Faculty can get a helpful introduction to UC Davis Canvas during a special “Canvas boot camp” in 75 Hutchison Sept. 13-14.

The sessions are intended for instructors who will teach with the new learning management system (LMS) this fall, although all UC Davis faculty are welcome. There’s no cost to attend.

For both new and advanced users

The program includes three, repeated half-day sessions on the basics, plus one session on advanced uses of Canvas.

The basic sessions are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, and 8:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 14. The advanced session occurs 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 14.

In the basic sessions, instructors will receive an overview of UC Davis Canvas, learn how to use it to create content and design courses, and learn how to use its tools. They will also have time to ask questions of the instructor, Sallie Michalsky of Instructure (which makes Canvas), while they practice.

Topics at the advanced session include Question Banks, Collaborations, advanced elements of the grading tool and shared resources, and more.

“Take the introductory session first if you’ve never started with Canvas,” said Todd Van Zandt, UC Davis LMS program manager. “But if you know Canvas already, feel free to skip the introduction and take the advanced class.”

Special session for trainers, plus don’t forget SITT

Michalsky will also lead a separate “train the trainers” session from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 12 for staff whose jobs include teaching others how to use UC Davis Canvas.  

Separate registration is required for the introductory, advanced and “train the trainer” sessions. Space will be assigned first come, first served.

Instructors interested in UC Davis Canvas and other academic technology might also wish to attend the day-long Summer Institute on Teaching With Technology Sept. 9. Those sessions are filling up, but there’s still room for more.

UC Davis is transitioning from SmartSite during 2016-17. The main migration starts this fall, although SmartSite can be used for instruction through spring term 2017. Read more at movetocanvas.ucdavis.edu.