Staff guides
A complete index of guides and resources for staff to the LMS and other learning technologies
Staff guides
Staff guides: Canvas LMS
Quick links
Get started with these handy resources, or view the full list of Canvas LMS guides below.
User guides
Administration of the LMS
- Canvas access tokens
- LMS subject creation and subject copy forward process
- Subject merge
- Subject publication and auto-publish management
Announcements
Assignments
- Anonymous grading
- Assessment literacy tool
- FeedbackFruits in the LMS
- How do I add an assignment group?
- How do I assign an assignment to a subject group?
- How do I create an assignment?
- How do I create a peer review assignment?
- How do I create rules for an assignment group?
- How do I submit assignment on behalf of students in Gradebook?
- How do I use SpeedGrader?
- How do I weight the final grade based on assignment groups?
- How to set up the H5P student consent AI declaration
- How to set up the H5P student declaration on AI usage activity
- Turnitin AI Writing Detection Tool advice for staff (staff only)
- Turnitin: Accessing and interpreting the AI Writing Report
- Turnitin assignments and Similarity Reports
- Turnitin LTI 1.3
- Turnitin Similarity Reports for non-graduate research students (staff only)
- Video assignments
- What assignment types can I create?
Calendar
Communication and collaboration
- How do I create a Microsoft Office 365 collaboration as an instructor?
- How do I use the Inbox?
- Journals and blogs in the LMS
- Wikis in the LMS
- Working with collaborative documents in Canvas LMS
Communities
Discussion
- Discussion and chat tools for teaching and learning
- How do I assign a graded discussion?
- How do I create a discussion?
- How do I use IgniteAI Summaries for Discussions as an instructor?
Editing and managing content
- Banner tool user guide
- Copyright and the LMS
- Copyright guidelines for using published materials in LMS activities
- Creating accessible subjects in the LMS
- Designing for diverse learners
- H5P in the LMS
- How do I use Assign To?
- How do I add and modify text?
- How do I use the Find and Replace tool
- How do I create hyperlinks to course content?
- How do I manage alt text and display options for images embedded?
- How do I upload a document?
- How do I use the HTML view?
- How do I use the Math Editor?
- Importing the academic integrity module from Commons into your subject
- SCORM in Canvas
Global navigation
- How do I use the Dashboard?
- How do I use the To Do list and sidebar in the Dashboard?
- How do I view all my subjects?
Gradebook
- Gradebook - Preparing and exporting results for StudentOne
- Grade Posting Policy in the Gradebook
- How do I enter and edit grades in the Gradebook?
- How do I hide or display grades for a Subject?
- How do I create and manage Gradebook filters?
- How do I use the Gradebook?
- How do I view assignments or students individually in the Gradebook?
- Managing online marking for digital assessment
Groups
- Bulk Group Membership tool
- How do I add a group set in a subject?
- How do I allow students to create their own student groups?
- How do I automatically assign students to groups?
- How do I manually assign students to groups?
- How do I move a student into a different group?
- How do I view content and student activity within a group?
Home page
- Banner tool user guide
- How do I manage subject navigation links?
- How do I publish a subject?
- How do I show recent announcements in the subject home page?
- How do I use the subject Activity Stream?
- How do I use the subject home page?
Mobile app
Modules
- How do I add a module?
- How do I add assignment types, pages, and files as module items?
- How do I add prerequisites to a module?
- How do I add requirements to a module?
- Modules guides
- Office 365 resources within Modules
Quizzes
- Copying quizzes to other LMS subjects
- How do I create a question bank in a subject?
- How do I create a quiz by finding questions in a question bank?
- How do I import a question bank from one subject to another?
- How do I import questions from Microsoft Word to a Canvas Quiz?
- How do I view practice quiz results in a subject?
- How do I view a quiz log for a student?
- How do I view student results in a quiz?
- Import Quiz Content tool guide
- Once I publish a quiz, how do I make additional changes?
- Once I publish a quiz, what kinds of quiz statistics are available?
