Overview

Canvas puts the user (instructor or student) in control of when, how, and why they should be notified regarding course events. Depending upon the criteria selected, users are automatically notified when events they care about occur within the course (e.g., date change on an assessment).

Click to open Notifications Overview on YouTube

Introduction

Canvas places each user in control of what they want to be notified, and how often it should occur. Users (instructors and students) can opt to be notified by email and/or text messaging when events in the course occur. The user can opt to be notified immediately, receive a daily or weekly summary, or not be notified at all. The notifications often include links to whatever triggered the notification, so that the student can go directly to the item (e.g., newly published quiz, assessment, discussion; or one where the due date was changed).

To open the notification settings, click on your account (along the left side of the Canvas window), and then click on Notifications.

Open Profile Notification Settings

There are several different types of events that can result in a notification. Below are just a few of the many options possible. Students can even choose to be notified immediately anytime any of their work has been graded.

A partial list of notification settings

Notifications settings can be changed at any time, and apply to ALL courses in which the student is enrolled.

View an Explanation and Default Settings for Canvas Notifications.

Note that if you are building a course at the same time students are taking the course, depending upon their notification settings, they may receive frequent notifications of your efforts in building the course (e.g., publication of graded assessments or change in due date), and at times may be confused whether they are receiving a notification because it is relevant to them or simply because of the course building taking place at the time.

Example of Email Notifications

You can reduce the amount of unnecessary notifications students receive, but not publishing pages/modules until they are relevant for where students are in the course. Finally, remind students that they have the ability to set their notifications.

Canvas Communications Module

Welcome | Announcements + Resources | Calendar + Resources | Notifications + Resources | Syllabus + Resources