Center for Teaching & Mentoring
Canvas
MTSU is moving to Canvas as our learning management system (LMS), with a full launch beginning Summer 2026. To learn more, visit the Canvas Project site, which includes a timeline and other news and information. Visit this faculty resource page about how to get started now learning and using Canvas.
Canvas Trainings at MTSU
MTSU trainings for Canvas began in October 2025. Most training sessions are led by Helen Wilson of Instructure (the company that owns Canvas) with support from the Center for Teaching and Mentoring, the Information Technology Division (ITD), and MTSU Online. Most Canvas training sessions for Spring 2026 are on Zoom. Representatives from ITD and MTSU Online are available during the trainings to answer questions and provide additional support.
Summer 2026
| Date & Location | Session | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 5 11:00 am – 12:00 pm This session not recorded | Canvas Q&A | MTSU’s Canvas Support and Training Team are available online to answer questions and provide advice for navigating Canvas. |
| May 7 11:00 am – 12:00 pm This session not recorded | Canvas Q&A | MTSU’s Canvas Support and Training Team are available online to answer questions and provide advice for navigating Canvas. |
| May 11 1:00 – 1:30 pm Click here for recording | Beautifying Your Canvas Course | Not happy with the way your course is looking? Let us help you clean it up a bit with a custom homepage and walk you through the best way to leverage your modules to clean up your content. Presenter: Jimmy Williams |
| May 12 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Recordings linked in description column | Canvas Intensive Retreat | 9 am – Modules 10 am – Pages and Rich Content Editor 11 am – Course Communication 1 pm – Assignments 2 pm – Canvas Studio 3 pm – Q&A session (no recording available) |
| May 13 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Recordings linked in description column | Canvas Intensive Retreat | 9 am – Discussions 10 am – Quizzes 11:30 am – Mobile Apps 1 pm – Enhanced Rubrics 2 pm – Grading and Feedback 3 pm – Q&A session (no recording available) |
| May 14 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Recordings linked in description column | Canvas Intensive Retreat | 9 am – Q&A session (no recording available) 10 am – Course Design Considerations 11 am – Group Work/Collaboration 1 pm – Accessibility 2 pm – Course Settings and Sharing 3 pm – Q&A session (no recording available) |
| May 15 9:00 am – 12:00 pm These sessions not recorded | Canvas Intensive Retreat | 9 am – Q&A session / work session (no recording available) 10 am – Q&A session / work session (no recording available) 11 am – Q&A session / work session (no recording available) |
| May 19 11:00 am – 12:00 pm This session not recorded | Canvas Q&A | MTSU’s Canvas Support and Training Team are available online to answer questions and provide advice for navigating Canvas. |
| May 21 11:00 am – 12:00 pm This session not recorded | Canvas Q&A | MTSU’s Canvas Support and Training Team are available online to answer questions and provide advice for navigating Canvas. |
| May 26 11:00 am – 12:00 pm This session not recorded | Canvas Q&A | MTSU’s Canvas Support and Training Team are available online to answer questions and provide advice for navigating Canvas. |
| Date & Location | Session | Description |
|---|---|---|
| June 2 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Zoom Link | Nacho D2L: Getting to Know Canvas TACO Tuesday (Tech and Canvas Overview) | This session will include a 15-minute walkthrough of your Canvas account features, including notifications, course cards, migrations, and terms, followed by a Q&A period. |
| June 9 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Zoom Link | Hamburgers & Kabobs: Your Course Settings TACO Tuesday (Tech and Canvas Overview) | This session will feature a 15-minute overview of Canvas course settings and navigation, followed by a Q&A period. |
| June 11 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Zoom Link | Canvas Essentials, Modules, Pages Jumpstart | This Jumpstart session will introduce you to getting started in Canvas. You will learn how to manage communication and access support resources, create and organize content modules, and develop Pages to share information with students. This session is targeted to faculty teaching ONLINE courses. Agenda |