- Question types
- Quiz to Turnitin tool
- What quiz types can I create in a subject?
Rubrics
SpeedGrader
- How do I enter and edit grades in SpeedGrader?
- How do I grade group assignments in SpeedGrader?
- How do I use SpeedGrader?
- How do I view the details of a submission for a student in SpeedGrader?
Subject analytics
Subject overview
User management
Staff guides: AI learning assistant (Aila)
What is Aila?
Aila is a chatbot created by the University of Melbourne as a learning resource for students.
This product is an in-house tool, and one of a number of ways that the University is experimenting with GenAI in teaching and learning. It remains in beta release, and is subject to further refinement and development.
We are seeking expressions of interest from subject coordinators who are interested in trialling Aila tool in their 2026 subjects with students. The supporting teams will reach out shortly to interested staff to assist the release in your LMS subject sites.
User guides
Staff login required
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How to setup Aila
Steps required to set up Aila in Canvas LMS.
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How to update Aila
Updating Aila for your Canvas LMS subject.
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Creating a custom Aila app
Create your own Aila app in the LMS for your subject.
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Supported files and data quotas
File formats supported by Aila and data limit specifications.
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Advanced settings: Using the prompt enhancements
Use this feature to refine Aila's outputs with specific instructions.
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Prompt enhancement templates
Suggested formats for your prompt enhancements.
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Frequently asked questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about Aila.
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Troubleshooting guide
Solutions to common errors encountered while using Aila.
Provide feedback on Aila
We rely on your feedback to understand what is important to you so we can prioritise the features and improvements that should be built next on Aila.
Staff guides: Banner tool
What is the Banner tool?
Our purpose-built banner tool is an easy way to generate an eye-catching banner and card specific to your LMS subject with an image of your choosing.
Find out more about the banner tool
User guides
Staff guides: Digital exams
What are digital exams?
The following information outlines the available digital exam options with step-by-step guidance for academic staff on how to set up each of them.
See Staff Hub for key dates for digital exams.
Find out more about digital exams
User guides
Comparison of digital exams options
Exam preparation
- Communicating exam details to your students
- Digital health check
- Exam document preparation for students with accessibility requirements
- Exam process overview
- In-venue exam support for students
- Preparing your students for exams
- Setting up practice digital exams
- Using keyboard shortcuts to change keyboard input language
Off-campus digital open-book exam options
- LMS Quizzes (as off-campus digital open book exams)
- LMS Assignments (as off-campus digital open book exams)
- Gradescope (as off-campus digital open book exams)
- Cadmus (as off-campus digital open book exams)
On-campus digital exam options
On-campus digital exam with written component option
On-campus written exam option
Staff resources
Staff guides: EchoVideo
What is Lecture Capture by EchoVideo?
The Lecture Capture system records lectures and events in supported venues. Recordings are made available to students as streaming video, via the LMS. Staff can also use Lecture Capture to record their own presentations to be made available to students, supported with slides and other media.
User guides
Basics
- EchoVideo: Getting started
- EchoVideo: Managing recordings
- EchoVideo: Post-migration issues and fixes
- Embed EchoVideo media in the LMS
- Opt-out process
- Lecture Capture practice guidelines
- Schedule Assistant: Book, access, and share recordings
Features and tools
- Analytics guide
- Confusion Flags
- Editing transcripts and captions in EchoVideo
- Presentations and polls
- Q&A discussions
- Recording with Browser Capture
Live streaming lectures
Recording live and remote lectures
Staff guides: Ed Discussion
What is Ed Discussion?
Ed Discussion is an online threaded discussion platform that allows instructors and students to interact asynchronously by posting comments and questions, files and more to customised discussion forums.
Find out more about Ed Discussion
User guides
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Quick start guide
PDF - vendor guide.
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Getting started
How to set up Ed Discussion for your subject - vendor guide
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Using Ed Discussion
Ed Discussion is a question and answer platform designed to help students and staff communicate efficiently and effectively - vendor guide.
