using data fields in Canvas

[KentKersey1]

Our school is moving from Moodle to Canvas.

In Moodle, we can use data fields to populate pages. For example, here's a common greeting on welcome pages: "Hello {USER_FIRSTNAME}! Welcome to {COURSE_FULLNAME}!"

Does Canvas have the ability to do this too?

Thanks!

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

@KentKersey1 ...

Canvas does not have this functionality built into it.  However, do you happen to have the DesignPLUS Sidebar designed by Cidi Labs?  If so, there is a code snippet that grabs the student's name and displays it anywhere you want on a page.  Here is a response I provided back in September 2023:

Solved: Re: Get Student name as text on a page - Instructure Community - 581184 (canvaslms.com)

[KentKersey1]

Thanks Chris -- Do you ever do video chats with new users?

[Chris_Hofer]

@KentKersey1 ...

So I actually do not work for Instructure or Cidi Labs.  I am a LMS Technologist for an art college in Detroit, MI.  DesignPLUS is a paid product from Cidi Labs, so you'd have to talk with your school's Canvas admin team to see if they have purchased it or not (DesignPLUS is so much more than just the feature you're asking about.)  If you have a Canvas team (Online Learning / eLearning / Distance Education) at your school, I'd recommend reaching out to them for additional assistance.

Hope this helps!