Learning with Canvas
24/7/365 Canvas Support
What is Canvas?
Canvas is your Learning Management System (LMS) at The University of the Incarnate Word. Throughout your academic coursework at UIW, you'll use Canvas to access items like course syllabi, assignments, discussion posts, files, meetings and more. An LMS is vital for establishing an online presence for each course in a given academic semester.
Please note, some in-person classes might use Canvas less than a more hybrid, online-blended course. You may use this page to reference common Canvas resources and guides to help you learn how to navigate the platform and customize the experience to tailor your learning needs.
Getting Started with Canvas
How do I access Canvas at UIW?
Open
Canvas can be accessed via the Cardinal Apps dashboard. Look for the Canvas LMS tile on your dashboard, which can be found within the 'Popular Apps'. 'UIW Apps', and 'Apps' tabs.
Health Profession students can also call (210) 942-4335 to connect with Help Desk and each campus tech from one number.
Note: Accessing Canvas directly from a bookmark or saved shortcuts instead of Cardinal Apps may cause sign-in errors. It's recommended to always get to Canvas via tech Cardinal Apps dashboard or through the mobile app.
How do I submit an assignment?
Open
Written Guides
You can follow the online submission guide to learn about submitting assignments in Canvas. Instructors can choose what kind of online submissions they want you to use. You may also have the option to resubmit assignments if your instructor allows. Some notes on assignment submissions:
- Not all file types may be available for your assignment, depending on the assignment submission type set by your instructor.
- Some submissions will use Turnitin to check for plagiarism.
- Not all of your assignments may be submitted online. If you cannot see the Submit Assignment link, your instructor may want you to submit your assignment in a different way or the availability date has passed. View the description of the assignment for instructions, or contact your instructor for assistance.
- Some examples of this might be integrated assignments from apps like Padlet, EdPuzzle, Hypothesis, Flip, and more.
Video Guide
How do I customize my Canvas notifications?
Open
Written Guide
By default, Canvas has a set of notification settings that you can receive for your courses. However, you have the option to customize these settings to meet your own preferences. These personalized settings only apply to you and do not affect how course updates are sent to other users.
Video Guide
How do I reply to a discussion?
Open
Written Guide
Discussions may take many forms within your Canvas course. Your instructor may choose to host a discussion with Flip, Padlet, or other programs. Please, refer to your instructor's directions on responding to other types of discussions outside the Canvas discussion board.
Video Guide
How to I take a quiz or test in Canvas?
Open
Written Guides
Note: If the quiz you are accessing displays differently, your instructor may have used the New Quizzes tool to create the quiz. Functionality may differ between these quiz types. For help taking a New Quiz, please see the resource below.
Video Guides
Using the Respondus LockDown Browser for an test
Open
Some quizzes or exams in Canvas might use the LockDown browser, which is a separate application downloaded to your testing device.
How to download the Respondus LockDown Browser
Your instructor may also post a download link within their Canvas course. You may use that download link or the one below to install LockDown browser.
- Download the LockDown browser for Windows or macOS.
- This link and installer is exclusive to UIW. LockDown Browser installed or downloaded from other sources, links, or websites outside the one above or found within your Canvas course will not work for UIW.
LockDown Browser Resources
Student guides and resources
Respondus Monitor is a video-monitoring service that uses Respondus Lockdown Browser with video enabled such as a webcam. After a student takes an exam, instructors can review sessions to check for any suspect behavior. This is a setting that's enabled for exams by your instructor and isn't a separate download.
Accessibility
Respondus maintains a knowledge base article that provides the latest details on how LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor work with various assistive technologies. If you have questions, please email accessibility@respondus.com
Support
- Problems with The LockDown Browser?
- Respondus support not working or need more help?
Using the Immersive Reader
Open
The Immersive Reader is a free accessibility tool that's available in many applications or services across UIW. It is a sophisticated learning tool, developed by Microsoft, that is used to improve reading and focus for learners in Canvas and across Microsoft apps like Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and more.
Where to find the Immersive Reader in Canvas
The Immersive Reader is built into Canvas and can be found in all your course pages. View how you can use the feature here.
Immersive Reader resources
Support
- Issues finding or using the Immersive Reader function?
Is there a mobile app for Canvas?
Open
The Canvas mobile app helps you stay current with your courses, anywhere you go. It's FREE and offers some convenient functionality such as...
- Viewing grades and comments on the go
- Respond to discussion boards and classmates from anywhere
- View, read, and access entire modules and assignments in your Canvas course
Download the Student app on your desired platform with the links below.
Getting Help
Help with course content
Questions about course expectations, content, assignments, quizzes, grades, or any academic information go to your instructor, advisor, or program support roles as indicated by your instructor. Your instructor builds the Canvas course and must publish the course before you can see it on your Canvas Dashboard. Your instructor also manages the course start and end dates for when you can participate. The course can be published but not started, meaning you can look but not take any action yet.
Help with Canvas
If you don't know how to use a Canvas feature, such as post in a discussion, upload an assignment, or you follow the instructions and it does not work correctly: Contact 24/7 Canvas support at (844) 384-5742, chat, or by using the question mark icon in the Canvas Global Navigation menu.
Other technical issues and troubleshooting
If you need help signing in, setting up your computer, installing a compatible browser, or other general technical help with your computer contact the UIW Help Desk or your campus tech specialist. Any concerns reported with Canvas to the Help Desk are routed to our Canvas administrator.
Note: Canvas reps and UIW tech support are unable to change course settings, edit content, give additional attempts, or take any actions in place of your course instructor - you must contact your instructor for these concerns.
