how to give students access to links

[mnowak2]

Students are emailing me that they get the Access Denied lock icon when they click on links. Classes start in one day and I already emailed them to start looking at the site. I'm sure it's a simple fix but I can't find out how to let them access the links. I've never had this problem before.

[James]

 @mnowak2  

I'm not sure, from your question, exactly which links you're talking about. Whether links refers to files, pages, assignments, quizzes, etc?

The first thing I would check, though, is to go to the Course Settings page and look at the start and end date for the course and the selection of the items beneath it. It may be that the course hasn't opened yet and you have the box "Students can only participate in the course between these dates" checked. This lesson in the Canvas Instructor Guide provides more information: How do I use course settings? 

If you are referring to links within content pages, then it may be that the links are to a different course that the students don't have access to. This can happen when you select, copy, and paste content from one course to another rather than using the course import tool. You can use the link validator to check for this situation. This lesson in the Canvas Instructor Guide explains how: How do I validate links in a course?  

If you are referring to files within the course, then it is possible that you have scheduled their availability and they are not open yet. This lesson from the Canvas Instructor Guide explains more about file restrictions: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-12771-415241391 

[mnowak2]

I think my problem is the one in your second paragraph because I got the message that several hundred links were not valid!

I believe I did not use the Course Import Tool but just copied and pasted. Unfortunately classes begin tomorrow and I just caught this problem today because it’s only on the Student View that this is a problem. Is there a quicker way to import all files from my course last year rather than uploading each file separately!

Where are the directions for using the Course Import Tool? I don’t care it if overwrites the course that shows up now, since it’s useless to students in its present form.

Thank you,

[Bobby2 · Accepted solution]

Hi  @mnowak2 ‌, good detective work. Student View is super handy, but a little demoralising at times like this.

Here are the guides you will need 

• How do I copy a Canvas course into a new course shell?
• How do I copy content from another Canvas course using the Course Import tool?
• How do I import a Canvas course export package?

Sing out if you need a hand.

[mnowak2]

Thank you! Fixed!

[Bobby2]

Great news  @mnowak2 . Thanks for letting us know.