How-To's for Canvas and Other Tools

When teaching remotely, there are two modes of instruction you can choose. In addition, there are additional software applications that can get used to record lectures, conduct a virtual lab, or include external media.

  1. Teaching a live/synchronous class using video conferencing, such as the Zoom, Canvas Conferences, Google Hangouts Meet and/or
  2. Delivering your class asynchronously using the SJSU Learning Management System, Canvas.

Host a live session using Zoom

You can schedule a virtual meeting using the Zoom video conferencing application. This will allow you to present a lecture online at the same time your class is scheduled.

Host a live session using Canvas Conferences

You can schedule a virtual meeting using the built-in Canvas video conferencing application. This will allow you to present a lecture online at the same time your class is scheduled. 

Host a live session using Google Hangouts Meet

You can schedule a virtual meeting using the Google Hangouts Meet video conferencing application. This will allow you to present a lecture online at the same time your class is scheduled. 

Deliver your class asynchronously using Canvas

All courses at SJSU are provided with a Canvas course shell. Canvas will allow you to post announcements, share files, create assignments, host discussions, conduct chats, and continue communication with your students.

Additional Option - Record a Lecture 

Camtasia allows you to record your on-screen activity or upload videos. You can customize and edit content, and share your videos with your students. You can create video tutorials of your screen and add effects such as animations, sounds, or quizzes. You can record demonstrations, such as labs.

Additional Option - Conduct a Virtual Lab

If unable to conduct a lab in a physical space, there are opportunities to provide online simulations.  California State University instructors can add Labster simulations into their learning management system course. View the CSU Labster page for information on access, training and setting up Labster for your course.  eCampus has access to the software Mathematica, which can be used for visualization activities. In addition, there are other open-source/free resources.

Additional Option - Add Media Resources

A wide variety of online video resources exist that can supplement the resources already available in your course. The resources noted below are accessible through your SJSUOne credentials. They are available for both you and your students to access for free.

Canvas Studio

Canvas Studio is a video creation and editing tool that's found right in Canvas. Use it to create screencasts, webcam recordings and interactive video quizzes. It's easy to add your videos to Canvas announcements, assignments, pages, or quizzes. You can also adhere to accessibility standards by captioning your videos in Canvas Studio.

TidyUP: File Cleanup Tool for Canvas

TidyUP is a fast and easy way to check for and delete unused files and pages in Canvas.  TidyUP makes it easy to identify unpublished pages, delete outdated content and remove empty folders in Canvas. Here is how to use TidyUP.

Hypothesis Annotation Tool

Hypothesis is an open, interoperable annotation layer over digital content. Simply put, annotating all knowledge. Hypothesis is a conversation layer over the entire web that works everywhere, without needing implementation by any underlying site. View the Hypothesis resource page for more information.

GoReact Video Feedback Tool

GoReact is an app to give feedback on student videos.  Getting feedback from others can accelerate your progress when you’re trying to learn something new or improve your skills. GoReact is an online video feedback tool for teaching skills. View the GoReact resource page for more information.