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Canvas Commons

What is Canvas Commons?

Commons is a learning object repository that enables educators to find, import, and share resources, including the official CU Boulder course template, assignments, quizzes, modules, and other resources. A digital library full of educational content, Commons allows Canvas users to share learning resources with other users as well as import learning resources into a Canvas course. Check out the What is Canvas Commons guide to learn more. 

Getting Started with Canvas Commons

Access Canvas Commons

  1. To access Commons, log in to Canvas.
  2. Click on the Commons icon located in the Global Navigation Menu on the left.
  3. If prompted, authorize the Commons service for your Canvas account.
  4. Once inside, explore the Commons dashboard and start browsing content!

Searching for Content

Finding the right resources is easy with the built-in search and filter tools. You can search for:

  • Specific keywords or topics.
  • Filter by content type (assignments, quizzes, modules, etc.), grade level, and subject area.
  • Preview items to ensure they meet your course requirements before importing them.

Importing Content into Your Course

Once you find a resource that fits your needs:

  1. Click on the item to open its details page.
  2. Select the Import/Download button.
  3. Choose the course where you want the content to be added.

Check out the How do I use Commons guide for additional information.

Sharing Your Own Content in Canvas Commons

You can share your own course content with other educators at CU Boulder or publicly with anyone else using Canvas. To share content:

  1. From your course, click the Share to Commons option in the item’s settings.
  2. Choose whether to share the content publicly, with your institution, or with specific groups.
  3. Set appropriate licensing options and fill out relevant information like title, description, and tags.

Check out the How do I share a resource to Commons guide for additional information.

Best Practices for Using Canvas Commons

Intellectual property

Ensure you own or have permission prior to sharing any content in accordance with CU educational material intellectual property policies.

Licensing and Copyright

Ensure that content shared to Commons adheres to appropriate licensing and copyright standards. Use the available Creative Commons licenses to set appropriate permissions for how your content can be used and modified.

Review and Quality Control

Before importing resources, check for:

Test and Adapt 

Consider importing materials into a Canvas “sandbox” course before importing them into your other active-term courses. Once reviewed and adapted, use the Canvas “copy to” or course import features to copy content into active or future courses.

Support and Resources