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Canvas

to Canvas
Last updated on 9 October 2023
Learn how to get started with Canvas, how to use the different functions when studying, and find frequently asked questions here.

Getting started with Canvas

  • Supported browsers

    Because Canvas is built using web standards, it runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser. Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser. Click here for a full list of supported browsers.

  • Mobile

    Most Canvas features are supported on mobile devices. Mobile apps are also freely available for both smartphones and tablets. 

  • Logging in

    Users with a VUnetID:

    • Go to https://vu.nl/en/dashboard
    • Login with your VUnetID and password
    • Click on the Canvas tile on your personal vu.nl dashboard to enter Canvas. If you don't see the tile, click on "All apps" under "Apps and pages." There you will find all your apps, including Canvas.

    Note: you can also access Canvas directly by going to canvas.vu.nl and logging in with your VUnetID and password.

    Users without a VUnetID:

    Note: if you do not remember your username or password or if you want to reset it, find how to do it futher down this page in our FAQ.

  • Dashboard

    The Dashboard is the first thing you will see when you log into Canvas. The Dashboard helps you see what is happening in all your current courses. You can return to your Dashboard at any time by clicking the Dashboard link in Global Navigation.

  • Courses

    By clicking on "Courses" in the Global Navigation on the left side of the screen and then on "All courses", you can see a list of all the courses in which you are enrolled. Please be aware that enrolling in courses is done in your personal Dashboard in vu.nl and not in Canvas!

    Note: in your list of all courses you are able to 'star' your courses. All starred courses will automatically be shown on the Dashboard for easy access.

  • Profile and other settings

    Profiles allows you to update your name, preferred contact methods, and any personal links for your account. You can customize your notification settings there.

    Note: you can only receive notifications in your email, if you validate your email address in Canvas. To validate your email address, you have to take the following steps:

    1. In the Global Navigation Menu, click Account and click Settings.
    2. If there is an exclamation mark next to your email address, then your email address is not yet verified. Hover over this sign to get information and follow the instructions.
    3. A confirmation link will be sent to your email address. To confirm your email address, click the link in that email. Make sure to check your spam box in case it got filtered.

Canvas Fundamentals

  • Immersive reader

    The immersive reader is a set of tools that promote accessibility and comprehension for learners of all abilities. It contains a readspeaker, simpler interface, adjustable text preferences and a line focus functionality.

    To access the immersive reader on a Canvas page click the button on the upright corner.

    More information on how to use the immersive reader can be found here.

  • Assignments

    In Canvas there are multiple ways in which an assignment can be submitted, depending on how your instructor configured the assignment in Canvas. 

    Canvas assignment

    Google Drive cloud assignment

    Read about submitting a Google Drive cloud assignment.

    NB: Since mid September 2017 everyone at VU Amsterdam has a VU Google account (your account name is your VU or ACTA email address). Always make sure you are using your VU Google account - and not your personal account - when using Google Drive in Canvas. Click here for a step by step instruction on how to do this.

  • Chat

    The Chat feature is for real-time communication with your instructor and/or classmates. Chat can be used for real-time conversation with course users. Any user in the course can participate in a chat conversation. All content in a course chat can be viewed by anyone in the course. Note: If you cannot see the Chat tab in your course, your instructor has restricted this feature.

  • Calendar

    Your Calendar in Canvas shows all your courses and groups. The Calendar is a great way to view everything you have to do for all your courses in one place. Here you can for example also find deadlines for your assignments. You can view calendar events by day, week, month, or as an agenda list. You can also export your Calendar content to your phone's calendar app. Note: keep in mind that the Calendar is not synchronized with your personal schedule on vu.nl. Your personal schedule can be found on your personal dashboard on vu.nl and at rooster.vu.nl. Only use the Calendar for created assignments and events within Canvas. 

  • Collaborations

    You can use Google Drive to create a collaboration with a Google Document, Spreadsheet, or Presentation. You can select individual users, groups, or both as part of a collaboration.

    NB: Since mid September 2017 everyone at VU Amsterdam has a VU Google account (your account name is your VU or ACTA email address). Always make sure you are using your VU Google account - and not your personal account - when using Google Drive in Canvas. Click here for a step by step instruction on how to do this. Note: If you cannot see the Collaborations tab in your course, your instructor has restricted this feature.

  • Discussion

    Both instructors and students can start and contribute to discussions in Canvas.

  • Files

    The Files feature is where you can keep documents and media files that are either independent of course sites or course-related. As a student, Files allows you to store files and assignments within Canvas. You can upload one or multiple files, view all details about your files, and preview files. 

    You may have access to files (documents, images, media, etc.) in three different feature areas:

    1. User files, located in your user account
    2. Course files, located in each course where you are enrolled (if your instructor allows you to view Course Files)
    3. Group files, located in each group where you are a member

  • Grades

    The Grades page in a course displays all grades for all course assignments. You can also view scoring details, comments, and rubrics. To see grades, while you are in the course site, click Grades in the left-hand navigation. View the scoring details for an assignment by clicking the checkmark icon. If there are comments, click the bubble icon to view. Note: be aware that your official, final grades can be found on your personal dashboard on vu.nl. 

  • People en Groups

    Groups are a great way to share files, conduct discussions, and even video conference between team members.

    As a student, you can create your own Student Groups for study groups, to discuss an assignment, etc. You can be part of more than one student group. Note: If you cannot see the People tab in your course, or if you cannot see the Add Group button, your instructor has restricted this feature.

  • Pages

    The Pages feature enables teachers and students to order information or other content. You can for also use this function of Pages to collaborate with other students in Groups. To add a page, click Pages in the left-hand navigation, click View All Pages, and click + Page.

  • Quizzes

    Take a Quiz to test your knowledge of the material in a course.

  • Canvas Guides

    Of course there are many more possibilities and functionalities in Canvas than those listed above. The Canvas Guides contain a lot of explanatory documents and videos on all Canvas features, created by the Canvas Documentation Team. Click on the Help button at the bottom of the Global Navigation Menu on the left side of your screen (in Canvas). There you will find the Canvas website, where you can also find the Canvas Guides for students. You can also click here to go to the student Canvas Guides directly.

Canvas FAQ

Questions about Course Content?

For questions about course content, please contact your instructor. 

Questions about Canvas functionalities?

Click on the Help button at the bottom of the Global Navigation Menu on the left side of your screen. There you will find the Canvas website, where you can also find the Canvas Guides for students. The Canvas Guides contain a lot of explanatory documents and videos, created by the Canvas Documentation Team. You can also click here to go to the Canvas Guides for students directly.

Student Desk

If none of the options above answered your question(s) please contact the VU Student Desk: 

Address: De Boelelaan 1105, central hall, 1081 HV Amsterdam

Telephone: + 31 20 598 5020 (please have your student number ready)     

Available by phone from Monday till Friday from 10.30 till 12.30 and 14.00 till 16.00

Opening hours student desk

Monday till Friday from 10.30 till 17.00 

Email: studentdesk@vu.nl (please quote your name and student number)

View the rest of the Digital Student Guide

Digital Student Guide