This newsletter is your go-to resource for helpful tips, timely reminders, and exciting updates to support your teaching and learning journey in Canvas. In each issue, you’ll find practical tools to help you streamline Canvas course management, enhance the student experience, and build confidence using the platform. Whether you’re just getting started or already feeling at home in Canvas, there’s something here for everyone.
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Simplify the Student Experience by Customizing Navigation
In the Classic experience, you can rearrange and hide course menu links to highlight the tools you use most often. In the Elementary experience, this same process controls which external tools appear on the Resources tab in the Homeroom view. A simplified layout helps students find what they need and stay focused on learning.
Put all Student-Facing Materials in Modules
Rather than sending students to Pages and Assignments and Quizzes, organize all content in Modules so students have one place to access everything.
See What Students See
Ever wonder exactly what your students experience when they log into your Canvas course? The Student View tool lets you preview your course from a student’s perspective!
With just one click, look for the glasses icon in the top right corner of your course, you can:
Check what content is visible
Test navigation flow
Make sure assignments, announcements, and modules appear as intended
This is one of the most valuable tools for catching what you may have forgotten to publish or organizing your course in a way that makes sense for learners.
Reminder: Canvas Import from Brightspace Deadline is August 29!
Still have course materials in Brightspace you’d like to use in Canvas this year? Be sure to import any important content before Brightspace access ends on August 29, 2025!
To help you with this process, we’ve included three helpful links that walk you through how to:
Use the Help Menu When You Need It
Click the Help icon on the Canvas sidebar (Global Navigation) anytime for quick support. From there, you can search Canvas Guides, chat with Canvas Support, or submit a My Support Portal ticket, no matter where you are in Canvas.
Need More Canvas Support? OIT Has You Covered!
Much of the information shared in this newsletter, and so much more, can be found through the Office of Instructional Technology (OIT) on the AACPS Intranet.
There, you’ll discover a growing library of Canvas Guides, curated how-tos, and helpful links to support your journey through our new LMS. Whether you're looking for quick answers or in-depth training, OIT's digital resource hub is your one-stop shop for all things Canvas.
We Want to Hear from You!
Have a quote for Teacher Talk, an idea for a Canvas tip, a feature you'd like explained, or a challenge you'd like help solving?
We’re building this newsletter with you and for you, so let us know what would be most helpful as you explore Canvas this school year.
Send your suggestions to Maneka Monk at mmonk@aacps.org.
Whether it’s something you’re curious about or a feature you’re struggling with, we’ll work to include it in a future issue!