KP Sample TA Checklist
Title
Left Column
This is the left column content. Add your text, images, lists, etc. here.
Right Column
This is the right column content. It will stay inside the main accordion panel box.
Set Up Your Canvas Account
Set Up Your Profile
Increase your online presence by updating your Canvas Profile with:
- Contact information, biography, and links to your websites, etc.
- Preferred pronouns
- A profile picture
Your Canvas Profile picture appears in:
- Canvas Inbox messages
- Announcements
- Discussion posts
- The People tab
Students can click your Profile to see additional information like contact information.
Tutorial Video
Updating your profile picture and profile settings
Written Procedures
General Information on Canvas Profile and User Settings
Add a Profile Picture
Edit Your Profile Information
Select Personal Pronouns for Profile
Tip - Use Adobe's free online image resizer and select Custom Size to change the dimensions of your picture.
Set Up Notifications
Each person in Canvas sets up their own Notification Preferences to tell Canvas how and when they want to receive course Notifications. Teachers cannot set up Notification Preferences for their students.
Notifications can be sent via email or text message. You can also get alerts on your mobile device if you use the Canvas Teacher's App
Videos
- Select Which Notifications to Receive and When (Global setting that applies to all classes)
- Turn Off Notifications or Select Which Notifications to Receive for an Individual Class (Optional - Overrides global Notification settings for a single class)
Written Procedures
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Select Which Notification You Receive and When (Global setting that applies to all classes)
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Turn Off Notifications or Select Which Notifications to Receive for an Individual Class (Optional - Overrides global Notification settings for a single class)
Tip - CC Yourself on Canvas Messages You Send through Canvas Inbox. Explain why
Download the Canvas Teacher App (Optional)
Download the Canvas Teacher App on your Android or iOS device, and use the app for grading assignments, quizzes and discussions; communicating with students, posting announcements, and more.
Resources
What Is the Canvas Teacher App?
Communicating via the Teacher App
Start the Semester with Canvas
Learn When Canvas Courses Are Created
Blank courses for the new semester are automatically created in Canvas 60 days before the start date of the course (not the semester start date), and students, TAs, and instructors are added to the class at that time.
Important: A newly-created Canvas class is immediately available to its instructors and TAs, but the class is not visible to students in Canvas until the instructor or TA publishes the class.
Locate Classes & Arrange Your Dashboard
After courses are created in Canvas each semester, you need to add the courses to your Dashboard in order to see the classes when you first log in to Canvas.
Published classes appear at the top of your Dashboard, and unpublished classes are located at the bottom of the Dashboard.
Written Procedures
Select Which Courses Appear on Your Dashboard
Tip - If you cannot locate your courses, refer to the Troubleshooting Guide: Locate Missing Courses document.
Request Grading Privileges in Canvas
When TAs are added to a Canvas course automatically through PAWs, the instructor needs to grant their TA grading privileges if the TA will be grading student work in Canvas. If the instructor does not grant TA grading privileges, the TA will not be able to grade student work in SpeedGrader or access the Gradebook.
Once a TA has been granted grading privileges, the TA will be listed on the People page as having two roles: TA and TA Grader.
If a TA was not automatically added to the Canvas class roster, the instructor can manually add the TA to the People page in either role:
- TA Role - Use this role if the TA should not have grading privileges.
- TA Grader Role - Use this role if the TA will be grading work in your Canvas class.
Tutorial Video
(Coming soon)
Written Procedures
Granting TAs Grading Privileges
Add a TA to Your Canvas Course (in TA Grader Role)
Tip - An instructor should never add a TA to the course in the Teacher role.
Basic Course Configuration
Adjust Canvas Course Settings
The settings under More Options determine how students experience Discussions, Groups, Announcements, Grades, and more.
