Greetings From the Office of Information Technology!
Below, you will find updates to OHIO's teaching and learning technologies for this semester. If you have any questions feel free to email us at ServiceDesk@ohio.edu.
Technology Updates & New Tools
Microsoft Tools in Canvas Are Changing
A new Microsoft Education integration was introduced to Canvas last fall, following Microsoft's retirement of its current Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Classes tools on September 15, 2025. All instructors using Microsoft integrations in Canvas will need to transition to the new Microsoft Education application for the upcoming semester.
To avoid any disruption after the semester begins, faculty should start using the new Microsoft Education in Canvas. This dashboard allows you to choose and set up tools like Teams, OneNote, and Microsoft Classes.
If you plan to use Teams Meetings, Microsoft Classes, or Assignments in your course, you’ll need to switch to this new setup. OneDrive will continue to work through the current integration for now, with updates coming in the future.
Details are available from OIT on Using Microsoft Teams Integrations in Canvas.
Create Your Own Canvas Test Courses & Add Sections
Instructors can now create their own test courses directly from the Canvas dashboard! To begin, select Start a New Course in the Canvas navigation menu to explore features or begin building content for future terms. These courses are for instructor use only—no student enrollments.
Check out the Canvas Experts Blog for more information on topics like creating unique student due dates, utilizing third-party integrations, and much more.
Adobe Express
Adobe Express is a free, browser-based design tool that allows instructors and students to quickly create professional-quality graphics, videos, web pages, and presentations, all available at no cost. An Adobe Express integration is available for Canvas. Learn more about Adobe’s signature assignments and storytelling potential.
Semester Support and Training
Enhance Your Course
Consult with an OIT Instructional Technologist to evaluate tools for your Canvas courses, for proactive support on any of our applications, or to pursue unique media projects. Book a consultation to get started.
Find Professional Development
Sign up for faculty learning opportunities sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTLA) and Office of Instructional Design (OID) throughout fall semester.
Share OHIO University Libraries Content
Learn how to use persistent or permanent links (permalinks) to share electronic resources like articles, eBooks, and database links with students in your Canvas course and syllabi. By using University Libraries' permalinks, you will increase copyright compliance and the Libraries' understanding of resource needs.
Setting Up Your Canvas Course
During Fall 2024 student focus groups, students shared valuable insights on strategies faculty can employ to enhance the Canvas student experience. Here are some best practices to consider for your course(s):
- Provide an In-class Canvas Overview: On the first day of class, offer an overview of your Canvas course organization. This helps students understand where to find essential course content, such as the syllabus, readings, and assignments.
- Organize Course Content in Weekly Modules: Structure your course content in dated weekly modules. This organization helps students stay on track and easily find the materials they need each week.
- Allow Open Access to Course Content: Allow students access to all course content at the start of the course. This helps them organize their time and anticipate their workload. Note: that this does not mean opening assessments, but it does allow students to read ahead and prepare.
- Utilize “Groups” for Group Work: Canvas “Groups" allow students to collaborate in a designated space, making it easy to submit assignments and receive feedback. Submissions and feedback are visible to all group members, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Learn how to create Groups in Canvas.
Reminders
Get Classroom Assistance
Regional Campuses
Contact your campus IT staff or submit a help ticket for classroom assistance.
Athens Campus
The Classroom Assistance Ticket System is available to help with any classroom-related issues. The Classroom Assistance Ticket System (C.A.T.S.) provides one form to submit technology, maintenance, temperature, or furniture requests for your classroom.
You can also view our in-room troubleshooting guides for answers to common classroom questions.
Teaching and Learning Technologies Advisory Community
The Teaching and Learning Technologies Advisory Community has expanded to include OHIO IT’s Learning Spaces. The advisory community now focuses on the digital tools used to support students and instructors, as well as the physical spaces used for instruction. The advisory community, which meets monthly, allows instructors, staff, and students to provide feedback, ask questions, and learn about current and upcoming classroom initiatives. Join us for the next meeting to learn more.