| June 16 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Zoom Link | The HOME Enchilada: Your Home Page TACO Tuesday (Tech and Canvas Overview) | This session will show a 15-minute overview of the Canvas Home page features followed by a Q&A period. |
| June 23 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Zoom Link | Studio Today, Play TAMALE: Creating Videos with Canvas Studio TACO Tuesday (Tech and Canvas Overview) | This session will provide a quick overview of Canvas Studio, the media tool and repository, followed by a Q&A period. |
| June 25 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Zoom Link | Canvas Discussions Jumpstart | The Canvas Discussions Jumpstart highlights the many ways discussions can support students’ pedagogical goals. In this session, participants will learn how to create and use Discussions to foster engagement. Hands-on practice will be included to encourage active participation and reinforce learning. This session is targeted to faculty teaching ONLINE courses. Agenda |
| June 30 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Zoom Link | What’s at STEAK: Setting up your Gradebook TACO Tuesday (Tech and Canvas Overview) | This session will focus on setting up your Canvas Gradebook, including organizing your assignments and groups and weighting grades, followed by a Q&A period. |
| Date & Location | Session | Description |
|---|---|---|
| July 7 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Zoom Link | Let’s TACO Bout it: Canvas Discussions TACO Tuesday (Tech and Canvas Overview) | This session will feature a 15-minute overview of Discussions and Checkpoints followed by a Q&A period. |
| July 14 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Zoom Link | Extra Cheese: More about your Gradebook TACO Tuesday (Tech and Canvas Overview) | This session will feature a 15-minute overview of your gradebook view, including sorting, filtering, and setting policies, followed by a Q&A period. |
| July 16 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Zoom Link | Canvas Assignments Jumpstart | The Canvas Assignments Jumpstart is designed to help participants understand Assignments within the Canvas LMS. Participants will learn how to create effective assignments and use tools such as Rubrics to support teaching and learning. Hands-on practice will be included to encourage active participation and reinforce learning. This session is targeted to faculty teaching ONLINE courses. Agenda |
| July 21 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Zoom Link | Add the Guacamole: Extra Credit in Canvas TACO Tuesday (Tech and Canvas Overview) | This session will focus on the ways to assign Extra Credit in Canvas followed by a Q&A period. |
| July 23 10 am – 11 am Zoom Link | Canvas New Quizzes Jumpstart | The New Quizzes Jumpstart is designed to help participants understand New Quizzes within the Canvas LMS. Participants will learn how to create New Quizzes and use Item Banks to streamline assessment development. This session will also cover how to effectively use New Quiz settings, as well as available accommodation and moderation options. Hands-on practice will be included to encourage active participation and reinforce learning. This session is targeted to faculty teaching ONLINE courses. Agenda |
| July 28 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Zoom Link | In QUESO Emergency: Getting your Quizzes TACO Tuesday (Tech and Canvas Overview) | This session will focus on Migrating your Questions and Quizzes into Item Banks followed by a Q&A period. |
| Date & Location | Session | Description |
|---|---|---|
| August 6 10 am – 11 am Zoom Link | Canvas Grading and Feedback Jumpstart | The Canvas Grading and Feedback Jumpstart explores the Canvas gradebook interface from both instructor and student perspectives. Participants will experience the capabilities of SpeedGrader and the various ways it can be used to provide timely, detailed feedback while making the grading process more efficient and effective. Hands-on practice will be included to encourage active participation and reinforce learning. This session is targeted to faculty teaching ONLINE courses. Agenda |
| August 11 9:00 am – 4:00 pm LIB 264A or Online Registration Required | Canvas Bootcamp: Basic | Day 1: 9 am – 9:50 am: Canvas Basics 10 am – 10:50 am: Modules 11 am – 11:50 am: Pages & RCE 12 pm – 1 pm: BREAK FOR LUNCH 1 pm – 1:50 pm: Assignments 2 pm – 2:50 pm: Discussions 3 pm – 3:50 pm: Q&A Session |
