OneDrive App to Share Files in Canvas
OneDrive is an app in Canvas available to instructors; students must use the OneDrive for Students version.
The OneDrive app in Canvas makes sharing files saved in your UIW OneDrive easy. This app is the recommended solution for embedding or linking Microsoft Stream videos and PowerPoint slide decks into your Canvas course.
- Within Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, log in to Cardinal Apps.
- Open Canvas LMS.
- Navigate to your course.
- Open any space with the Rich Content Editor (RCE).
- Use Tools in the toolbar or select the app icon
to View All.
- Find OneDrive
in the alphabetical list.
- If prompted, sign in with your UIW email and password.
- Click on the file or video, you want to share.
- Select Link or Embed to share the file in the editing space.
- Save, send, or publish your Canvas space.
Need more detail?
Delve into the in-depth walkthrough below, complete with images and various notes for every step.
In-Depth Walkthrough
Important: For the safest experience, ensure you are using Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome when following along with this guide and using third-party apps and tools in Canvas.
Step 1
Log in to Cardinal Apps and open Canvas LMS.
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Step 2
Navigate to any space that has the RCE. If you're unsure what this is, learn more about the Rich Content Editor in Canvas.
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Step 3
Use Tools or the electric plug Icon to select View All.
The RCE offers both the toolbar options and icon shortcuts, two ways to take the exact same action. Choose whichever way you prefer to work. The View All option opens a pop up of choices listed in alphabetical order. Note, Canvas offers recent shortcuts once you have previously opened an app.
Option 1: Choose Tools > Apps > View All
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Option 2: Choose Electric Plug Icon > View All
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Step 4
Select OneDrive in the alphabetical list and click Done.
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Step 5
If you've never used the OneDrive app in your Canvas course, you'll see a "Setting up the course" notice.
You may see a notice stating, "Course initialization is in progress, please check after some time." If this occurs, close the box and reopen the app.
Note, this process creates a storage space behind the scenes where a copy of your file is shared in your course - this app does not make a "live" connection between your OneDrive files and Canvas.
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Note: Don't see a pop-up? You may be using an unsupported browser. Switch to Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome and try again.
Step 6
After a few moments, you'll be asked to log in. Select your UIW email address option to complete the process, or, if prompted, log in with your UIW email and password. Do not use a personal Microsoft account.
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Step 7
After signing in to the window, your OneDrive files and folders will appear. You'll be able to peruse your cloud storage through the 'My files' tab, or, insert files from SharePoint and Team sites you're a member of.
Remember, any file you select to share in Canvas in this step has a copy made behind the scenes - you are not sharing a live link to the document in your OneDrive:
- Find and select the file or video you'd like to share in Canvas.
- Select either the Link or Embed button to insert the file into your course: Embed is preferred to allow students to view your content within the Canvas location rather than opening a link.
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Note: You can only select a single item at a time.
Step 8
You'll receive a success notification and can then save your work in the RCE. Your file is now available to view in your Canvas course.
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FAQ
Is OneDrive available to Students?
Yes, but it is called OneDrive for Students when used through the RCE. The student version does not offer the embed option instructors have, students can only add a link where they are placing the file.
How does OneDrive in Canvas work?
When using the OneDrive app, Canvas copies the file you choose to share into your course. Once inserted, you can think of these as separate copies from the original located in your OneDrive. This process happens behind the scenes, out of sight.
How do permissions work when sharing files through OneDrive in Canvas?
The permissions are based on the user's Canvas role when sharing documents and videos through the OneDrive app in Canvas. Teachers have edit permissions, while students can only view. Students do not have the ability to edit files shared this way.
Can I adjust permissions for the files I share through the OneDrive in Canvas?
When sharing files through OneDrive in Canvas, you cannot change permissions for a file. Students are always 'view-only' and Teachers have 'edit' access. If you need different permissions, share a direct link to the file outside of Canvas.
What if I want to update a file I inserted into my course?
Due to the Canvas file being a separate copy from the original, there are a couple of options available to you:
- Open the file from Canvas, not OneDrive, as a teacher and edit the file accordingly.
- Remove the old file from Canvas, then re-insert an updated version.
What's the difference between Link and Embed?
- Link adds a link to Canvas, which opens the file in a new tab when clicked. Links are great for sharing documents such as Word or pdf files.
- Embed displays the content within the Canvas location you place it. Embeds are great for PowerPoint and video files.
If I copy a course forward, do I have to insert all these files again?
No, all shared materials with OneDrive copy forward. However, be sure to update any outdated information each term.
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