VCU Frequently Asked Questions

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  New and updated FAQs for 2021!

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       Canvas FAQs

 ( https://learningsystems.vcu.edu/canvas/faqs/ )

SUPPORT, RESOURCES and TRAINING

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 Training for Faculty Available! (click here or scroll down) 

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VCU 24/7 SUPPORT FOR CANVAS
Canvas Support Hotline: 1 (877) 636-1744          
Canvas Support Portal - VCU access instructions
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Third Party Tool Integration Request Form - Canvas supports LTI which allows third party tools to be easily integrated and used within Canvas. Complete all fields in the form and submit your request to begin the review and approval process. More information about integrated tools can be found at the top of the request form. Please note that new tool requests will not be reviewed until after July 31st, 2021, due to resources being focused on finalizing the transition from Blackboard to Canvas. 

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TRAINING

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Training Level: BASIC

The Basics: Creating Your First Course in Canvas
Sponsored by Learning Systems and VCU Online, this training session will take you through the steps of creating a course in Canvas. Learn the basic features, settings and content options. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at http://go.vcu.edu/_fba. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
 * Mar 25, 1:00-2:00pm

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Training Level: INTERMEDIATE

Blackboard-to-Canvas Course Imports
Sponsored by Learning Systems and VCU Online, this training session will explain how to import your course content from Blackboard into your Canvas course(s). Don't forget that Blackboard will no longer be available after May 31st, 2021, so join this session to get your courses ready in Canvas before the deadline. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at http://go.vcu.edu/_fba. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
 * Mar 4, 10:00-11:00am

Canvas BE AWARES! Common mistakes in Canvas
Sponsored by VCU Online and Learning Systems, this training session will dive into common mistakes made in Canvas and how to avoid them. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at http://go.vcu.edu/_fba. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
 * May 19, 10:00-11:00am

Accessibility/ADA in Canvas
Sponsored by VCU Online and Learning Systems, this session will provide an overview of accessibility in online courses and steps you can take to ensure your courses are compliant. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at http://go.vcu.edu/_fba. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
 * Apr 7, 1:00-2:00pm

Assignments, Quizzes & Grading in Canvas
Sponsored by Learning Systems and VCU Online, this training will include an overview of assignment and quiz types and how to create, manage and grade them in Canvas. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at http://go.vcu.edu/_fba. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
 * Apr 21, 1:00-2:00pm

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Training Level: ADVANCED

Advanced Gradebook, Assignments, and Quizzes 
In order to provide the most thorough and beneficial information for this gradebook session, a Canvas Learning Specialist from Instructure will lead this training. The gradebook is a critical part of your course and this 3-hour session will provide a deep dive into advanced features, and how to utilize these with assignments, quizzes and other graded items. The presenter will also answer and discuss questions from attendees. Each hour of the training covers different, but related  topics.  You may attend any portion of the training or the entire 3 hours. An hourly agenda is available at the link below.  This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. This training is sponsored by VCU Learning Systems and VCU Online. Register at http://go.vcu.edu/_fba. Attend the sessions via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
 * Feb 25, 9:00am-12:00pm 
 * Hourly Agenda
 

Canvas Enrollments, Sections & Cross-Listing
Sponsored by Learning Systems and VCU Online, this training will provide an overview of how students are enrolled in Canvas courses and how course sections can be merged into one Canvas course. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at http://go.vcu.edu/_fba. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
 * May 21, 10:00-11:00am

Installing & Using Third-party Tool Integrations in Canvas
Sponsored by Learning Systems and VCU Online, this training will demonstrate how to install and use third-party tool integrations in Canvas. (Content from publishers, curricula-specific materials, interactive content, quiz builders and more.) This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at http://go.vcu.edu/_fba. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
 * Apr 29, 1:00-2:00pm

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Training Type: PEDAGOGY

Best Practices in Online Teaching plus Canvas Tool Highlights
Sponsored by Learning Systems and VCU Online, this training session will cover best practices for teaching online with Canvas, and will highlight some of the most effective tools in Canvas. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at http://go.vcu.edu/_fba. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
 * Mar 24, 1:00-2:00pm

Canvas Faculty Showcase
This event, sponsored by VCU Online, VCU Academic Technologies and the CTLE, provides an opportunity for faculty who have been working in Canvas to share successes and ideas for best practices in using Canvas for teaching. The event is open to faculty presenters as well as faculty who want to learn tricks of the trade. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Presenters and participants should register at http://go.vcu.edu/_fba. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109. 
 * Mar. 19, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm  - view the schedule of events

Large courses in Canvas
Sponsored by VCU Online and Learning Systems, this session will provide an overview of tools and techniques for deployment of materials and learning activities that foster engagement and improve retention, while keeping the demands of a larger class size in mind. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at http://go.vcu.edu/_fba. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
 * Apr 15, 10:00-11:00am

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Training Type: DEPARTMENTAL

Request faculty training for your department and we will customize the session to meet your needs. Submit a support request ticket at https://go.vcu.edu/itsupport and someone from the VCU Learning Systems team will contact you.

Critical Dates To Remember

• When should you transfer your content out of Blackboard?  Before May 31, 2021
• How long can you access content in Blackboard? Until 11:59pm May 31, 2021
• When will Blackboard be removed from serviced? June 30, 2021
  
  

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Canvas status updates will be posted regularly and can be found in the Learning System's blog at: https://blogs.vcu.edu/learning-systems

Information about VCU's decision to move from Blackboard to Canvas can be found here: History: Blackboard to Canvas at VCU

Visual timeline with details, can be found on the "Timeline" tab above.

Blackboard to Canvas Transition Timeline

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