| August 11 9:00 am – 4:00 pm LIB 272 Registration Required | Canvas Bootcamp: Intermediate | Day 1: 9 am – 9:50 am: My First Semester in Canvas: What I Wish I Knew (Faculty Panelists) 10 am – 10:50 am: Aligning Modules with Learning Outcomes 11 am – 11:50 am: Creating Pages that Engage 12 pm – 1 pm: BREAK FOR LUNCH 1 pm – 1:50 pm: Assignment Design That Actually Works 2 pm – 2:50 pm: Designing Meaningful Online Discussions 3 pm – 3:50 pm: Q&A Session |
| August 12 9:00 am – 4:00 pm LIB 264A or Online Registration Required | Canvas Bootcamp: Basic | Day 2: 9 am – 9:50 am: New Quizzes 10 am – 10:50 am: Rubrics 11 am – 11:50 am: SpeedGrader Deep Dive 12 pm – 1 pm: BREAK FOR LUNCH 1 pm – 1:50 pm: Modules & Pages 2 pm – 2:50 pm: Canvas Studio 3 pm – 3:50 pm: Q&A Session |
| August 12 9:00 am – 4:00 pm LIB 272 Registration Required | Canvas Bootcamp: Intermediate | Day 2: 9 am – 9:50 am: Question Types & Item Banks for Deeper Learning 10 am – 10:50 am: Efficient Feedback Strategies 11 am – 11:50 am: Advanced Gradebook Settings & Analytics 12 pm – 1 pm: BREAK FOR LUNCH 1 pm – 1:50 pm: Migrating Quizzes / Item Banks 2 pm – 2:50 pm: Embedding Media with Canvas Studio 3 pm – 3:50 pm: Q&A Session |
| August 13 9:00 am – 4:00 pm LIB 264A or Online Registration Required | Canvas Bootcamp: Basic | Day 3: 9 am – 9:50 am: Q&A / Open Work Session 10 am – 10:50 am: Assignments 11 am – 11:50 am: Discussions 12 pm – 1 pm: BREAK FOR LUNCH 1 pm – 1:50 pm: Rubrics 2 pm – 2:50 pm: New Quizzes 3 pm – 3:50 pm: Q&A Session |
| August 13 9:00 am – 4:00 pm LIB 272 Registration Required | Canvas Bootcamp: Intermediate | Day 3: 9 am – 9:50 am: Q&A / Open Work Session 10 am – 10:50 am: Groups & Collaboration Tools 11 am – 11:50 am: Pre-Launch Course Checks & Student Experience 12 pm – 1 pm: BREAK FOR LUNCH 1 pm – 1:50 pm: Feedback That Students Use 2 pm – 2:50 pm: Quiz Settings and Assignments for Integrity & Flexibility 3 pm – 3:50 pm: Q&A Session |
| August 14 9:00 am – 12:00 pm LIB 264A or Online Registration Required | Canvas Bootcamp: Q&A | Day 4: 9 am – 9:50 am: Canvas Q&A 10 am – 10:50 am: Canvas Q&A 11 am – 11:50 am: Canvas Q&A |
Spring 2026
| Date & Location | Session | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January 23 1:00-2:00 pm Click here for recording | Canvas Essentials | Examine the Canvas Dashboard, the course environment, content and assessment options, and the course grading workflow. Q&A will be distributed throughout the session. Agenda |
| January 29 1:30-2:30 pm Click here for recording | Modules and Course Communication | Explore how to create and manage content modules, leverage progress monitoring capabilities, and scaffold student access to course content. Examine Canvas communication tools and strategies instructors can use to facilitate student dialogue and engagement. Specific tools highlighted in this session include Calendar, Announcements, Discussions, and Chat. Agenda |
| Date & Location | Session | Description |
|---|---|---|
| February 2 11:30-12:30 pm Click here for recording | Pages and Rich Content Editor | Learn more about creating engaging and dynamic pages supporting student learning and interaction with course content. Examine how to embed third-party tools to reduce distractions while exploring other features of the Rich Content Editor for delivering media-rich content. Agenda |
| February 11 1:00-2:00 pm Click here for recording | Assignments and Discussions | Explore Canvas Assignments and utilize the Discussion tool to help meet pedagogical goals and encourage student engagement and interaction. Agenda |
| February 17 2:00-3:00 pm Click here for recording | New Quizzes Essentials | Explore Canvas’ Quizzing features and functions, including how to leverage Item Banks (Question Libraries) and how to make adjustments to accommodate diverse learner needs. Agenda |
| February 23 2:30-4:00 pm Click here for recording | Canvas Studio | Get an overview of how Canvas Studio supports learner engagement and the creation and assessment of assignments. We’ll review core tools for creating, managing, and integrating Studio content into your courses, along with practical classroom use cases. Agenda |
| February 27 1:00-2:00 pm Click here for recording | Grading and Feedback / Gradebook and SpeedGrader | Explore the Canvas Gradebook and SpeedGrader tools for providing timely and detailed feedback to students while making the grading process more efficient and enjoyable. Agenda |
