Microsoft Apps in Canvas

This folder contains guides and articles for Microsoft-branded apps within Canvas.

Live chat with a moderator can enhance classroom teaching by fostering real-time interaction and engagement among students to create an inclusive, active learning environment. This chat method, also referred to as a backchannel, allows students to ask questions, share insights, and participate in discussions during a synchronous lesson, while a moderator ensures the presenting instructor is informed of questions or comments needing their attention. Live Chat Availability Live chat is a teaching strategy to be implemented with your choice of UIW application, including Canvas Chat and Discussions, Microsoft Teams, or Padlet. Canvas Chat shows who is online, creates a record of participation in your course, and does not allow comments to be deleted. Canvas Discussions offers the ability to compartmentalize topics being discussed at different times, which makes it easier for students to reference, and support continuing the conversation after an event has ended. Microsoft Teams can be synced in your Canvas course Settings to offer chat as well as full meeting features for managing Hyflex, hybrid, and online course modalities. Padlet can be used for a backchannel activity or created as a Canvas Padlet Assignment to track participation. Get Started with Live Chat Choose a Platform: Select the app that supports live chat and meets your teaching needs. Establish Guidelines: Set clear guidelines for chat participation. Outline expectations for student behavior, such as staying on topic, being respectful, and using appropriate language. Assign a Moderator: Designate a moderator to oversee the chat. The moderator can be a co-instructor or a student volunteer. Their role is to manage the conversation, raise the presenter's awareness of questions, and ensure chat participation is appropriate. Live Chat FAQ Can students participate in live chat from any device? Yes, students can participate in live chat from any device that supports the chosen platform and has an Internet connection, making it accessible for both in-person and remote learners. Is it necessary to have a moderator for live chat? While not strictly necessary, having a moderator helps ensure that the chat remains focused, productive, and respectful. The moderator can also address questions and provide support to students.

Through Canvas, UIW instructors and students now receive a free license to the Lucid Education Suite. Use Lucid to brainstorm and whiteboard in a digital space, collaborate with groups in real-time, create graphic organizers, and leverage customizable templates. You can embed Lucid documents using the Rich Content Editor (RCE), create individual assignments, and it's compatible with Speedgrader. This guide connects users to instructions for creating an account and getting started with the tool. What is the difference between Lucidchart and Lucidspark? Access Lucid in Canvas To use Lucid, all users can find the tool in the Canvas Rich Content Editor or the instructor can add it to the course menu. Lucid Option in the RCE Create a Lucid Account Use your UIW email to take advantage of the free education license. Instructor Account Instructions Student Account Instructions Embed a Lucid Document with the RCE After connecting your Lucid account to Canvas, you can embed new or existing Lucid documents into the Rich Content Editor in Canvas. Create a Lucid Assignment Instructors can create Canvas assignments from Lucid documents. This process makes a unique copy of a new or existing Lucid document for each student, allowing them to complete and submit their work directly in Canvas. Instructors can then grade the submissions in SpeedGrader. Lucid FAQ Who can use the Lucid integration in Canvas? While all Canvas users have access to the Lucid integration in Canvas, users without a Teacher or Student role in Canvas will not receive the automatic upgrade to the full Lucid Education Suite for free. Why are my students getting an error message from Lucid when they open an assignment? This may be happening if you connected to Canvas with an existing Lucid account rather than signing up for the free upgrade to the full Lucid Education Suite. Why am I getting an error message when attempting to access Lucid from Canvas? This may be happening if you have third-party cookies disabled on your browser. Follow the steps in the Troubleshooting: Enable third-party cookies article, refresh your browser, and try again. How do I make Lucid documents more accessible? Digital accessibility ensures all users can interact and learn from your content. When creating a document that will be viewed by others, there are many ways you can use existing Lucid features to make it more accessible to viewers with different needs. Follow Lucid's tips to improve accessibility for others. Can my students access Lucid's AI features? Lucid’s AI features are hidden when Lucid documents are accessed through Canvas, whether it is embedded using the Rich Content Editor or as an assignment. If you want your students to have access to AI, they can do so by opening the document in Lucid rather than in Canvas.