IT Teaching Resources

Canvas FAQ

A collection of answers to the most commonly asked questions about Canvas courses and general Canvas tools and features

Technology FAQ

FAQs:
What can only the teaching team see versus what students can see on Canvas?
  • Whatever is unpublished is not viewable to students. Only ‘published’ material is available to students. Instructors can see exactly what students are able to view by using the “Student View” feature on the main Canvas page of your course. This button is located on the right side of the page for courses and provides a preview of content that is currently viewable for students.
How can I conduct tests and quizzes using Canvas? 
  • You can find Canvas’ how-to guide on creating a quiz here, as well as some best practices on administering online tests and quizzes by Stanford Medicine here
How do I upload instructional materials into Canvas? 
  • Classroom Use Exemption (included in Section 110(1) of Copyright Law) – this only applies to in-person, face to face instruction in a classroom at a non-profit educational institution, and allows for the performance or display of any copyrighted work without seeking permission. Playing a DVD or CD for a class (in whole or in part), singing a song together, or holding up purchased or borrowed copies of a book or artwork would be permitted under this exemption. It does not apply to making or distributing copies or to online instruction.
  • The TEACH Act (included in Section 110(2)) – The “Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization” Act allows instructors to perform or display copyrighted works in distance education environments. However, there are a number of restrictions, primarily:
  • There is an institutional copyright use policy (e.g., the material is accessible through a Stanford library) 
  • Reasonable copy control instituted (share a link to access through the library)
  • Access limited to students enrolled in the course (will be the case within Canvas)
  • Copyright notice present and remind students not to distribute
What is Shopping Classes and how is it useful?

Shopping classes is a core part of the Stanford student experience as it allows students to get a feel for a course and really build a schedule that will allow them to maximize their learning. In order to make shopping classes more accessible:

  1. Include temporary Zoom links (only for the class meetings taking place during the course shopping period) in the Syllabus feature on Canvas. In other words, individually schedule the Zoom meeting for the first three weeks of the quarter rather than scheduling them as a series.
  2. After the course shopping period, set up the permanent Zoom meetings on Canvas with a security password and only allow the authenticated users (required SUNet ID login) to join the class. 

Other security settings, such as the waiting room, locking a meeting, or enabling only authenticated users are recommended during the shopping period in order to protect your classroom.