In the left-hand course navigation area, go to Settings > Course Details tab > More Options. The following are our recommended settings:
| Field | Recommended Setting |
| Number of Announcements Shown on Homepage | Choose whatever value you prefer. |
| Let Students Attach Files to Discussions | Checked |
| Let Students Create Discussion Topics | Unchecked |
| Let Students Edit or Delete Their Own Discussion Replies | Checked |
| Let Students Organize Their Own Groups | Unchecked |
| Hide Totals in Student Grades Summary | Unchecked |
| Hide Grade Distribution Graphs from Students | Checked |
| Hide Sections on the People Page from Students | Checked |
| Disable Comments on Announcements | Checked if you don't want students to reply to your announcements |
Tip - When you copy course content from semester to semester, the course you import into will inherit the course settings of the copied course.
Upload Canvas Course Card (Image)
Instructors can upload a Canvas Course Card image to their Canvas course in order to help students easily identify the course. The Course Card image will appear on your students' Canvas Dashboards.
Written Procedure
Tips -
- The image you upload for your Course Card should be roughly 262 pixels wide by 146 pixels high.
- Use Adobe's free online image resizer and select Custom Size to change the dimensions of your picture.
Streamline Course Navigation
Consider hiding elements in the course's left-hand navigation column from students in order to reduce confusion and remove clutter in the course navigation. The eye slash icon 
indicates an item is hidden from students.
We recommended that you enable the following elements in navigation and disable (hide) other navigation elements:
- Announcements (Even when enabled, the eye slash icon appears next to Announcements until you post your first announcement to the class.)
- Grades
- People
- Zoom
- Course Accessibility Checker (UDOIT) - (Only visible to instructors and TAs.)
- Syllabus (Enable only if you plan to use the Canvas Syllabus Tool. Disable if you plan on uploading a syllabus file to a module instead.)
- Search
- Collaborations (Enable only if you plan to create collaborative Office 365 documents in your Canvas class.)
- Search
- TidyUp - (Only visible to instructors and TAs.)
- Settings - (Only visible to instructors and TAs.)
- Attendance (Enable only if you plan to use the Canvas Roll Call attendance-taking tool.)
Written Procedures
Set SpeedGrader to Filter by Group (for Courses with Multiple TAs)
If your class has multiple TAs, consider enabling the Large Class setting in Canvas. This setting filters SpeedGrader by student group, making grading faster and more efficient by showing each TA only the subset of students they’re responsible for grading.
Setup
First - Create a Group Set
A Group Set in Canvas is a container that holds one or more student groups that are used for a single purpose. Typically, you create a Group Set to contain student groups for a collaborative project like "Collaborative Presentation Groups" or "Collaborative Essay Groups." However, in this case, you're creating a Group Set specifically for grading purposes, not for student collaboration.
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- Go to the People tab in your Canvas course.
- Click + Group Set.
- Name the Group Set (e.g., TA Grading Groups or BIO 101 TA Grading Groups).
- In the Group Set description, list the purpose of the group (e.g., This Group Set is used only to for TA grading purposes. These groups are not used for student collaboration or group assignments).
- Do not check Allow self sign-up.
- For Group Structure, select Create Groups Later.
- Click Save.
Second - Create a Group for Each TA and Assign Students to Groups
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- Inside your Group Set, click the + Group button to create a Group for a TA. Use clear, consistent names (e.g, TA - Smith or Smith – Grading TA).
- Do not enter a Group Membership Limit.
- Click the Save button. Repeat these steps to create a Group for each TA.
Third - Add Students to Groups
1. After Groups have been created, add students to each TA Group by dragging and dropping students' names into the appropriate Group or by clicking the + icon to add students to Groups.
Fourth - Enable Large Course Setting
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- Go to Settings.
- Locate the option labeled Large Course, and check the box for Launch SpeedGrader Filtered by Student Group.
- Click the Update Course Details button.
Now, each time you open SpeedGrader, Canvas will prompt you to select a Group. When you select your TA group, you see only the submissions from your students in SpeedGrader.
