Searching For Answers

The first step, whether you are trying to figure out a problem or learn to use a new feature, is to search the Canvas Community. It has a wealth of resources, from how-to Guides to well-informed Canvas experts, that you can connect with.

Start with the Canvas Guides

The Canvas Guides are featured heavily throughout this course, but we haven't even come close to showing everything that's in them. The Guides are a mix of descriptive information about Canvas tools and detailed how-tos for using those tools in your course. For specific questions about making a Canvas feature work the way you want it (or learning that it won't do it):.

  1. In the Global Navigation Menu on the left, click Help, then "Search the Canvas Guides"

  2. Type in your search terms. Picking words is often the hardest part of this; start with a few key words from what you are trying to do, such as "rubric" or "outcome" or "quiz access".

See the video about searching guides Links to an external site. for additional tips.

The Canvas Community is next

The Canvas Community is a well-managed online forum populated with other instructors, Canvas administrators, Instructional Designers, and other experts who've tried many different techniques with Canvas. You can often find either someone who has already asked your question, or another Canvas expert who is interested in figuring it out. They're a great source for asking about ways to use Canvas in particular disciplines or for particular pedagogical approaches. 

Start by searching

  1. Click Help in the Global Navigation Menu on the left, and then "Ask the Community."

  2. In the top right corner of the Canvas Community screen, click Login.

  3. Type in your search terms. Picking words is often the hardest part of this; start with a few key words from what you are trying to do, such as "rubric" or "outcome" or "quiz access". If it's a particular error, copy the error into the search field.

If you can't find an answer from the search, ask!

  1. Make sure you're logged in to the Community site (You'll see a picture of you, or a blank circle in the top right corner, instead of a Login link).

  2. Below the search box are large blue "Ask new question" or "Start New Discussion" buttons

  3. Click and go!

Make sure you clearly describe what you're trying to do, and include screenshots or other explanations as you can.

If all else fails, Google it!

Google expands the number of places where you might find an answer, but you may see more non-Canvas information in the results. Try the same search terms in Google. This is particularly helpful for error messages or other problems.

And remember, sometimes it pays to go beyond the first five results.