Description
This guide walks faculty through how to search, preview, import, and share educational content using Canvas Commons to enhance course development and collaboration.
Instructions
Canvas Commons is a learning object repository that allows instructors to share and import course content such as modules, quizzes, assignments, and entire courses across Canvas users and institutions.
How do I access Canvas Commons?
How do I search for content?
- Use the Search bar at the top to find content by item type, title, name, keyword, or tag. Note: You can search by Idaho State University to display only the content published by ISU Canvas users.
- Use the Filter (upper right) to narrow results by:
- Activity or resource type (e.g., Quiz, Module, Assignment)
- Grade Level
- Shared With (e.g. All, Idaho State University, Instructional Technology Resource Center)
How do I preview content?
- On the card for the item, you will see the type of resource or activity, the title, the grade level, the person who submitted it, and any usage notes
- To preview the content, click on the name of the item
How do I add Commons content to my course?
Method 1:
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Click the name of the item to open and view it
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Click the Import/Download button on the right side of the page
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Select the box for the course that you want to import the content to - if you do not see the course listed, you can search for a course
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Select Import into Course
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The content will appear in the appropriate location in the left navigation (e.g. Modules, Pages, Assignments, etc.) in your course.
Method 2:
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With the item in preview mode, select Download
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A box will open that shows item type and size - select Download
- Choose the location for the downloaded file
- Open the course that you wish to import to and select Home from the navigation bar
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Import Existing Content
- Under Select Content Type, use the drop-down to select Common Cartridge 1.x Package
- Drag and drop the downloaded .zip file into the Source box or click in the box to open File Explorer and select the file
- Select Add to Import Queue - Once the file has been successfully imported, the status will change to Completed
- The content will appear in the appropriate location in the left navigation (e.g. Modules, Pages, Assignments, etc.) in your course.
How do I share content to Commons?
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Open the course content you wish to share (e.g., a module or quiz).
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Click the three dots (⋮) next to the item or open the item and click Share to Commons.
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Complete the sharing settings, including:
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Who can access (public, institution only, etc.)
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Content title and description
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Tags and grade level
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Click Share.
Contact the ITRC if you need additional assistance.