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Content editor
Ed Discussion's powerful content editor allows you to easily input all types of content - vendor guide.
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Tips and tricks
Handy tips and tricks you can use to improve your Ed Discussion experience - vendor guide.
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Digital whiteboard and collaboration tool comparison guide
This guide is intended to help you identify the right digital whiteboard platform for your teaching and learning, or professional use scenarios.
Staff guides: Field Friend Web
What is Field Friend Web?
Field Friend Web is a platform that supports immersive field-based learning, guiding students through interactive prompts, spatial notes, and media uploads during their field trips. Staff can design and manage trips and waypoints, empowering students to engage deeply with experiential learning in real-world settings.
Find out more about the Field Friend Web
User guides
Staff guides: GoReact
What is GoReact?
GoReact is a video assessment platform designed to improve or measure performance-based skills through recording and feedback. The tool is capable of AI powered feedback, as well as peer-to-peer and instructor based comments.
User guides
Staff guides: Gradescope
What is Gradescope?
Gradescope is an assessment tool that supports online submission of both paper-based and digital assessments, as well as grading and feedback. It is particularly relevant for STEM subjects and other disciplines that require handwritten and hand-drawn responses from students.
Find out more about Gradescope
User guides
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Advice for staff and students around University of Melbourne licensing of Gradescope and data collection
The University's licence agreement with Gradescope contains variations that amend the standard Gradescope terms of service.
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Comparing off-campus digital open book exam options
Exams scheduled with the Exams Office are provided as four different digital assessment options.
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Comparing on-campus supervised exam options
Exams scheduled with the Exams Office are provided as five different digital assessment options.
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Getting started with Gradescope
Gradescope is an assessment tool that supports online submission of both paper-based and digital assessments, as well as grading and feedback. It is particularly relevant for STEM subjects and other disciplines that require handwritten and hand-drawn responses from students.
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Gradescope (as off-campus digital open book exams)
For academic staff who have nominated in the Exams Portal to have a Canvas Assignment with Gradescope in the LMS as their final exam.
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Gradescope (as on-campus written exams)
This exam option is recommended for subjects where a handwritten response is an assessment requirement.
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Gradescope marking guide for exam MCQs
For on-campus written exams (with post-exam digital scanning)
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Marking in Gradescope
This step-by-step guide will take you through the recommended process for marking in Gradescope.
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Setting up Gradescope for an off-campus digital open book exam
An off-campus open book exam can be created by linking a Gradescope assignment to a Canvas LMS assignment. This guide outlines how to create a Gradescope assignment that presents exam questions to students and allows students to submit responses, within a controlled time period.
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Using Gradescope Data Exports and Tags
Use Gradescope’s data export and tag features effectively to gain further understanding of student performance and staff grading trends.
Staff guides: H5P
What is H5P?
H5P is an easy-to-use tool that allows anyone to develop interactive online content, review activities, games, simulations and more. H5P items can be embedded into LMS pages or shared directly via a URL.
User guides
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H5P in the LMS
H5P is a tool to easily create and embed rich interactive content and activities on content pages in the LMS, such as Assignments, Modules and Pages. Staff can create a H5P account within the University of Melbourne domain and synchronise it to the LMS.
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How to set up the H5P student consent AI declaration
Before using any GenAI tools to support your assessment of or feedback on student work, there is a need to provide students with a statement that clearly outlines the tools being used, their intended use in feedback and/or assessment.
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How to set up the H5P student declaration on AI usage activity
Before using any GenAI tools to support your assessment of or feedback on student work, there is a need to provide students with a statement that clearly outlines the tools being used, their intended use in feedback and/or assessment.
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Using EchoVideo videos in H5P
EchoVideo (Lecture Capture) videos can be used with H5P
Staff guides: Microsoft Teams
What is Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams is a desktop, mobile, and web app where staff and students can use their University of Melbourne Microsoft 365 account to communicate and collaborate on curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities.
Find out more about Microsoft Teams
User guides
Staff guides: Padlet
What is Padlet?
