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Canvas Instructor FAQs 3 - student support

Supporting Students

My course is listed in both Blackboard and Canvas. Which will students see?

The Spring 2024 semester is the last term that courses will automatically load to both Canvas and Blackboard. For students to access any course material in either Canvas or Blackboard, instructors need to publish their course so it is visible to students. Instructors are encouraged to communicate with students at the very beginning of their course about how to access course material and which platform it will be available in.

Beginning in the summer 2024 semester, all courses will automatically load to Canvas. Only courses with special permission from their college will be available in Blackboard.

How do I ensure I share accessible content as I build courses in Canvas?

Delivering an accessible course is essential to providing a learning experience that meets the needs of all students. OIT's Digital Accessibility Network (OHIO-DAN) developed an excellent Faculty Checklist for Accessible Content resource that is a great starting point. This document outlines document types that are most accessible, as well as recommendations for delivering accessible multimedia content. Consider joining the OHIO-DAN to learn more about accessible teaching and learning practices through regular conversations and resource sharing.

How can I support my students as they learn to navigate Canvas?

A very critical component to student success is that students know where their courses are being taught. If you're teaching in Canvas, instructors can leverage these student-facing resources to help communicate with their students. These resources require your OHIO ID to view. They are view-only, so you will need to either download the documents to your device or copy/paste the content into your own materials.  

  • Include a note in your syllabus: Incorporate the Canvas syllabus language to inform students about the use of Canvas for your course. 
  • Integrate the PowerPoint Slides into your first-day slide deck: Add the provided PowerPoint slides to your first-day presentation to acquaint students with Canvas. These slides are unformatted, allowing you to apply your presentation template and formatting. 
  • Message your students: Email your students one week before classes start to let them know your course will be available in Canvas and send them the URL: canvas.ohio.edu. Additionally, send the student email message to students who missed your Canvas introduction during the first day of class.
  • Create a course description for your Blackboard course shell: Utilize the Blackboard course shell language to direct students to Canvas. Do not publish your Blackboard course.  Do not make your Blackboard course available to students; you can update the course description without publishing the course. 

Additionally, you can let students know that a student orientation course, Passport to Canvas, is available to them. This training is self-guided and allows students to stop when they need a break and pick back up where they left off. It is a great way to get comfortable using Canvas.