Walden University's Canvas platform is a powerful tool that provides students with a centralized hub for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and engaging with instructors and peers. To get the most out of this platform, it's essential to understand its various features and functions. In this article, we'll explore five essential Walden University Canvas tips to help you navigate the platform with confidence.
Tip 1: Navigating the Canvas Dashboard
When you log in to Canvas, you'll be taken to the dashboard, which provides an overview of your courses, assignments, and announcements. To navigate the dashboard effectively:
- Use the global navigation menu to access different areas of the platform, such as courses, grades, and settings.
- Customize your dashboard by adding or removing widgets, such as the "To-Do List" or "Upcoming Events" widgets.
- Use the "Courses" dropdown menu to quickly access specific courses or switch between different courses.
Customizing Your Canvas Dashboard
To customize your dashboard, follow these steps:
- Click on the "Settings" icon in the top right corner of the dashboard.
- Select "Dashboard" from the dropdown menu.
- Use the "Add Widget" button to add new widgets or remove existing ones.
Tip 2: Accessing Course Materials and Assignments
To access course materials and assignments, follow these steps:
- Click on the "Courses" tab in the global navigation menu.
- Select the course you want to access from the dropdown menu.
- Use the "Modules" tab to access course materials, such as readings, videos, and assignments.
- Use the "Assignments" tab to view and submit assignments.
Using the Canvas Calendar
The Canvas calendar is a powerful tool for keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and course events. To use the calendar effectively:
- Click on the "Calendar" tab in the global navigation menu.
- Use the calendar to view upcoming assignments, deadlines, and course events.
- Use the "Add Event" button to add personal events or appointments to the calendar.
Tip 3: Engaging with Instructors and Peers
Canvas provides several tools for engaging with instructors and peers, including discussions, messaging, and video conferencing. To engage with others effectively:
- Use the "Discussions" tab to participate in course discussions and engage with peers.
- Use the "Messaging" feature to send private messages to instructors or peers.
- Use the "Conferences" feature to participate in video conferencing sessions.
Using Canvas Discussions
To use Canvas discussions effectively:
- Click on the "Discussions" tab in the course navigation menu.
- Read and respond to discussion prompts and posts from peers.
- Use the "Reply" button to respond to specific posts or comments.
Tip 4: Submitting Assignments and Tracking Grades
To submit assignments and track grades, follow these steps:
- Use the "Assignments" tab to view and submit assignments.
- Use the "Grades" tab to track your grades and view feedback from instructors.
- Use the "Submission" button to submit assignments and view confirmation of submission.
Using Canvas Grades
To use Canvas grades effectively:
- Click on the "Grades" tab in the course navigation menu.
- View your current grades and feedback from instructors.
- Use the "Details" button to view detailed information about your grades and feedback.
Tip 5: Using Canvas Mobile Apps
Canvas provides mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to access course materials, submit assignments, and engage with others on-the-go. To use the Canvas mobile app effectively:
- Download the Canvas mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Log in to the app using your Walden University credentials.
- Use the app to access course materials, submit assignments, and engage with others.
Using Canvas Mobile App Features
To use the Canvas mobile app features effectively:
- Use the "Dashboard" tab to view your courses and assignments.
- Use the "Courses" tab to access course materials and submit assignments.
- Use the "Discussions" tab to participate in course discussions and engage with peers.
By following these five essential Walden University Canvas tips, you'll be able to navigate the platform with confidence, access course materials and assignments, engage with instructors and peers, submit assignments and track grades, and use the Canvas mobile app to stay connected on-the-go. Remember to explore the platform's various features and functions to get the most out of your Walden University education.
What is the Canvas dashboard?
+The Canvas dashboard is the main page of the Canvas platform, providing an overview of your courses, assignments, and announcements.
How do I access course materials and assignments?
+To access course materials and assignments, click on the "Courses" tab in the global navigation menu, select the course you want to access, and use the "Modules" tab to access course materials and the "Assignments" tab to view and submit assignments.
How do I engage with instructors and peers?
+To engage with instructors and peers, use the "Discussions" tab to participate in course discussions, the "Messaging" feature to send private messages, and the "Conferences" feature to participate in video conferencing sessions.