Note: You can turn this setting on or off at any point during the semester. For example, when you don't want to launch SpeedGrader by group, simply uncheck Launch SpeedGrader Filtered by Student Group. Check the setting when you want to filter by student group again.
Optional - Inform Your Students
To avoid confusion, consider posting a short Announcement explaining why they have been added to a grading group. For example:
Subject: Note on Grading Groups
To help streamline grading in this course, students have been assigned to TA grading groups. These groups are used behind the scenes in Canvas to help TAs grade more efficiently. You don’t need to do anything related to these groups; they won’t affect your participation, assignments, or grades.
Note: This setting affects SpeedGrader only. It does not filter the Gradebook. To filter the Gradebook by the Groups you've created, add a Student Group Filter to your Gradebook.
Using SpeedGrader When Launch SpeedGrader Filtered by Student Group Is Checked
After you have performed the setup steps listed above, when you click to open SpeedGrader for an assignment, you must first choose a Group to grade.
Design & Build a Canvas Class
1 - Create a Module for Each Week, Class Session, or Unit
- Modules are collapsible containers you create on your Canvas course home page.
- Modules hold and organize course content.
Video
Tip - Consider creating a module for general resources that stays at the top of your class.
2 - Upload Files (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PDF)
Note that students do not have direct access to the Files area of the course. To share files with your Canvas class as an instructor or TA:
1. Start by uploading your files to the Files area of your course.
2. To give students access to a file in the Files area, you can add a link to a file in a Module. You can also add a link to a file anywhere the Rich Content Editor (RCE) appears, such as Announcements, Pages, Assignments, Syllabus, Discussions, Quizzes, and so on.
Written Procedures
Embedding a pdf File in a Page
Updating and Replacing Files in Canvas
Adding Files to Canvas Modules
Course Size Limit & Maximum File Upload Size
Tips
- Do not upload audio and video files to the Canvas Files area. You will reach your maximum course size quickly. Instead, upload your audio/video files to My Media and then embed the videos in Canvas Pages.
- While you can only provide links to most file types, if you upload a .pdf file, you can embed the pdf file in a page anywhere the Rich Content Editor (RCE) appears. For example, the RCE is available for Announcements, Pages, Assignments, Syllabus, Discussions, Quizzes and more.
3 - Add Content to Modules
Modules should contain everything students need for the week, unit, or session, such as:
- Assignments
- Pages
- Files
- Links to websites and videos
- Discussions
- Quizzes
Video
Tip - Contact UWM's Library if you have questions about locating permalinks (persistent links) to resources available through the Library databases, such as journal articles, e-books, videos, and other resources.
4 - Learn to Delete Content the *Right* Way
When you click Remove to remove an item from a Module, it does not delete the item from your class.
Insert screen shot
Instead, do the following to delete an item from your course.
To Delete... |
Follow these steps... |
| Graded items (Assignments, graded Discussions, and Quizzes) |
Delete the graded item through the Assignments index page. If you simply click Remove to remove the graded item from a Module, the item still exists on the Assignments page and in the Gradebook. |
| Ungraded Discussions |
Delete the ungraded Discussion through the Discussions index page. If you simply remove the Discussion from a Module, the Discussion still exists on the Discussions index page. |
| Files |
If you simply remove the file from a Module, the File still exists in the Files area. |
| Pages |
Delete from the Pages index page. If you simply remove the Page from a Module, the Page still exists in the Pages index page. |
| Text Header or external link in Module |
In the Module, click the kebab to the right of the Text Header or External Link, and select Remove to permanently delete the text. |
| Module |
To delete an entire Module, click the kebab on the right and then click Delete. Note that we recommend first deleting the contents of the Module using the procedures listed in this table. |
5 - Use Pages to Reduce Clutter in Modules (Optional)
Pages in Canvas can contain text, links, videos, images, files, and more.
