Students
Canvas is UWM’s new digital learning environment, which will replace D2L by Spring 2020. Starting in Fall 2018, some of your courses may be in Canvas, and some may be in D2L. By Spring 2020, courses will no longer be offered in D2L. Your instructors may use Canvas to have you access readings, watch videos, take quizzes, submit assignments, and participate in online discussions. Visit the Canvas Transition website for more information on UWM’s move from D2L to Canvas.
Get Help
Canvas provides 24/7 support for UWM students.
Training
Canvas Training
Canvas is very easy to use! However, if you need some help on how to use the most common features in Canvas, please check out the following resources:
Video OverviewsVideo Overviews
Canvas provides some excellent video guides to help students navigate the Canvas environment. Here are some of the top videos for UWM students:
Canvas Made Easy for Students
Below you will find in-depth documentation on how to complete the most important tasks in Canvas as a student. If you need additional information, you may want to check out the full catalog of Canvas Guides.
Logging into Canvas
You will need to use your ePanther credentials to log into Canvas.
Global Navigation
The black navigation menu on the left when you log into Canvas is the Global Navigation area, which is like My Home in D2L. You can add only the courses you want to see on your Dashboard but still access your full list of courses under Courses.
Home
Home is like the Content area of D2L. In Home, your instructor will add assignments to modules, which are like buckets that organize the course into weeks or item type.
Announcements
Announcements are like the News area in D2L. A preview of the most recent three announcements will always show up on the Home page of the course.
Assignments and Grades
Assignments are like grade items in D2L. Some assignments will require you to submit your work online, which is like a Dropbox in D2L. The Grades area is where you can see the grades your instructor has submitted.
- How do I submit an online assignment?
- How do I upload a file from Microsoft Office 365 as an assignment submission?
- How do I view assignment comments from my instructor?
- How do I view my grades in a current course?
- How do I approximate my assignment scores using the What-If Grades feature?
Quizzes
Quizzes in Canvas serve the same function as Quizzes in D2L.
Discussions and Groups
Discussions in Canvas serve the same function as Discussions in D2L.
- How do I view Discussions as a student?
- How do I reply to a discussion as a student?
- How do I subscribe to a discussion as a student?
Other Useful Features
Canvas has many features that can help you prioritize your work and efficiently complete your assignments, even on the go.
Self-Paced Training
UWM provides a self-paced training within Canvas for students to learn about how to use Canvas effectively in their courses. Students will need to click the Take Canvas Training button below and then choose “Enroll in Course” when prompted to join the course on their Canvas dashboard.
The online, self-paced training includes how to:
- Communicate with your instructor and peers
- Manage your personal files
- Keep track of when your assignments due
- Submit your assignments
- Submit peer reviews
- Participate in a group
- Check your grades
- And more!
Canvas Made Easy
Canvas Made Easy for Students
Below you will find in-depth documentation on how to complete the most important tasks in Canvas as a student. If you need additional information, you may want to check out the full catalog of Canvas Guides.
Logging into Canvas
You will need to use your ePanther credentials to log into Canvas.
Global Navigation
The black navigation menu on the left when you log into Canvas is the Global Navigation area, which is like My Home in D2L. You can add only the courses you want to see on your Dashboard but still access your full list of courses under Courses.
Home
Home is like the Content area of D2L. In Home, your instructor will add assignments to modules, which are like buckets that organize the course into weeks or item type.
Announcements
Announcements are like the News area in D2L. A preview of the most recent three announcements will always show up on the Home page of the course.
Assignments and Grades
Assignments are like grade items in D2L. Some assignments will require you to submit your work online, which is like a Dropbox in D2L. The Grades area is where you can see the grades your instructor has submitted.
- How do I submit an online assignment?
- How do I upload a file from Microsoft Office 365 as an assignment submission?
- How do I view assignment comments from my instructor?
- How do I view my grades in a current course?
- How do I approximate my assignment scores using the What-If Grades feature?
Quizzes
Quizzes in Canvas serve the same function as Quizzes in D2L.
Discussions and Groups
Discussions in Canvas serve the same function as Discussions in D2L.
- How do I view Discussions as a student?
- How do I reply to a discussion as a student?
- How do I subscribe to a discussion as a student?
Other Useful Features
Canvas has many features that can help you prioritize your work and efficiently complete your assignments, even on the go.