{"id":10278,"date":"2025-05-01T14:24:34","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T13:24:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/?p=10278"},"modified":"2025-05-01T16:34:43","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T15:34:43","slug":"three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2025\/05\/01\/three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Quick Fixes for Common Canvas Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2025\/05\/blog-image-2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"838\" height=\"437\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2025\/05\/blog-image-2.png\" alt=\"Students said, you can..\" class=\"wp-image-10285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2025\/05\/blog-image-2.png 838w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2025\/05\/blog-image-2-300x156.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2025\/05\/blog-image-2-768x400.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2025\/05\/blog-image-2-100x52.png 100w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2025\/05\/blog-image-2-150x78.png 150w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2025\/05\/blog-image-2-200x104.png 200w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2025\/05\/blog-image-2-450x235.png 450w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2025\/05\/blog-image-2-600x313.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 838px) 100vw, 838px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s that time of year again when we start thinking about setting up our Canvas module sites for the next academic year.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Earlier this year members of Educational Enhancement worked with student connectors on a project to review and improve Canvas module templates.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While there will be a more in-depth blog post later with more detail of the whole project, we wanted to share some tips for improving your Canvas modules, based on feedback from students and colleagues as part of the project, to help you when setting up your Canvas module sites for 25\/26.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Accessible PowerPoints&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Students said: <\/strong>\u201cS<em>ome uploaded PowerPoints on Canvas have vital information hidden behind animations or off-screen<\/em>\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If PowerPoints include animations (i.e. transitions, etc), these will not work in the on-screen preview within Canvas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>If animations are included, ensure students are given the instruction to download them, or create a version of the slides which do not include animations.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/office\/make-your-powerpoint-presentations-accessible-to-people-with-disabilities-6f7772b2-2f33-4bd2-8ca7-dae3b2b3ef25\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tips to create accessible PowerPoint slides<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/office\/improve-accessibility-with-the-accessibility-checker-a16f6de0-2f39-4a2b-8bd8-5ad801426c7f#PickTab=Windows&amp;picktab=windows\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Accessibility Checker<\/a> to ensure your presentation is accessible before uploading to Canvas&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>Clear Assignment Signposting&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Students said: <\/strong>\u201c<em>Assessment information and assessments are in different locations which can be irritating\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Include a link to the module\u2019s Assignments screen on your Assessment Information page (Note \u2013 the page which provides assessment information to students may be labelled differently, depending on which school template you are currently using):&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Open Assessment information page&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Click Edit in the top right&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Type \u201cSubmit assignment here\u201d below each assessment detail&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Highlight the text&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Change the formatting so that it is obvious amongst other text on the page&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>With the text still highlighted, click the link icon on the toolbar&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Select <strong>Module link<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Select <strong>Module Navigation <\/strong>from the pane on the right&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Select <strong>Assignments <\/strong>from the list of options&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Ensure this is labelled and formatted in such a way to make its purpose obvious to students (e.g. \u201cSubmit your assignment here\u201d in a large bold font)&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>Adding files to pages&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Academic Colleagues said: <\/strong><em>\u201cI wish it was easier to add files to a page without first uploading to the Files area.\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/community.canvaslms.com\/t5\/Canvas-Basics-Guide\/How-do-I-upload-a-document-in-the-Rich-Content-Editor\/ta-p\/618233#:~:text=on%20a%20Mac.-,Upload%20Document%20from%20Toolbar,the%20Options%20icon%20%5B3%5D.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See guidance on how to upload files directly within a page<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Upload documents within Rich Content Editor&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Drag &amp; Drop from File Manager&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Copy &amp; Paste the file from file manager&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>Follow the set-up instructions!&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>And one last extra tip from us.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/staff.sussex.ac.uk\/teaching\/enhancement\/support\/tools\/canvas\/module-setup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">module set-up guidance for your school<\/a> when setting up your 25\/26 modules. There are some important changes this year, due to the Student Information System project to replace Sussex Direct and our central student database.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any questions about setting up your 25\/26 Canvas module site, please contact your Learning Technologist via <a href=\"mailto:educationalenhancement@sussex.ac.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">educationalenhancement@sussex.ac.uk<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about the Student Information System project, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/staff.sussex.ac.uk\/about\/projects\/learning\/student-information-system\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Student Information System project website<\/a><strong><em>.<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled\"><div class=\"robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-icon sd-sharing\"><h3 class=\"sd-title\">Share this:<\/h3><div class=\"sd-content\"><ul><li class=\"share-twitter\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"sharing-twitter-10278\" class=\"share-twitter sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2025\/05\/01\/three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues\/?share=twitter\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Twitter\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-facebook\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"sharing-facebook-10278\" class=\"share-facebook sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2025\/05\/01\/three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues\/?share=facebook\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Facebook\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-tumblr\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"\" class=\"share-tumblr sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2025\/05\/01\/three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues\/?share=tumblr\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Tumblr\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-print\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"\" class=\"share-print sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2025\/05\/01\/three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to print\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to print (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-pinterest\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"sharing-pinterest-10278\" class=\"share-pinterest sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2025\/05\/01\/three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues\/?share=pinterest\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Pinterest\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-pocket\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"\" class=\"share-pocket sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2025\/05\/01\/three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues\/?share=pocket\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Pocket\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-end\"><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s that time of year again when we start thinking about setting up our Canvas module sites for the next academic year.