Padlet is an online tool that supports virtual brainstorming, collation and collaboration activities. This guide provides you with specific instructions, tips and inspirations for the use of Padlet at the University of Melbourne.
User guides
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Getting started with Padlet
Padlet is an online tool that supports virtual brainstorming, collation and collaboration activities. This guide provides you with specific instructions on how to access and use Padlet at the University of Melbourne.
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Padlet layout options
Different layouts and formats control the arrangements of posts on the wall. Read about suitable layout options listed by common activities and how to use Padlet walls for Zoom breakout group activities.
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Digital whiteboard and collaboration tool comparison guide
This guide is intended to help you identify the right digital whiteboard platform for your teaching and learning, or professional use scenarios.
Staff guides: PebblePad
What is PebblePad?
PebblePad is used to develop digital portfolios (ePortfolios) and curate and manage evidence of reflection, learning, assessment and professional development.
User guides
Introducing PebblePad
- PebblePad Workbooks vs Portfolios
- PebblePad supported learning and assessment activities
- Techniques for searching in PebblePad
Using PebblePad on your desktop
- The basics: A brief introduction to Pebble+ and ATLAS
- Creating assets, including portfolios
- Template builder
- Workbook builder
Using the PebblePad ATLAS assessment tool
- ATLAS: Assignments and deadlines
- ATLAS: Reporting
- ATLAS: Setting up a workspace
- Create PebblePad workbooks or other resources and provide them to students
- Grades and feedback in ATLAS
- Options for external assessors in PebblePad
- PebblePad and ATLAS rollover for a new teaching period
- Set up your PebblePad assignment through the LMS
- Using PebblePad as an external assessor
Staff guides: Pedestal 3D
What is Pedestal 3D?
Pedestal 3D is a 3D digital model hosting platform which allows registered users to upload 3D content and allows anyone to view, manipulate, and conduct analyses on uploaded models via their internet browser. Models hosted on Pedestal 3D can be embedded into LMS pages or shared via a URL.
Find out more about Pedestal 3D
User guides
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Getting started with Pedestal 3D
Pedestal 3D is a web-based 3D model hosting platform which allows registered users to upload 3D content, and allows anyone to view, manipulate, and conduct analyses on the uploaded models. This guide provides specific instructions on how to access and use Pedestal 3D at the University of Melbourne.
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3D model metadata guide
Preserving the metadata of 3D models is crucial for their future use, optimisation, and scholarly reuse, especially given the rapid advancements in computer-learning based analysis and processing capabilities. This guide outlines the retention of metadata for 3D models uploaded to Pedestal 3D, covering various 3D modelling methods.
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Uploading models to Pedestal 3D
For models to be visible on Pedestal 3D they must be uploaded to the platform by a registered user who is a publisher or administrator. If you wish to have new models uploaded to the platform, contact a faculty administrator about having an account made for you or uploading on your behalf.
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Using Pedestal 3D in teaching and assessment
Pedestal 3D allows object-based learning when direct access to objects in the University's collections is unavailable. This can be used to expand object-based learning and assessment.
Staff guides: Poll Everywhere
What is Poll Everywhere?
The University of Melbourne provides staff premium access to Poll Everywhere, an online tool that allows users to create and collect responses to activities. Activities can be activated and distributed in a live session and through the LMS.
Find out more about Poll Everywhere
User guides
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Getting started with Poll Everywhere
Poll Everywhere is an online tool that allows users to create and collect responses to activities. In a live session, responses can be collected by displaying a unique Poll Everywhere link belonging to the presenter.
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Poll Everywhere in the LMS
Staff can utilise various options to share and display activities and results created in Poll Everywhere with students in the LMS. Additionally, activity reports can be imported to the Gradebook for marking.
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Poll Everywhere for mobile devices
Install Poll Everywhere on your mobile device and use as another option for controlling activities during a live session.
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Poll Everywhere slideware plugins
Add Poll Everywhere activities to your PowerPoint, Keynote or Google Slide presentation for a more streamlined presentation.