Use Pages in Canvas to streamline your module by moving readings and videos (links, text, embedded videos, and files) into a single Canvas Page titled Readings that appears as a link in the Module.
Make content on pages easier to read and scan by:
- Chunking content into short paragraphs.
- Using bulleted lists.
- Using headings and subheadings for each topic on the page.
Add Content to Pages with the Rich Content Editor (RCE)
Tip - Apply the RCE's paragraph styles to your headings because these formats are accessible and can be read by screen readers.
6 - Organize the Content in Your Modules
- Reorder Module items into a logical sequence (e.g., by due date)
- Add Text Headers to structure the module and provide context for its contents. (Text Headers are simply words you insert in a Module.)
- Indent content under text headers to show hierarchy.
Sample Canvas Class
7 - Use Syllabus Tool to Add a Syllabus
Use the Canvas Syllabus tool to construct a syllabus directly in Canvas. Students rely heavily on the course's built-in syllabus.
Linked assignments, quizzes, and discussions with due dates are automatically added and linked in the Canvas Syllabus. They are listed chronologically by due date. Items without due dates are listed alphabetically. Note that you cannot change the order of how these elements appear in the Canvas Syllabus.
Written Procedures
- Canvas Syllabus Tool Overview
- Edit the Canvas Syllabus
- Adding a Table of Contents to Your Syllabus in Canvas
Tips -
You can embed a pdf of your syllabus file -
UWM's Secretary of the University provides a page containing syllabus links, policies, and statements that you should link to or add to your syllabus.
If you need to update your syllabus file, replace the old syllabus in the Files area. With this method, the syllabus is updated everywhere it is linked in your Canvas course.
Sample Course
Example Course - Canvas Design Best Practices
Look and feel
Sample course
Multimedia
Video and Audio
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Images
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Graded Assignments
Assignments
File upload assignments
Quizzes
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Discussions
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Things to Do Before Publishing a Canvas Class
Check Links
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Check and Adjust Dates
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Check the Course Roster
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Review Class as a Test Student
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Check Accessibility
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Make the Canvas Class Available to Students
Publishing a Canvas Class to Students
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Hiding, Publishing, and Assigning Content
8 - Determine What to Publish to Students and What to Hide
Publishing Modules and their items will make them visible to students once your course is published. A green check appears next to published items. Unpublished items are not visible to students and are indicated by a circle with slash icon
. Note that you must publish a module in order for students to be able to view any of the items in the module.
Publishing/Unpublishing Modules
Lock Module and Contents Until a Specific Date
Selectively Publishing/Unpublishing the Contents of a Module
Publish/Unpublish an Assignment
9 - Assign Different Content, Assignments, Due Dates, etc., to Different Students (Optional)
Throughout the semester, there might be situations where you need to:
- Make a module or some of its contents available to some but not all of your students
- Assign a quiz, discussion, or assignment to some but not all of your students
- Give a quiz, discussion, or assignment different due dates for different students.
Assign To
Differentiation Tags?
Unpublishing a Canvas Class
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CREATE A PAGE INTRODUCING SELF
- ATTENDANCE TRACKING
- Course settings
Check course roster
Review course as test student
check links
Review and change dates
check accessibility
Review Syllabus - Put Syllabus in right place
Publish class
How Do I Add Video or Audio Files to the Course?
How Do I Email the Students in My Class Before the Semester Starts?
What Are Modules and Why Should I Use Them?
✍️ Providing Feedback in Canvas
Message Students Who...(Didn't Submit Work, Scored Low, Etc.)
Grading with Canvas
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GRADEBOOK SETUP
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GRADEBOOK TOUR - SYMBOLS, FILTERING, RULES, MESSAGE STUDENTS WHO
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RUBRIC CREATION AND ADD TO ASSIGNMENT
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ADD GRADE TO GRADEBOOK - DEFAULT GRADE
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LATE AND EXCUSED IN GRADEBOOK
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USING SPEEDGRADER AND RUBRICS FOR GRADING
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GRADE PUBLISHING
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LARGE CLASS SETTING(FOR MULTIPLE TAs)
Instructors can use the following tools to give grades and feedback in Canvas.
