Introducing Canvas: Important student information for the fall semester

Ohio University has begun the transition to Canvas, the new learning management system that is replacing Blackboard.

OHIO”s colleges are migrating to Canvas in phases, with your positive experience as a student being the top priority. We understand that transitioning to a new technology can be challenging, but we’re here to support you every step of the way.   

You might have classes being taught in various systems this fall. To find where your courses will be taught: 

1. Review your syllabus and look for communications from your instructor with instructions about which system to leverage for your class. 
2. You can also log in to Canvas at canvas.ohio.edu. (You may want to bookmark this link so it’s easy for you to find in the future.) If your courses appear on the Dashboard page or in the “Courses” tab in the left navigation menu, they’ll be taught in Canvas. 
3. If you can’t see your course in Canvas, visit blackboard.ohio.edu. Your instructor will open your course in Blackboard if this is the system of choice for your class.  
4. If you can’t locate your course, please contact your instructor for further information. 

Helpful tips for the fall semester

Canvas help

Canvas offers 24/7 support to OHIO students. Navigate to “Get Help” in the left navigation menu within Canvas to access live chat, call the hotline, or explore other instructional resources. 

Download the App

Canvas offers a great mobile app. Search “Canvas Student” in the Apple App or Google Play store. Additionally, you can access your Canvas course content through the Go OHIO app. 

Adjust Your Notifications

Canvas notifications function a bit differently than Blackboard notifications. By default, you won't receive email notifications for course announcements. Adjust your Canvas notifications to suit your preferences. 

Prepare for Canvas

If you want to learn more about Canvas, enroll in the Passport to Canvas (Student Orientation) course. This self-guided training will help you become familiar with Canvas before the semester begins. Or, join Canvas experts for a 1-hour workshop where we’ll explore Canvas as a student. You can attend in Alden Library room 319 or participate remotely. Workshops will be held Aug. 28, Sept. 5 and Sept. 11. 

A subset of OHIO students previewed Canvas during the spring 2024 semester and shared positive feedback. In the survey, 90% of students reported feeling comfortable using Canvas and most preferred it over Blackboard.  

OHIO is committed to providing technology that enhances the student experience. Throughout the fall semester, we’ll be holding student focus groups to gather feedback on how we can improve Canvas. Additionally, students can submit the anonymous Canvas feedback form to provide their suggestions at any point this semester.

If you have additional questions about Canvas, visit the Canvas Student Resources webpage or get help directly in Canvas.