Canvas FAQ
Find answers to common questions about using Canvas and transitioning from Learning Suite. Explore practical guidance for building, organizing, and managing your courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When do all courses need to be transitioned to Canvas?
The university formally announced the move to a single LMS at the Annual University Conference, with our hope of completing the transition within one year. We recognize that faculty will have varying needs throughout this process, and the CTL will continue providing support beyond the initial transition period. - What happens to my Learning Suite data after I transition to Canvas?
Learning Suite will continue to retain the course content and data currently housed there. - I already use Canvas. Do I still need to adopt the BYU Canvas Framework?
Yes, we encourage faculty who are already using Canvas to incorporate the BYU Canvas Framework into their existing courses. The goal is not to replace effective teaching practices but to provide students with a consistent, intuitive experience as they navigate courses across the university. - Will my Learning Suite course move to Canvas automatically?
Plan to use BYU’s approved course migration process. Content and settings may not transfer exactly as they worked in Learning Suite, so review the course after it is moved. Check pages, files, links, assignments, quizzes, due dates, and settings before students use the course. - Can I copy a previous Canvas course?
Yes. Canvas has a Course Import tool for copying content from another Canvas course. After importing, review dates, links, assignments, and course settings for the new term. For materials coming from Learning Suite, follow BYU’s migration instructions. - Why can’t students see my course or course materials?
Check that the course and the relevant materials are published. In Canvas, publishing a course and publishing its content are separate steps; students may not be able to access unpublished items. Use Student View to check what students can see before the course begins. - Where do students find assignments and due dates?
Students can find assignments in the course and in Canvas’s assignment and calendar views. To reduce confusion, put assignments in the relevant module and confirm that each due date is correct. If you also provide a weekly schedule or overview page, keep it consistent with the dates in Canvas. - What resources are available to help me transition?
The CTL has created a Teaching and Learning with Canvas "How To" course. The CTL consultants are here to help as well. Additionally, the CTL has hired a Course Design Educational Technology Specialist to assist with moving content.