Start of Semester Canvas Tips | Office of Information Technology

With the start of spring term just around the corner, here are some tips to make the most of Canvas and help you get off to a smooth start.

Get your Canvas courses ready

Log in to Canvas to see your Spring 2025 course shells - most courses are created automatically.
To combine courses, follow the Request Course Changes tutorial.
Set up your courses with OIT's Getting Started with Canvas guide.
Use the new Canvas Templates to get a head start on building your course.
Review these student-centered course design tips as you build your course.
Visit the Start of Term Canvas FAQ for answers to common questions.
Review the latest updates made to Canvas.

Check out the enhanced features and functions of Canvas Studio including:

The new Cidi Labs DesignPlus sidebar is now enabled. You may still switch back to the legacy version of the sidebar, but we encourage you to start using the new sidebar. Cidi Labs will no longer support the legacy sidebar after December 31, 2025. Review this brief video tutorial for guidance on upgrading your content with the new sidebar.

Consider using iClicker to increase classroom engagement. You can set up the integration and create an assignment grade group for iClicker to publish to.
Add Classroom Capture videos to the Canvas navigation bar.
Brush up on your Zoom skills with the Zoom Canvas Integration, AI Companion and check out the possibilities available in the Zoom App Marketplace.
Perusall LTI 1.3 available in Canvas. Please note: OIT has integrated Perusall into Canvas, but Perusall is not a licensed or supported service and this information is being provided for general awareness.
- LTI 1.1 to 1.3 transition guide
- LTI 1.3 FAQ

Need assistance as you create your courses? Contact the IT Service Center at oithelp@colorado.edu or call 303-735-4357.