Summary
Clear communication is the cornerstone of student success in Canvas-based online, hybrid, and web-supported learning. Clear, timely interaction builds trust, reduces confusion, and fosters engagement, creating a connected learning environment that supports student success.
Environment
Canvas, Teams Meetings
Content
Introduction
Effective communication is the foundation of successful teaching and learning in Canvas. The platform offers multiple tools that enable instructors to share information, provide feedback, and foster engagement in online, hybrid, and web-supported courses. Understanding the purpose and best practices for each tool ensures clear, timely, and meaningful interaction with students.
Canvas Faculty-Student Communication Tools
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Tool
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Key Features / Description
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Recommended Uses / Best Practices
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Inbox
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Built-in messaging system for private, course-specific communication between instructors and students.
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Use for direct, confidential communication; respond promptly; keep messages professional and concise.
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Announcements
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Broadcast messages to the entire class; supports text, links, and media.
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Share important updates, reminders, and resources; schedule announcements for consistency.
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Calendar
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Displays course events, due dates, and scheduled activities; integrates with assignments.
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Keep deadlines visible; add office hours or live session links; enable students to schedule appointments; update regularly for accuracy.
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Teams Meetings
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Integrates synchronous video conferencing for real-time interaction and collaboration.
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Use for virtual office hours, live lectures, and Q&A sessions; record sessions for later access.
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Chat
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Real-time text-based communication within the course; informal and quick.
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Use for quick clarifications or community-building; set expectations for availability and response.
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SpeedGrader
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Tool for grading assignments with inline comments and feedback; supports audio/video feedback.
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Provide timely, personalized feedback; use rubrics for clarity; provide robust, personalized feedback via text, audio, and video; encourage student follow-up questions.
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Discussions
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Asynchronous forums for student engagement and peer interaction; supports threaded replies.
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Use for reflective prompts, peer review, and collaborative learning; model good discussion practices.
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Additional Resources
Need Additional Help?
On behalf of OIT’s Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) team, we hope this tutorial is useful. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions related to this procedure, please contact our colleagues in OIT’s Support Center to have a help ticket created and assigned to the IDT team. You may contact the Support Center via email (supportcenter@uhcl.edu) or by telephone (281.283.2828).
Once we receive your inquiry, a member of the IDT team will contact you as quickly as resources permit.