Student Getting Started Resources

Below are some general questions and answers about Canvas, the Student role, and links to resources to help you be comfortable with Canvas. Visit the Student Guides to learn more.

Introduction

What is Canvas?

Canvas is a Learning Management System. To learn more about Canvas terminology and definitions, visit How does Canvas define the terms used to describe its features and functions? 

Because Canvas is a web-based system, it doesn’t need to be installed on your computer. However, you’ll want to make sure that your computer and web browser meet the basic requirements to run Canvas. 

Canvas also has a free mobile app available for iOS and Android that is specifically tailored to students. You can learn more about how the mobile app features compare to Canvas on the web.

What is the Student role?

In Canvas, the Student role is most commonly used to enroll users who will participate in a course for course credit. Users enrolled as students can view course content and participate in course assignments and communications. Students cannot view and participate in a course until it is published and the course has started.

Canvas for Elementary

Canvas for Elementary is a Canvas setting that displays a simplified interface and experience designed for younger learners. 

Canvas Guides

The Canvas Student Guide has over 200 articles that each answer a question that relates to using the Canvas interface as a student. Each article also includes Next and Previous links so you can easily navigate to related content.

User Account Setup

Before you can do anything in Canvas, you'll need an account and the URL for your institution's Canvas website. View the articles below for help with setting up your account and managing your user settings.

Logging in to Canvas

You can access Canvas through a URL for your institution. Learn more in the article below.

Logging in to the Canvas Student App

After you download the Canvas Student mobile app to your Android or iOS device, you can log in to the app using a QR code or a URL. If you are already logged in to Canvas on the Web, using the QR code instantly logs you in to the app.

You can also log into the Canvas Student mobile app without a QR code:

Canvas Overview

Once you log into Canvas, take a minute to familiarize yourself with the Canvas user interface. The articles below show you how to navigate Canvas and use a few of the tools that link across all your courses.

Course Basics

Within a Canvas course, you can submit assignments, participate in discussions, view grades, and collaborate with other students. What is available in your course depends on what has been implemented by your instructor. View the articles below for some of the basics of Canvas courses.

Learn more about Canvas features in the Canvas Basics Guide.

Learn more about using Canvas as a student in the Canvas Student Guide.