Using SpeedGrader to Grade Student Work
Manually Entering Grades in the Gradebook
Posting Assignment Grades to Students
What to Do with Dashes in the Gradebook
Extra credit
Grading & Gradebook FAQs
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MODERATE QUIZ
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MANUAL GRADE QUIZ
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ACCOMMODATIONS
Understanding Course Analytics
Canvas provides analytics on your course to give you insight into how students are performing and participating in your class. New Analytics is the main tool for viewing analytics in your class, but User Details are also available to instructors.
What Is the New Analytics Tool & How Do I Access It?
What Can Instructors Do in New Analytics?
When is the Data in New Analytics Updated?
Are Other Analytics Available in Canvas?
Multimedia - Get Started with Audio/Video
Online Meetings with Zoom
END-OF-SEMESTER TASKS
Best Practices
Do You Have a Sample Canvas Class or Template I Can View?
Establish Online Presence and Community
Send a Welcome AnnouncementLinks to an external site.: Send out a warm and welcoming Announcement at the beginning of the semester. Introduce yourself, share your teaching philosophy, and express your enthusiasm for the course. This sets a positive tone and makes students feel more connected to the instructor from the start.
Create a Welcome DiscussionLinks to an external site.: Set up a Canvas Discussion where students can introduce themselves. Encourage them to share their interests, academic goals, and any relevant background information. Respond to each student's introduction to show that you are actively engaged and interested in getting to know them.
Create a Student Questions & Answers DiscussionLinks to an external site.: Create a Discussion area at the top of your class where students can post questions about class technology, Assignments, etc., to the class. Make sure to reply to the questions in a timely manner, and also encourage other students to answer questions posted in the Discussion.
Personalize Communication: Address students by their names in your interactions. This simple act can make the online environment feel more personal and supportive.
Participate Actively in DiscussionsLinks to an external site.: Engage in Discussions regularly, pose thought-provoking questions, and encourage student participation. Acknowledge their contributions, provide feedback, and facilitate conversations between students to foster a sense of community. Periodically summarize and reflect on the main points discussed in the online Discussions. This demonstrates that you value student contributions and are actively engaged in the learning process.
Hold Virtual Office Hours with Zoom - This provides an opportunity for students to have one-on-one interactions with you, seek clarification on course content, and build a stronger connection.
Provide Timely and Constructive Feedback with SpeedGraderLinks to an external site.: Regularly review and provide feedback on Assignments, Quizzes, and other assessments. Prompt feedback demonstrates your active involvement in their learning progress and helps students stay on track.
Record weekly video announcements with the Canvas Media RecorderLinks to an external site.: Help orient your students to the week and make your course more engaging by recording a short video each week. The following is an example of what your video could cover:
Start by giving students encouragement and reminders.
Briefly talk about the previous week
Discuss details of this week's assignments and give answers to questions about the assignments that students have asked in the past.
Send Reminders and Updates Through the Canvas InboxLinks to an external site. or AnnouncementsLinks to an external site.: Send out timely reminders about upcoming Assignments, Quizzes, and important dates. Regularly update the course content based on current events or relevant developments in the field.
Organize Group Projects or Collaborative Assignments with Canvas GroupsLinks to an external site.: Group Assignments can encourage teamwork and foster peer interactions. Actively participate in Group Discussions and offer guidance as needed.
Additional Resources.
How to Establish a Strong Community in an Online CourseLinks to an external site.
Cultivating Community Building in Online Learning EnvironmentsLinks to an external site.
Tip - Instructors can create reminder Announcements in Canvas ahead of time and use the Delay PostingLinks to an external site. feature to post the announcements to the class at a future date.