This video provides an overview of the Canvas learning management system used at American Institute. It demonstrates the key components of the Canvas dashboard including the dashboard, global navigation bar, sidebar, course cards, recent activity toggle, account settings, courses, calendar, inbox, and help options. It then shows how to access a course interface, which includes the course navigation links, content area that displays course material, and sidebar with upcoming assignments. The video highlights each area while explaining its purpose and navigation options to help orient students to using Canvas at American Institute.

1. Canvas Orientation Video
Format: Have someone introduce and end the video but actual content should be mouse over screen
Video Length: 3-4 minutes
Time Video Audio
15
Seconds
10
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15
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20
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10
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10
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Have someone introduce the video then
switch to dashboard view of Canvas for
American Institute to continue video by
recording screen action of what a
student would see while interacting with
Canvas.
Switch to view of recording the screen.
Display Dashboard screen and Highlight
each individual component as they are
being said.
Continue to stay on dashboard but
highlight toggle to demonstrate what is
being talked about
While on Course view, highlight courses
card as “includes course card for your
different courses” is being said then
highlight the different cards and
announcement icon.
(Maybe if we can do a little bubble at the
bottom of the screen with the person
popping up and saying this one or the
over-the-shoulder approach as
discussed)
Highlight toggle, and click to access,
“Recent Activity” then switch back over
to dashboard view.
Highlight “Global Navigation” and point
out every icon so the student can know
which one is which.
 In this video you will learn how to use the
online learning management system,
“Canvas”, used at American Institute where
students will do their theory coursework,
take quizzes, post forum responses, chat
with users, and attend live lectures.
 The first things that will appear on your
screen are three main components: The
dashboard, global navigation, and the side
bar.
 The “dashboard” provides an overview of
courses.
o Located in the right hand corner is a
toggle where the dashboard has two
different viewing options. These are
course view and recent activity.
 In “Course view”, it includes course cards for
your different courses, which allow you to
jump directly into the course you choose
and/or the announcements for that course.
 Under “recent activity”, which can be
accessed by clicking on the toggle on the
right-hand corner of the dashboard again,
this shows you all the recent activity from all
your courses.
 On the left-hand side is the global
navigation. It includes icons for account
settings, dashboard, courses, calendar,
inbox, and help.

2. 5
Seconds
5
Seconds
12
Seconds
3
Seconds
15
Seconds
15
Seconds
Click on account settings and hover
mouse over profile settings, notifications
and other settings that can be changed.
Do not actually click on any of the
settings. Students can figure out for
themselves what they would like to
change and how.
Click on courses icon to display what is
shown on this page
Click on calendar to demonstrate what is
being displayed on this page
Highlight bar where viewing options for
calendar is being displayed
Click on inbox icon to demonstrate what
is being displayed on the page.
Hover mouse over help icon to
demonstrate what is being talked about.
Return to dashboard
Highlight sidebar to demonstrate what
will be talked about next. Highlight each
item displayed on sidebar as they are
being said.
o In “account settings,” you can change
things like your profile settings and
notifications
o “Courses” shows you the list of
courses you are taking and you can
customize them to your preference.
o The “calendar” will show you any
upcoming due dates and events but
this depends on your instructor.
 When you viewing calendar
you have the option of
viewing it weekly, monthly,
agenda mode, and schedule
mode. The plus sign means
you have the option of adding
your own events.
o “Inbox” will show you any
conversations you have
o And help if any assistance is needed.
 The help options include
asking your instructor a
question, searching on canvas
for common questions,
reporting a problem, AND a
Hotline and chat that
available to you 24/7
 Side Bar on the dashboard includes a
”coming up” feed that shows any upcoming
assignments, recent feedback such as
comments from instructors and classmates,
and you also have the option of viewing your
grades.
 “Course Interface” can be accessed either
through the dashboard by clicking on the
course card “or” the course tab on the global
navigation bar.
 This interface includes “three” main

3. 10
Seconds
20
Seconds
15
Seconds
Click on course interface and
demonstrate both ways to get to the
page.
Once on the course interface highlight
each of the three main components as
they are being talked about.
 When displaying the “content
area” be sure to click on a couple
of different links so students see
the transition in the middle
section
Display video back to person from
beginning of video to thank the viewer.
components which includes
o The “course navigation” Links for
home, announcements, modules,
grades, people, chat, and Webex.
Depending on your instructor, these
will vary in order and appearance.
 Webex is where you’ll attend
your live lectures in the online
environment.
o The “content area”
 Displays the information for
the related link you’ve chosen
in the middle section of the
screen.
o And the “side bar”
 This includes the view course
stream link
 And any upcoming
assignments your instructor
has set for the course.
THANK YOU for watching American Institute’s Canvas
Orientation Video. We hope that after watching this,
you are on your way to being more comfortable in
using the online environment of Canvas. Good luck with
all your courses and REMEMBER TO ASK Canvas or
anyone in the Education Department at American
Institute if there you have any additional questions!