LMS and learning technology guides and resources
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
Announcements
Assignments
- Anonymous grading
- Assessment literacy tool
- FeedbackFruits in the LMS
- How do I add an assignment 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?
- Turnitin AI Writing Detection Tool advice for staff (staff only)
- Turnitin assignments and Similarity Reports
- Turnitin Similarity Reports for non-graduate research students (staff only)
- Video assignments
- What assignment types can I create?
Calendar
Communication and collaboration
- Blogs in the LMS
- How do I create a Microsoft Office 365 collaboration as an instructor?
- How do I use the Inbox?
- Journals 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?
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
- H5P in the LMS
- How do I add and modify text?
- 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?
- Reducing file size
- SCORM in Canvas
Exam support
- Communicating exam details to your students
- Importing the academic integrity module from Commons into your subject
- Setting up practice digital exams
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 view assignments or students individually in the Gradebook?
- Managing online marking for digital exams
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
New analytics
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
- How do I add a rubric to an assignment?
- How do I add a rubric to a graded discussion?
- How do I add a rubric to a quiz?
- How do I manage rubrics in a subject?
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 overview
User management
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: 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.
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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A comparison of the digital assessment types available for off-campus digital open book exams
Exams scheduled with the Exams Office are provided as four different digital assessment options. Staff login required
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A comparison of the on-campus assessment options available for supervised exams
Exams scheduled with the Exams Office are provided as four different digital assessment options. Staff login required
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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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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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LMS Assignments with 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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On-campus written exams with Gradescope scans
This exam option is recommended for subjects where a handwritten response is an assessment requirement.
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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.
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How to set up a group assignment in Gradescope
When Group Submissions are enabled, students will be able to add group members to their submission. Instructors can set a limit for the maximum number of students that can be in a group. The same grade will be applied to all members of a group when grades are published to the LMS Gradebook.
Staff guides: Kaltura
What is Kaltura?
Kaltura is a Video Management System (VMS) which can be used by staff to create videos and share with students directly through the LMS. Upload, manage, embed, and curate libraries of videos all within your Canvas subject site.
User guides
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Automatic transcription services
Lecture Capture and Kaltura both provide an automatic transcription service. The transcript will become available approximately 30 minutes after a recording has been made available.
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Kaltura - Embed videos in Canvas LMS
This guide outlines how to embed Kaltura videos within pages in Canvas LMS.
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Kaltura - Manage media in Canvas LMS
Managing media with Kaltura.
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Kaltura – MediaSpace
MediaSpace is a media hosting and sharing platform internal to the University that enables staff to upload, create/curate media content. Collaborate with colleagues, create playlists, share and distribute your media across the entire University.
Staff guides: Lecture Capture
What is Lecture Capture?
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.
Find out more about Lecture Capture
User guides
Basics
- Getting started with Lecture Capture
- Booking and accessing public seminars and events
- Managing recordings
- Embed and link to Lecture Capture in the LMS
- Embed a Lecture Capture recording in your LMS page
- Edit a video in Lecture Capture
- Opt-out process
- Lecture Capture practice guidelines
Features and tools
- Analytics guide
- Automatic transcription services
- Browser Capture
- Confusion Flags
- Presentations, interactive activities and embedded media
- Q&A discussions
Live streaming lectures
Recording live and remote lectures
Staff guides: Microsoft Teams
What is Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams is a software application that can be used to communicate and collaborate with others on a shared project or assignment.
Find out more about Microsoft Teams
User guides
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Getting started with Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams allows both staff and students to work with others on a project with a shared workspace. Create a team or use a template to get started.
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Microsoft Teams in the LMS
An integration is available allowing staff to create Teams meetings in Canvas and share these with students as an alternative to Zoom for one-on-one or small consultations.
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.
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
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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.
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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Poll Everywhere - Getting started
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: 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: 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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Qualtrics - Getting started
Tips for using Qualtrics and resources to help staff create, distribute and analyse survey results.
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Qualtrics and the LMS
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. The assignment provides students with a direct link to the Qualtrics survey from the LMS and allows Qualtrics calculated scores to be saved to the LMS gradebook. Full details of student responses can be reviewed and downloaded from the Qualtrics survey. This guide outlines how to set up scoring in Qualtrics surveys and how to link a Qualtrics survey to an LMS assignment.
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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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.
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Tracking attendance in Zoom
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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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
Zoom meetings recorded and auto-uploaded to Lecture Capture for Instructors and Teaching Assistants.
Dual-delivery support resources
What is dual delivery?
Dual-delivery subjects are subjects that are taught in two modes: blended delivery (online and campus-based) for students who can attend campus, and entirely online delivery for students who cannot attend campus.
Find out more about dual delivery
User guides
Teaching dual delivery
- Blended synchronous learning quick start guide
- Advanced tips for blended synchronous sessions
- Blended synchronous learning (BSL) enabled spaces list
- Designing alternatives to campus-based learning activities for remote students in dual-delivery subjects
- Facilitating blended synchronous learning
- Video guide: Learning and teaching advice for BSL sessions
Using the equipment
Online learning advice and resources
Learning Environments has expanded our range of advice and resources to support staff in the transition to online teaching and learning. The following resources are available from our related support websites.
Resources for moving online
Guidance on moving tutorials and lectures online, creating videos for online learning, and how to establish a sense of community online.
- How do I deliver my lecture online?
- How do I deliver my tutorial online?
- How do I check in with my students to see how they are going?
- How do I record, edit and upload video and audio?
Implementing online learning quality
Guides with some straightforward options to implement or improve online learning quality including weekly videos, discussions, synchronous events and embedded quizzes.
- View the 10 options
- Seven ways to improve students’ online learning experiences in your subject
- Seven practices to avoid in online teaching and learning
- Learning Environments TEL (technology enhanced learning) framework
Digital exam options for end of semester
Step-by-step guides on how to set up each of the end of semester exam options in the LMS. Staff login required to access these guides.
Digital assessment options during semester
Practice-based advice on how to achieve assessment goals from a variety of assessment approaches. .
Video production
Guides to assist staff when self-producing video content.