Hofstra Canvas Guide

Introduction to Hofstra Canvas

Hofstra University’s Canvas is a learning management system designed to provide students, faculty, and staff with a robust online platform for teaching, learning, and collaboration. Canvas offers a wide range of features and tools that facilitate communication, assignment submission, grading, and course content management. In this guide, we will walk you through the basics of using Hofstra Canvas, its key features, and provide tips for getting the most out of this powerful educational tool.

Logging into Hofstra Canvas

To access Hofstra Canvas, follow these steps:

• Navigate to the Hofstra University website and click on the Canvas link.
• Enter your Hofstra username and password in the required fields.
• Click the “Log In” button to access your Canvas account.

If you encounter any issues logging in, contact the Hofstra IT Help Desk for assistance.

Navigating the Canvas Dashboard

The Canvas dashboard is the central hub of the platform, providing an overview of your courses, assignments, and announcements. Key features of the dashboard include:

• Courses: A list of all your current and past courses, with links to each course homepage.
• To-Do List: A list of upcoming assignments and deadlines for all your courses.
• Calendar: A calendar view of all your courses, displaying assignments, events, and deadlines.
• Inbox: A messaging system for communicating with instructors and peers.

Use the dashboard to stay organized and up-to-date on your course activities.

Canvas Course Structure

A typical Canvas course is organized into several key areas:

• Home: The course homepage, featuring a brief introduction, syllabus, and important announcements.
• Modules: A structured outline of course content, including readings, assignments, and multimedia resources.
• Assignments: A list of all assignments, quizzes, and exams, with submission links and deadlines.
• Grades: A summary of your grades for all assignments, quizzes, and exams.

Familiarize yourself with the course structure to navigate the platform efficiently.

Submitting Assignments in Canvas

To submit an assignment in Canvas, follow these steps:

• Navigate to the Assignments page in your course.
• Click on the assignment you wish to submit.
• Read the assignment instructions carefully and complete the required work.
• Click the “Submit Assignment” button and upload your file or enter your text submission.
• Verify that your submission has been received by checking the assignment page.

Make sure to submit assignments on time to avoid late penalties.

Using Canvas Discussion Boards

Canvas discussion boards are an essential tool for engaging with course material, interacting with peers, and receiving feedback from instructors. To participate in a discussion:

• Navigate to the Discussions page in your course.
• Click on the discussion topic you wish to participate in.
• Read the discussion prompt and any existing posts.
• Click the “Reply” button to respond to a post or start a new thread.
• Engage with your peers by responding to their posts and asking questions.

Active participation in discussions can enhance your learning experience and foster a sense of community.

Canvas Quizzes and Exams

Canvas offers a range of quiz and exam tools, allowing instructors to assess student knowledge and understanding. To take a quiz or exam:

• Navigate to the Quizzes page in your course.
• Click on the quiz or exam you wish to take.
• Read the instructions carefully and review any allowed resources.
• Start the quiz or exam and complete the questions to the best of your ability.
• Submit your quiz or exam when finished.

Make sure to review the quiz or exam instructions carefully to avoid technical issues.

📝 Note: It is essential to regularly check the Canvas platform for updates, announcements, and assignment deadlines to stay on top of your coursework.

Canvas Mobile App

The Canvas mobile app provides an convenient way to access your courses, assignments, and discussions on-the-go. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store to:

• Stay connected with your courses and instructors.
• Receive push notifications for new announcements and assignments.
• Submit assignments and participate in discussions from your mobile device.

The Canvas mobile app is an excellent tool for busy students who need to stay connected with their coursework outside of class.

Feature	Description
Courses	A list of all your current and past courses.
To-Do List	A list of upcoming assignments and deadlines.
Calendar	A calendar view of all your courses and assignments.

In summary, Hofstra Canvas is a powerful learning management system that offers a wide range of features and tools to support teaching, learning, and collaboration. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can navigate the platform efficiently, stay organized, and get the most out of your educational experience. Remember to regularly check the Canvas platform for updates, announcements, and assignment deadlines to stay on top of your coursework.