Accessing and Using Canvas Commons in ISU Canvas

This article provides instructions on how to search, preview, import, and share educational content using Canvas Commons at Idaho State University (ISU). 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.

• Accessing Canvas Commons
• Searching for Content in Canvas Commons
• Previewing Content in Canvas Commons
• Adding Canvas Commons Content to a Course
• Sharing Content to Canvas Commons
• Seek Further Assistance

From your Canvas Dashboard or any course, click Commons in the global (left-hand) navigation menu.

1. 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.
2. 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)

1. 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.
2. To preview the content, click on the name of the item.

Method 1:

1. Click the name of the item to open and view it
2. Click the Import/Download button on the right side of the page
3. 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
4. Select Import into Course
5. The content will appear in the appropriate location in the left navigation (e.g. Modules, Pages, Assignments, etc.) in your course.

Method 2:

1. With the item in preview mode, select Download
2. A box will open that shows item type and size - select Download
3. Choose the location for the downloaded file
4. Open the course that you wish to import to and select Home from the navigation bar
5. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Import Existing Content
6. Under Select Content Type, use the drop-down to select Common Cartridge 1.x Package
7. Drag and drop the downloaded .zip file into the Source box or click in the box to open File Explorer and select the file
8. Select Add to Import Queue - Once the file has been successfully imported, the status will change to Completed
9. The content will appear in the appropriate location in the left navigation (e.g. Modules, Pages, Assignments, etc.) in your course. 

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1. Open the course content you wish to share (e.g., a module or quiz).
2. Click the three dots (⋮) next to the item or open the item and click Share to Commons.
3. Complete the sharing settings, including:
   1. Who can access (public, institution only, etc.)
   2. Content title and description
   3. Tags and grade level
4. Click Share.

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For more information, see the article How do I use Commons? (external link)

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• Chat with Canvas Support for Faculty (external link)
• Canvas Instructor Guides (external link)
• Visit the ITRC Portal for answers to common questions (external link)
• For additional assistance email AnswersITRC@isu.edu (external link)