How to Use Canvas at Old Dominion University
Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) is Old Dominion University’s official online learning platform that allows students and instructors to manage courses, access learning materials, communicate, submit assignments, and track academic progress.
Whether a course is fully online, hybrid, or conducted in a traditional classroom setting, Canvas provides a centralized digital environment that supports teaching and learning.
Students, faculty, and authorized university users access Canvas using their MIDAS ID and password through the MyODU Portal or the official ODU Canvas login page.
For students, Canvas functions as a virtual classroom where they can find course content, complete assignments, participate in discussions, take quizzes, and communicate with instructors. For faculty, Canvas provides tools for creating courses, organizing materials, grading assignments, and engaging with students.
What Is Canvas Used for at ODU?
Canvas brings together essential course activities and resources into one online platform. It allows instructors to deliver course information and allows students to complete academic tasks from anywhere with an internet connection.
Common uses of Canvas include:
- Accessing course materials.
- Viewing course announcements.
- Submitting assignments.
- Taking online quizzes and exams.
- Checking grades and instructor feedback.
- Participating in discussions.
- Communicating with instructors and classmates.
- Managing course deadlines.
Canvas supports both online learning and traditional classroom instruction by providing additional digital resources and communication tools.
How Students Access Canvas at ODU
Students can access Canvas by logging into MyODU.
Step 1: Sign In to MyODU
- Open your web browser.
- Navigate to the MyODU Login Page.
- Select the Sign In option.
- Enter your MIDAS ID and password.
- Complete any required security verification.
After successful login, you will see your personalized MyODU dashboard.
Step 2: Open Canvas
- Locate the Canvas application on your MyODU dashboard.
- Click the Canvas icon.
- Canvas will open and display your enrolled courses.
Students can also access Canvas directly using their ODU credentials.
Understanding the Canvas Dashboard
The Canvas dashboard is the main page where students manage their courses. It provides quick access to important information.
The dashboard may display:
- Current courses.
- Recent activity.
- Assignment notifications.
- Upcoming deadlines.
- Announcements.
- Calendar events.
Students should check their dashboard regularly to stay updated on course activities.
How to Access a Course in Canvas
After logging in:
- Select a course from your dashboard or Courses menu.
- Open the course homepage.
- Review the course navigation menu.
- Read the syllabus and instructor announcements.
- Explore available learning materials.
Each instructor may organize their course differently, so students should become familiar with the layout of every course they take.
Important Canvas Course Areas
Course Home Page
The course home page provides an overview of the class and may include:
- Instructor announcements.
- Course instructions.
- Important links.
- Weekly learning activities.
Syllabus
The syllabus contains important course information, including:
- Course description.
- Learning objectives.
- Required materials.
- Grading policies.
- Assignment expectations.
- Instructor contact information.
- Course schedule.
Students should review the syllabus at the beginning of every semester.
Modules
Modules organize course content into sections, units, or weeks. They may contain:
- Lecture materials.
- Reading assignments.
- Videos.
- Activities.
- Assignments.
- Quizzes.
Modules help students follow the intended order of course activities.
Assignments
The Assignments section allows students to:
- View assignment instructions.
- Check due dates.
- Upload completed work.
- Review submission status.
- View instructor feedback.
Students should carefully review assignment requirements before submitting work.
Grades
The Grades section allows students to monitor academic performance. Students can view:
- Assignment scores.
- Quiz results.
- Instructor comments.
- Grading feedback.
Canvas grades help students understand their progress during the semester.
Note that official final grades are typically available through Leo Online, which serves as the university’s official student records system.
Discussions
Discussion boards allow students and instructors to interact academically. Students may use discussions to:
- Ask questions.
- Respond to classmates.
- Share ideas.
- Participate in class conversations.
Participation requirements vary by course.
Quizzes and Exams
Instructors may use Canvas quizzes for assessments such as:
- Practice quizzes.
- Unit tests.
- Exams.
- Surveys.
- Knowledge checks.
Before taking a quiz, students should review:
- Available time limits.
- Due dates.
- Attempt limits.
- Required materials.
Submitting Assignments in Canvas
Students can submit assignments electronically through Canvas.
General steps include:
- Open the course in Canvas.
- Select the Assignments section.
- Choose the required assignment.
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Upload the required file or enter a response.
- Select the submit option.
- Confirm that the submission was successful.
Students should avoid waiting until the last minute because technical problems or internet issues may affect submission.
Viewing Feedback From Instructors
Canvas allows instructors to provide feedback on student work. Feedback may include:
- Written comments.
- Grading notes.
- Rubric evaluations.
- Marked-up documents.
Reviewing feedback helps students improve future assignments and understand their performance.
Communicating Through Canvas
Canvas provides communication tools that allow students to interact with instructors and classmates.
Students may use:
- Canvas Inbox messages.
- Course announcements.
- Discussion boards.
When contacting instructors, students should communicate professionally by:
- Using clear subject lines.
- Introducing themselves.
- Explaining questions clearly.
- Allowing reasonable response time.
Canvas Notifications
Canvas notifications help students stay informed about course activity.
Notifications may include:
- New announcements.
- Assignment reminders.
- Grade updates.
- Discussion replies.
- Course changes.
Students should customize notification settings according to their preferences while ensuring they do not miss important information.
Using Canvas on Mobile Devices
Students can access Canvas from mobile devices using supported applications or mobile browsers.
Mobile access allows students to:
- Check announcements.
- View assignments.
- Read course materials.
- Submit work.
- Monitor grades.
Students should keep applications updated for the best experience.
Tips for Success Using Canvas
Students can improve their online learning experience by:
- Logging into Canvas regularly.
- Reading announcements carefully.
- Checking assignment deadlines.
- Downloading important course materials.
- Keeping notifications enabled.
- Communicating with instructors when questions arise.
- Submitting assignments early.
- Checking grades and feedback frequently.
Common Canvas Problems and Solutions
Course Not Appearing
Possible causes:
- The instructor has not published the course.
- Enrollment information has not updated.
- Registration changes are still processing.
Solution:
- Confirm enrollment through Leo Online.
- Contact the instructor or ODU support if needed.
Unable to Log In
Possible causes:
- Incorrect MIDAS credentials.
- Forgotten password.
- Account issues.
Solution:
- Verify your login information.
- Reset your MIDAS password if necessary.
- Contact ODU IT support.
Assignment Submission Problems
Possible causes:
- Unsupported file format.
- Internet connection issues.
- Submission deadline has passed.
Solution:
- Check assignment requirements.
- Confirm file compatibility.
- Submit early whenever possible.
Canvas Security Best Practices
Students should protect their Canvas accounts by:
- Keeping MIDAS login information private.
- Using strong passwords.
- Avoiding suspicious links or messages.
- Logging out from shared computers.
- Using secure internet connections.
- Reporting suspicious activity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canvas at ODU
Is Canvas the same as MyODU?
No. MyODU is the university portal that provides access to multiple services, including Canvas. Canvas is specifically designed for online course management and learning activities.
Are Canvas grades official?
Canvas grades help students monitor course performance, but official final grades are recorded in Leo Online.
Why can’t I see my course in Canvas?
A course may not appear if it has not been published, registration has not updated, or the instructor has not made the course available.
Can I access Canvas from my phone?
Yes. Canvas can be accessed through supported mobile options and mobile browsers.