Canvas
What is Canvas?
Canvas is Newcastle University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It is an online learning platform where you can find all of your course content, study materials, and module and programme information. You will also use Canvas to submit the majority of your assessments electronically as well as receive your marks and feedback.
All students have access to Canvas and you can log in using your normal username and password.
The website and mobile app have a clear interface, making the platform user friendly, and it integrates seamlessly with many other tools!
Be Canvas Ready... in 5 Steps
1. Familiarise yourself with Canvas
Access the online Canvas Student Orientation course at any time and work through it at your own pace - or check out the library of Canvas Student Guides.
2. Download the Canvas app
The Canvas Student app allows you to access your courses and groups, receive notifications and messages, submit assignments, and more from your mobile device. The app is available for Android and iOS devices.
3. Manage your notifications
Set your notification preferences so that you get the information you need from Canvas where and when you want it.
4. Personalise your Canvas dashboard
The Dashboard is your landing page on Canvas. You can choose which courses are displayed here in Course card view. You can then personalise your course cards by changing their position, colour and nickname.
5. Access your Canvas courses
When you access a course, you will land on the Course Home Page. Most of your course content will be structured in the Modules area of your course (not be confused with a University module). A Canvas module can contain file links, discussions, quizzes, assignments and content organised by week or topic.
Student Support
What browsers are supported in Canvas?
A list of Canvas supported browsers and requirements can be found at https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-1284
How do I access Canvas from my mobile device?
You can access Canvas through the Canvas app on a number of mobile devices. Instructure offers a free mobile app for both iOS and Android. When opening the app for the first time you will be asked for school or institution.
Enter Newcastle and select Newcastle University
Learn more about connecting to various mobile devices here:
How do I change how often I get emails from Canvas?
You can change how often you get notifications from Canvas:
- Select Account on the left navigation
- Select Notifications
IMPORTANT Note: We strongly recommend that you keep Announcement and Conversation Message notifications set to “notify me right away”. Many lecturers will use these for primary communications with the class.
Why do I not see my courses on the dashboard?
If your module leader has not published the course it will not appear on your dashboard. If you have a lot of courses on your dashboard, it may be hidden.
To view all courses:
- click on courses in the left navigation
- click on all courses to see all of the courses you are enrolled on.
How do I get help using Canvas?
The Canvas 24/7 help is available to all staff and students 365 days per year to answer any 'How do I ' questions you may have. You can use either call or live chat via the help menu in Canvas.
Canvas support will be able to help with Canvas queries but not with login issues, ReCap or Turnitin. In these cases you will be redirected to the University's IT Service Desk.
Is there a training course for Canvas?
Canvas is designed to be easy and intuitive to use and you won't need any formal training sessions but the Canvas Implementation Team have developed a 'Getting to Know Canvas' online course which you will see on your Canvas dashboard or in your Courses list. This takes you through the key areas of Canvas including platform navigation, setting your notification preferences, accessing content and submitting an assignment.
In addition to these FAQs you can also access Canvas student support guides which are all available on the Canvas community. Please be aware not everything will apply to how we are using Canvas at Newcastle.
You also have access to the Canvas 24/7 support via live chat, phone or email from the Help menu in Canvas.