OneDrive in Canvas Overview
OneDrive in Canvas streamlines assignment management by allowing educators to create, share, and collaborate on documents without leaving Canvas
OneDrive in Canvas Availability
OneDrive in Canvas is available for all instructors of Canvas courses.
OneDrive in Canvas Considerations
- For the best possible experience, use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. If you encounter unexpected behaviors, clear your browsing history or change browsers.
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Consider embedding vs. linking: Embedding allows content to be viewed within Canvas while linking opens files in a new tab. Embed is preferred to allow students to view your content within the Canvas location rather than opening a link.
- When you insert files from the OneDrive app into Canvas, a separate copy is created. Any changes made to the original OneDrive file will not affect the version in Canvas.
- Instructors of the course have editing permissions for the inserted files, while students can only view them.
- Files inserted with the OneDrive app fully support course copy and do not expire. Additionally, they do not count towards the 2GB storage limit of a Canvas course.
OneDrive in Canvas Guides
OneDrive in Canvas FAQ
Course participants are reporting an error when viewing the content. What should I do?
If participants encounter any errors within an embed, please try the following:
- Students should clear their browsing history/cache. We have a step-by-step guide to share and the Help Desk is equipped to assist students with these issues and clearing the browsing cache.
- While not best practice like embeds, using the ‘Link’ option when inserting these videos into a course will open the video up in a new tab, which traditionally is issue-free.
Is OneDrive in Canvas available to Students?
Yes, but when used through the RCE, it is called OneDrive for Students. The student version does not offer the embed option that instructors have; students can only add a link where they place the file.
How does OneDrive in Canvas work?
When you use OneDrive in Canvas, the file you choose to share is copied into your course. After it's inserted, you can think of it as a separate copy from the original file in your OneDrive. This process happens behind the scenes, out of sight.
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 instructors have 'edit' access. If you need different permissions or more granular control over your file, share a direct link to the file outside of Canvas.
What should I do if I need to update a file that I added to my course?
You have a few options for dealing with the Canvas file, as it is a separate copy from the original:
- As a teacher, open the file from Canvas (not OneDrive) and make the necessary edits.
- Delete the old file from Canvas and then upload an updated version.
What's the difference between a link and an 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 where you place it. This is great for embedding PowerPoint presentations and video files.
What happens if a course is copied, do the documents inserted with the OneDrive app expire?
No. Documents added with the OneDrive app fully support course copy and these files will carry over to the new course and will not expire. Still, it's recommended to check for outdated materials each term.
