Canvas Resources for Faculty/Staff

As we begin the university-wide transition to Canvas, we want to ensure faculty have the guidance, flexibility, and tools they need to feel confident in the new environment. We’ve heard your feedback about workload, timing, and training formats, and we’re building a comprehensive support model designed to meet a range of teaching needs and schedules.

This page is your central hub for training opportunities, recommended steps, and resources that will help you get started.

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Start Here - Training & Support Opportunities - Training Schedule - Need Help? - Canvas Training Partnerships & Support

Start Here!

To help you get oriented as we start this transition from Blackboard to Canvas, we’ve outlined a suggested starting pathway. These steps will give you a strong foundation before you begin building your course.

(1) Attend a Canvas Info Session

Get a high-level overview of the transition, key features, and what to expect. Info sessions help you understand the broader context before diving into the tools. Unable to attend? Watch a 10 minute overview

(2) Explore Your Canvas Sandbox Course

Your sandbox is a safe, pressure-free space to experiment. Try out modules, create sample content, test features, and get a feel for Canvas before touching your live courses. Login to canvas.miami.edu to access your sandbox today.

(3) Use Self-Paced Resources

For flexible, independent learning or reinforcement after a live session, access resources such as:

(4) Join a Canvas Essentials Training

This foundational, hands-on session walks through the core features you’ll use daily such as modules, assignments, grading, and communication tools so you can build confidence and begin shaping your course structure.

(5) Join Canvas Advanced Training

These hands-on sessions for faculty who are ready to deepen their Canvas expertise and explore more advanced instructional workflows. Completion of Canvas Essentials (or equivalent experience) is strongly recommended.

(5) Drop-In Clinics with UM Libraries 

Launching this spring semester, in partnership with the library, these on-campus clinics provide hands-on support in a collaborative setting. 

Training & Support Opportunities

We offer a variety of training formats and resources to meet diverse faculty needs. Whether you want a high-level overview, hands-on guidance, self-paced practice, or in-person support, there’s a pathway designed for you.

What does each type of training offer?

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  • Information Sessions

    Information sessions are virtual, structured presentations designed to provide high-level overviews and timely updates related to Canvas and the platform transition. These sessions focus on what to expect, key decisions, and available support, rather than hands-on practice. Registration to be announced in January 2026. 

    Information sessions may include:

    • An overview of Canvas features and timelines
    • Updates on the migration process or upcoming milestones
    • Demonstrations of workflows at a conceptual level
    • Opportunities for questions and clarification.

  • Canvas Essentials Live Virtual Trainings

    Canvas Essentials Training

    Foundational sessions covering core Canvas tools and workflows, recommended for faculty who are new to Canvas or would like a refresher:

    • Modules and course organization
    • Assignments and grading basics
    • Communication tools
    • Navigation and workflow fundamentals

     

    Canvas Essentials are demo-based on Zoom that include interctive pools and opportunties for Q and A at the end of the session or throughout in the chat. Each session has multiple facilitators supporting your questions.

    You can also view a recording of Canvas Essentials Training.

    Register for a Canvas Essentials Training Session

  • Canvas Advanced Live Virtual Trainings

    Advanced Training Sessions

    Targeted, hands-on sessions for faculty who are ready to deepen their Canvas expertise and explore more advanced instructional workflows. Completion of Canvas Essentials (or equivalent experience) is strongly recommended prior to attending these sessions to ensure participants can fully engage with the content.

    These sessions are virtual and led by a Canvas consultant and are highly interactive, incorporating breakout groups for guided practice and peer exchange. To participate fully, all attendees should have their Canvas sandbox course open and ready at the start of the session. Session materials and resources will be shared via email following the training. Sessions are on Zoom.

    Topics may include:

    • Designing interactive modules to support student engagement and learning pathways
    • Advanced grading workflows, including efficiency tools and feedback strategies
    • Fostering collaboration with canvas by leveraging groups and peer review

     


    Register for an Advanced Canvas Training session:

  • Self-Paced & On-Demand Resources

    Self-Paced & On-Demand Resources

    Designed for independent learning or as a supplement to live training sessions, these resources allow you to explore Canvas on your own schedule.

    • Canvas Quick Start Tipsheet
      A concise reference guide highlighting essential Canvas features and common workflows—ideal for getting started quickly or refreshing your knowledge.
    • Short Canvas Videos from Instructure: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1G_GwO07cJ8g3wdl8b7-0v5i3QeBJA28W?usp=sharing
      Brief, focused video tutorials created by Instructure that demonstrate specific tools and tasks within Canvas. 
    • Recorded Canvas Essentials Training
      Full recording of our Canvas Essentials sessions, allowing you to revisit key concepts or catch up on content you may have missed. The recording include captions and playback controls, so you can adjust the speed, pause, rewind, and review sections as needed.
    • Self-Paced Instructor Course
      A guided, interactive Canvas course that walks you through best practices for course setup, organization, and instructional design at your own pace.
    • Canvas Sandbox Course
      A private practice space where you can safely experiment with tools, build content, and test workflows without impacting a live course.

    As you work through these on-demand resources, we recommend replicating what you learn in your Canvas sandbox. Practicing alongside the materials helps reinforce learning, build confidence, and streamline the transition to your live courses.

  • Open Office Hours

    Flexible, drop-in virtual sessions offering individualized support from our Canvas Consultants.

    During these sessions, you can:

    • Bring questions, draft course materials, or instructional ideas for feedback
    • Troubleshoot Canvas features and workflows in real time
    • Receive targeted guidance based on your teaching goals

    Open Office Hours are most effective after exploring your sandbox course or attending a live training, as they are designed for personalized follow-up rather than structured instruction.