&nbsp;&nbsp; Earlier this year members of Educational Enhancement worked with student connectors on a project to review and improve<span class=\"ellipsis\">&hellip;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2025\/05\/01\/three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues\/\">Read more &#8250;<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- end of .read-more --><\/p>\n<div class=\"sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled\"><div class=\"robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-icon sd-sharing\"><h3 class=\"sd-title\">Share this:<\/h3><div class=\"sd-content\"><ul><li class=\"share-twitter\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"sharing-twitter-10278\" class=\"share-twitter sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2025\/05\/01\/three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues\/?share=twitter\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Twitter\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-facebook\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"sharing-facebook-10278\" class=\"share-facebook sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2025\/05\/01\/three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues\/?share=facebook\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Facebook\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-tumblr\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"\" class=\"share-tumblr sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2025\/05\/01\/three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues\/?share=tumblr\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Tumblr\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-print\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"\" class=\"share-print sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2025\/05\/01\/three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to print\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to print (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-pinterest\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"sharing-pinterest-10278\" class=\"share-pinterest sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2025\/05\/01\/three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues\/?share=pinterest\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Pinterest\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-pocket\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-shared=\"\" class=\"share-pocket sd-button share-icon no-text\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2025\/05\/01\/three-quick-fixes-for-common-canvas-issues\/?share=pocket\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Click to share on Pocket\"><span><\/span><span class=\"sharing-screen-reader-text\">Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"share-end\"><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"author":229,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4IWEK-2FM","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":9479,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2023\/05\/23\/just-a-few-things-to-improve-accessibility-on-your-canvas-module-sites\/","url_meta":{"origin":10278,"position":0},"title":"Just a few things to improve accessibility on your Canvas module sites","date":"23rd May 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"I love Michael Moseley\u2019s BBC podcast. In each episode he suggests \u2019Just One Thing\u2018 to increase your health and wellbeing. The recent Global Accessibility Awareness Day got me thinking of whether there\u2019s just one thing you can do as module convenor to improve the accessibility of your Canvas module sites\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Accessibility&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2023\/05\/digits-705666_1920.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6614,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2018\/02\/02\/moving-canvas-whats-happening-behind-scenes\/","url_meta":{"origin":10278,"position":1},"title":"Moving to Canvas: what's happening behind the scenes","date":"2nd February 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Since the first announcement of our decision to adopt Canvas, there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes to get the new virtual learning environment (VLE) ready for our staff and students. Some of this work will continue throughout the Spring and Summer, but here's a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Canvas&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":7229,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2018\/08\/03\/canvas-update-18-19-modules-now-available-to-teaching-staff\/","url_meta":{"origin":10278,"position":2},"title":"Canvas news: 18\/19 modules now available to teaching staff","date":"3rd August 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"We are pleased to announce that new module sites for the 2018-19 academic year are now available within Canvas for all staff registered as a module convenor, assessment convenor or tutor for modules that exist on the University\u2019s database. These are blank sites which will enable you to create new\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Canvas&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":9124,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2022\/05\/24\/top-10-tips-for-getting-your-canvas-modules-ready-for-22-23\/","url_meta":{"origin":10278,"position":3},"title":"Top 10 tips for getting your Canvas modules ready for 22\/23","date":"24th May 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"The new empty Canvas sites for 2022\/23 modules are now available to University of Sussex staff. TEL have provided guidance on how to get them ready for the new academic year and here is a top ten of things to remember. Find your 22\/23 sites. Depending on how many modules\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Canvas&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2022\/05\/unnamed.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7270,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2018\/08\/10\/canvas-know-how-5-customising-your-home-page\/","url_meta":{"origin":10278,"position":4},"title":"Canvas Know-how 5: Customising your home page","date":"10th August 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"In your Canvas modules it is possible to choose which view you would like to set as the home page. There are a number of different options to choose from, depending on how you would like to present your content and direct your students. It is very easy to set\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Canvas&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"Canvas Know-how 5. Customising your home page","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2018\/08\/CanvasKnowhow5.png?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":8706,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/2021\/05\/25\/getting-your-canvas-modules-ready-for-a-new-academic-year\/","url_meta":{"origin":10278,"position":5},"title":"Getting your Canvas modules ready for a new academic year","date":"25th May 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Summer is coming and thoughts in the Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) team are turning to the next academic year. Many staff will be involved in assessment and marking for a while yet, but for anyone who is itching to start setting up their Canvas modules for 2021\/22 the empty sites\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Canvas&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"gif showing moving module crd on dashbaord","src":"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2018\/12\/Movingcardgif.gif?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10278"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/229"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10278"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10278\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10297,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10278\/revisions\/10297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10278"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10278"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10278"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}