| Date & Location | Session | Description |
|---|---|---|
| March 2 9:00-10:00 am Click here for recording | Enhanced Rubrics | Explore the functionalities of Enhanced Rubrics in Canvas, focusing on how to create, implement, and utilize rubrics for assignments, discussions, and quizzes. Agenda |
| March 18 1:30-2:30 pm Click here for recording | Group Work and Collaboration | Dive into collaboration features in Canvas, including group assignments, group discussions, web conferencing, and the collaboration tool. Agenda |
| March 27 10:30-11:30 am Click here for recording | Accessibility | Learn about concepts, strategies, approaches, and resources for designing and delivering Canvas courses that are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. Agenda |
| March 30 12:30-2:00 pm Click here for recording | Course Data and Analytics | Explore Course Analytics, Student Analytics, New Quizzes Analytics, Item Analysis, Course Statistics, and Module Progression. Learn how to use these reports to monitor student progress and engagement with course content. Agenda |
| Date & Location | Session | Description |
|---|---|---|
| April 1 11:00-12:00 pm This session not recorded | Canvas Q&A with Helen | Helen Wilson, Senior Learning Consultant with Canvas, is available to answer questions and provide advice for moving forward with confidence exploring our new learning management system. |
| April 7 9:30-11:00 am Click here for recording | Performance-Based Teaching | Learn how to engage students in performance-based disciplines, add audio/video content, organize resources, and use assessment tools. Ideal for instructors in World Languages, Fine Arts, Related Arts, and Career & Technical Education. Agenda |
| April 13 1:00-2:00 pm Click here for recording | Mobile Apps: Teacher & Student App | Dive deeper into the mobile apps available to support teachers and students. Learn the features and functionality of the apps to improve communication and work more efficiently. Agenda |
| April 15 1:45-2:30 pm Click here for recording | The Canvas Course Accessibility Checker | This workshop will feature the new Canvas Course Accessibility Checker. In this session, you’ll learn how to scan your courses for accessibility issues, identify barriers, and quickly fix them to create more inclusive learning experiences. This workshop will also help you meet the new ADA regulations. We will cover running the checker across your course, understanding common issues that are flagged, and examining best practices for adjusting images, headings, tables, links, and color contrast. Presented by Cheri Wolfe. |
| April 28 11 am – 12 pm This session not recorded | Canvas Q&A | MTSU’s Canvas Support and Training Team are available online to answer questions and provide advice for navigating Canvas. |
| April 30 11 am – 12 pm This session not recorded | Canvas Q&A | MTSU’s Canvas Support and Training Team are available online to answer questions and provide advice for navigating Canvas. |
| April 30 1:00-2:30 pm Click here for recording | Canvas for Math and Science | Helen Wilson, Senior Learning Consultant with Canvas, is available to answer questions and provide advice for moving forward with confidence exploring our new learning management system. Agenda |
Fall 2025
| Date | Session | Description |
|---|---|---|
| October 6 1:00-2:30 pm Click here for recording | Canvas First Look | Helen Wilson from Canvas/Instructure gives an overview of Canvas and demonstrates how to access key features such as the dashboard, account, communication, and help button. |
| October 8 2:00-3:30 pm Click here for recording | Canvas Basics | Helen Wilson guides faculty on how to develop a knowledge of the following features in Canvas: creating a course, developing assignments and assessments, and giving grades and feedback. |
| October 10 9:00-10:30 am | Canvas Basics (repeat) | Helen Wilson guides faculty on how to develop a knowledge of the following features in Canvas: creating a course, developing assignments and assessments, and giving grades and feedback. |
| October 23 2:30-4:00 pm | Canvas: Course Communication Tools | Communication is at the heart of effective learning experiences. Helen Wilson shares Canvas tools and strategies instructors can use to facilitate student dialogue and engagement. Specific tools highlighted in this session include Calendar, Announcements, Discussions, and Chat. |