    Register for Office Hours

  • In-Person Drop-In Clinics

    Launching this spring in partnership with the library, these on-campus clinics provide hands-on support in a collaborative setting.

    Faculty can receive:

    • Assistance with course setup, modules, and assignments
    • Individual or small-group guidance tailored to specific needs
    • Opportunities to collaborate, ask questions, and troubleshoot in real time

    Note: Please bring your device with Canvas open and ready to ensure you can fully participate in hands-on guidance.

    Although you are welcome to drop-in to any session based on the calendar below, you are welcome to also register so we can prepare to support you accordingly.

    Register for a Drop-In Clinic Session

January 2026
Date Time Session Location Register
Jan 6 11AM Canvas Essentials Training Zoom Sign up
Jan 6 3 PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Jan 7 1PM Canvas Essentials Training Zoom Sign up
Jan 7 9 AM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Jan 8 2 PM Canvas Essentials Training Zoom Sign up
Jan 9 3 PM Canvas Essentials Training Zoom Sign up
Jan 13 2-5PM In-Person Drop-In Session Library Sign up
Jan 13 12PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Jan 16 11 AM

Advanced Training: Advanced Workflows for Structure, Grading, and Collaboration in Canvas

Demo based with Q & A

 Zoom Sign up
Jan 19 3PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Jan 20 10AM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Jan 23 9AM In-Person Drop-In Session Library Sign up
Jan 26 3PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Jan 27 10AM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Jan 29 12-3PM In-Person Drop-In Session Library Sign up

 

February 2026
Date Time Session Audience Register
Feb 2 3PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Feb 3 10AM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Feb 3 2-5PM In-Person Drop-In Session Library Sign up
Feb 5 10AM Canvas Essentials Training Zoom Sign up
Feb 6 3PM Canvas Essentials Training Zoom Sign up
Feb 9 3PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Feb 10 10AM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Feb 11 1PM Information Session Zoom TBA
Feb 13 9-11AM In-Person Drop-In Session Library Sign up
Feb 16 3PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Feb 17 10AM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Feb 19 11-2PM In-Person Drop-In Session Library Sign up
Feb 23 3PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Feb 24 10AM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
Feb 25 2PM

Advanced Training: Making the Most of Modules: Designing for Student Success

Please be logged into your sandbox for this hands-on session led by a Canvas Consultant.

 

 Zoom Sign up
Feb 27 2-5PM

In-Person Drop-In Session

 Library Sign up

 

March 2026
Date Time Session Location Register
March 2 3PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
March 3 10AM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
March 4 2-5PM In-Person Drop-In Session Library Sign up
March 5 12-3PM In-Person Drop-In Session Library Sign up
March 9 3PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
March 16 3PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
March 17 10AM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
March 18 2-5PM In-Person Drop-In Session Library Sign up
March 19 11AM Information Session Zoom TBA
March 19 1PM Canvas Essentials Training Zoom Sign up
March 20 10AM Canvas Essentials Training Zoom Sign up
March 23 3PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
March 24 10AM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
March 25

Advanced Training: Grading & Gradebook Setup

Please be logged into your sandbox for this hands-on session led by a Canvas Consultant.

 Zoom Sign up
March 26 12-3PM In-Person Drop-In Session Library Sign up
March 30 3PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
March 31 10AM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up

 

April 2026
Date Time Session Location Register
April 1 2-5PM In-Person Drop-In Session Library Sign up
April 2 1PM Canvas Essentials Training Zoom Sign up
April 3 10AM Canvas Essentials Training Zoom Sign up
April 6 3PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
April 7 10AM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
April 9 12-3PM In-Person Drop-In Session Library Sign up
April 9 2PM Canvas Essentials Training Zoom Sign up
April 10 3PM Canvas Essentials Training Zoom Sign up
April 13 12PM Information Session Zoom TBA
April 13 3PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
April 14 10AM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
April 14 11AM

Advanced Training: Empowering Student Collaboration in Canvas

Please be logged into your sandbox for this hands-on session led by a Canvas Consultant.

 Zoom Sign Up
April 16 10AM Canvas Essentials Training Zoom Sign up
April 17 1PM Canvas Essentials Training Zoom Sign up
April 17 2-5PM In-Person Drop-In Session Library Sign up
April 20 3PM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
April 21 10AM Virtual Office Hours Zoom Sign up
April 23 11AM Essential Training Zoom Sign up
April 21 12-2PM In-Person Drop-In Session Library Sign up
April 24 11AM Essential Training Zoom Sign up

 

Need Help?

Support is available throughout the transition to Canvas.

Learning Platforms Helpdesk

For additional information or to request support related to the Canvas transition, course setup, training, or institutional processes, please contact the Learning Platforms helpdesk: lpt.it.miami.edu/contact

24/7 Canvas Support (Faculty Only)

Faculty have access to 24/7 Canvas support directly through Canvas, provided by Instructure. This support is ideal for immediate, tool-specific questions and troubleshooting outside of regular business hours. Access support from within Canvas by selecting Help in the global navigation menu.

Partner with Us!

Looking for Canvas support tailored to your college, department, or group? We partner with academic units to design custom Canvas engagements that meet your specific teaching, learning, and program needs.

Submit your request or idea through our Training Request Form. Your input helps us create intentional, scalable, and relevant Canvas experiences aligned with the needs of your academic unit.

We’re also open to new ideas and partnerships. If you’re interested in co-creating something that doesn’t yet exist—such as a community of practice, faculty panel, pilot workshop, or innovative approach to Canvas engagement—we’d love to hear from you. Email us at academictechnologies@miami.edu to start a conversation, ask questions, or explore partnership opportunities.

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