Tech Tip: Canvas Profile

So, perhaps you are like me and have never bothered to mess with your Canvas profile. Today I went ahead and did some updating on it. I uploaded a picture of myself for the first time. I also created a bibliography for myself. If I had a personal website, I might have uploaded it, but this is my only site. Please don't blame me for not wanting to connect it to my canvas for classmates across all classes to see. Either way, this was a pretty easy little thing to do. I personally believe everyone should at least upload a photo so it is easier to look up classmates.

Tech Tip: Canvas Dashboard

Honestly, I have to say I like Canvas over the old D2L. I know I am not exactly in the majority for this, but it is so easy to use. The dashboard makes everything so convenient, with everything in the same place. At the start of every semester, I change the colors on my classes so they are all a variant of the same color. For example, this semester, I have it is varying shades of grey, and last semester, I had it in varying shades of blue. I do this so it looks nice but each class is still separate from each other. I don't know if people realize they can even change the color overlays or remove them on the dashboard. If you use the Canvas app, the dashboard will even show you the current grade you have in every class. I really appreciate this because my grades have me stressed all the time, so I like to be on top of them. Finally, you don't even need to have all your classes on your dashboard. Only care about one? Hide the others. I would never do that though, my anxiety forbids it. Or even change it so it just shows recent activity. Honestly, it is pretty versatile.

Tech Tip: Canvas Calendar

Okay, I am going to preface this post by saying that I am horrible at managing my time. I procrastinate at all times and cannot for the life of me do things when I am supposed to.

2018 Calendar from Pixabay

With that being said, I heavily rely on the Canvas calendar. I love how it tells me when things are due. Without it, I would forget to turn in assignments all the time. Every day, I check it on my phone using the Canvas Mobile App.

I also use it for some personal things. I put my own little events into it, so I don't forget to do things on my own time as well. I am in a sorority, so I often put my sorority's events into my Canvas calendar. This way, when I am looking at my to-do list to reduce my procrastinator's anxiety, I can also see the things I need to do outside of school. This constantly saves me. I don't know why I am so forgetful.

Outside of Canvas, I don't use any kind of planner or calendar. This is the peak of my organization. I know a lot of people benefit from using a physical planner, but this is the best bet for myself.

Tech Tip: Canvas Mobile App

Recently, I discovered that Canvas has an app! When OU used to use D2L, I think there was an app, but it was so horrible to use. I am glad to see, however, that the Canvas app is super easy to use. It works really well and I never have to worry that I am missing homework. I have been using it to constantly check my grades and look at any upcoming assignments. Having the app is great for when you are out with friends and you have that oh shit moment where you feel like you forgot to turn something in or read an assignment. This app makes it so you can look right then and there and get it figured out, rather than have to feel anxious all night (or even worse... look at Canvas in your phone's browser....yikes). Anyways, I would totally recommend downloading the Canvas app if you haven't. It has totally changed how I feel about the website in general. Even if you like D2L better, I think it is better to have a good website and good app rather than a great website and horrible app.