements.
• Assignments and grading: Canvas provides tools for instructors to create and manage assignments, as well as to track student grades and progress.
• Discussion boards: Canvas includes discussion board tools that allow students to engage in online discussions and collaborate with peers.
• Quizzes and exams: Canvas provides tools for creating and administering online quizzes and exams, including features such as timed assessments and automatic grading.
• Collaboration tools: Canvas includes tools such as group assignments, peer review, and collaborative documents to support student teamwork and collaboration.

Support and Training for Canvas at CSU

CSU provides a range of support and training resources to help faculty and students get the most out of Canvas. These resources include:

• Online tutorials and guides: CSU’s Canvas support site includes a range of online tutorials and guides to help users get started with the platform.
• Workshops and training sessions: The university offers regular workshops and training sessions on Canvas, covering topics such as course design, assignment creation, and grading.
• One-on-one support: CSU’s instructional design team provides one-on-one support and consultation to faculty members who need help with Canvas or other teaching technologies.
• Student support: CSU’s student support services include help desk support, online resources, and peer tutoring to help students succeed in their courses and programs.

Best Practices for Using Canvas at CSU

To get the most out of Canvas, CSU instructors and students should follow best practices such as:

• Regularly updating course materials to ensure that students have access to the most current information and resources.
• Using clear and consistent naming conventions for courses, assignments, and other Canvas elements to help students navigate the platform.
• Providing regular feedback and communication to students, including announcements, discussion board posts, and personalized feedback on assignments.
• Using Canvas analytics and reporting tools to track student engagement and progress, and to identify areas for improvement in teaching and learning.