Staff guides: Qualtrics
What is Qualtrics?
The University of Melbourne provides all staff and research students with access to Qualtrics Research Core, a powerful survey engine that allows users to easily create, design and distribute surveys for a variety of teaching, learning and research needs.
User guides
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Getting started with Qualtrics
Tips for using Qualtrics and resources to help staff create, distribute and analyse survey results.
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Qualtrics surveys: Anonymous and identifiable responses
Staff can utilise the LMS to distribute identified and anonymous surveys to students, and record results in the Grade Centre.
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Qualtrics surveys as LMS assignments
Qualtrics surveys can be used as a type of LMS assignment. This guide provides instructions on how to set up scoring in Qualtrics surveys and how to link a Qualtrics survey to an LMS assignment.
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Transferring Qualtrics survey scores to LMS gradebook
Staff using the scoring feature in Qualtrics who wish to record those results in the LMS will need to manually transfer the relevant score data into the LMS.
Staff guides: Readings Online
What is Readings Online?
Readings Online is a self-service tool which allows teaching staff to create and manage reading lists in the LMS and provide students with easy access. It has been designed to help teaching staff meet the University's copyright obligations when making copyright material available to students and also enables you to embed links to readings within the LMS.
Find out more about Readings Online
User guides
Staff guides: Stackle
What is Stackle?
Stackle is an online journaling tool that allows teaching staff to create reflective writing tasks that students complete within their LMS subjects.
User guides
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Getting started with Stackle
Stackle is a journalling tool that enables structured reflective writing tasks in the LMS. This guide shows how to connect your LMS subject to Stackle for the first time, create an activity, and add it to a Canvas LMS page.
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Creating a Learning Journal with Stackle
Stackle is a journaling tool that can be used to create a series of structured reflective writing tasks in the LMS.
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Using Stackle with assignments in the LMS
Using Stackle with Assignments in the LMS opens up additional features. You can give students feedback on their Stackle submissions using Speedgrader. If your LMS Assignment has a due date, it will appear in the students' to-do lists in the LMS.
Staff guides: UDOIT
What is UDOIT?
UDOIT is a tool for staff that helps make LMS subject content more accessible to students. Once enabled, it scans the subject, flags accessibility issues, and gives tips on how to fix them. UDOIT can also assist with turning Word docs and PDFs into Canvas Pages.
User guides
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Document conversion with UDOIT
UDOIT offers the ability to convert from popular file formats such as PDF and DOCX to Canvas LMS pages (HTML)
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LMS subject accessibility review with UDOIT
UDOIT can scan your subject content on the LMS, generate a list of accessibility issues and provide guidance on how to correct them.
Staff guides: Zoom
What is Zoom?
Zoom is a high quality video and audio online conferencing tool for desktops and smartphones. It’s ideal for online classes, meetings, special events, webinars, remote working and job interviews.
User guides
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Accessing the meeting attendance report
University staff can generate reports that show detailed information about the meetings and webinars they have created and hosted, including lists of attendees.
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Digital whiteboard and collaboration tool comparison guide
This guide is intended to help you identify the right digital whiteboard platform for your teaching and learning, or professional use scenarios.
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Recording, accessing and sharing Zoom recordings
Zoom can be useful tool for recording online sessions such as tutorials, seminars, interviews and discussions. With Cloud recording turned on, Zoom can automatically store recordings which can then be made available through Lecture Capture (EchoVideo). This guide details the process of setting up, recording, accessing, and sharing your Zoom recordings to students.
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Student privacy in Zoom
How can I best manage student privacy when recording online teaching sessions?
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Zoom and Lecture Capture (EchoVideo) integration
The University of Melbourne provides an integration between Zoom and Lecture Capture (EchoVideo) to simplify the recording and delivery of online teaching content.
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Zoom in the LMS
Zoom is a high-quality video and audio online conferencing tool. Staff can enable Zoom and manage online collaboration with students directly from their Canvas LMS subject.