| October 27 12:00-1:30 pm | Canvas: Leveraging Modules | Helen Wilson shares how to create and manage content modules, leverage progress monitoring capabilities, and scaffold student access to course content. |
| October 29 2:30-4:00 pm | Canvas: Pages and Rich Content Editor | Helen Wilson offers guidance on creating engaging and dynamic pages supporting student learning and interaction with course content. Learn how to embed third-party tools to reduce distractions while exploring other features of the Rich Content Editor for delivering media-rich content. |
| Date & Location | Session | Description |
|---|---|---|
| November 3 11:00 am-12:30 pm | Canvas Assignments | Helen Wilson provides an overview of Canvas Assignments. She will highlight how to create assignments in Canvas and will give an overview of creating assignment groups and extra credit items. |
| November 10 2:30-4:00 pm | Canvas: New Quizzes Essentials | Helen Wilson presents the Canvas’ Quizzing features and functions, including how to leverage Item Banks (Question Libraries) and how to make adjustments to accommodate diverse learner needs. A review of grading and analysis options will be covered. |
| November 18 2:30-4:00 pm | Canvas: Grading and Feedback, Gradebook, and Speedgrader | Helen Wilson explores the Canvas Gradebook and SpeedGrader tools for providing timely and detailed feedback to students while making the grading process more efficient and enjoyable. |
| Date & Location | Session | Description |
|---|---|---|
| December 2 11:30 am-1:00 pm | Canvas: Discussion Tools | Helen Wilson presents on how the Discussion tool can be used to help meet pedagogical goals and encourage student engagement and interaction. Learn how to create and use Discussions, including how to grade and provide feedback through SpeedGrader. |
| December 10 12:00-1:30 pm Click here for recording | Canvas: Course Design Considerations | Helen Wilson presents on how a Course Evaluation Checklist can highlight best practices for course design. The session covers best practices for creating student-centered course spaces that can be easily navigated from a browser or mobile device. |
| December 10 1:30-2:30 pm | Canvas Mobile Apps: Teacher & Student App | Join Helen Wilson as she dives into the mobile apps available to support instructors and students. Learn the features and functionality of the apps to improve communication and work more efficiently. |
| December 12 11:00-12:00 Click here for recording. | Getting Caught Up with Canvas | Feeling overwhelmed with the Canvas transition? Let us get you caught up on what you may have missed. This workshop discusses how to get started and goes over the resources available to get you moving in the right direction. This session is presented by Jimmy Williams, Instructional Systems Administrator in the Center for Training and Technologies (ITD). |
Canvas Champions
| Name & Office Hours | College | |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Abolins In-person in DSB 217: Appointment recommended MW: 9:30 am – 10 am & 2:20 pm – 2:50 pm Tuesdays: 9:30 – 11 am & 1 – 1:30 pm Thursdays: 9:30 – 11 am & 1 – 1:30 pm Zoom by appointment. | mark.abolins@mtsu.edu | College of Basic and Applied Sciences |
| Jenn Caputo In-Person (AMG 104) Tuesdays: 12:30 pm -1:30 pm (Zoom also available by request) Zoom: Thursdays: 8:15 am – 9:15 am | jenn.caputo@mtsu.edu | College of Behavioral and Health Sciences |
| Everett Singleton In Person or Zoom: Tuesdays: 9:30 am – 11:30 am Thursdays: 9:30 am – 11:30 am (Zoom) | everett.singleton@mtsu.edu | College of Education |
| Eric Detweiler Zoom: Mondays: 12 pm – 2 pm In-person by appointment: Peck Hall 323A | eric.detweiler@mtsu.edu | College of Liberal Arts |
| Michelle Conceison In Person (Bragg RIM Office, 251) Tuesdays: 10 am – 12 pm Zoom: Fridays: 11 am – 1 pm Schedule an appointment in advance | michelle.conceison@mtsu.edu | Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment |
| Ronda Henderson In-Person (BAS N446) or Zoom: Mondays: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Wednesdays: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm | ronda.henderson@mtsu.edu | Jennings A. Jones College of Business |
| Holly Zolt In Person: Thursdays: 1:30 – 2:30 pm Fridays: 9:30 – 10:30 am | holly.zolt@mtsu.edu | University College |
| Denise Quintel Zoom: Tuesdays 3 – 4 pm Thursdays 9:30 – 10:30 am Other times by appointment. | denise.quintel@mtsu.edu | Walker Library |
