Canvas’s Announcement tool is an excellent way for instructors to increase their presence in an online course. Unlike material incorporated into modules, announcements are timely notifications that can be used in a variety of ways. As the semester begins, think about how you might incorporate regular announcements to connect with students.
Announcements can let learners know about any changes to the course, remind them of upcoming assignments, or to reflect on the progress the class as a whole has made during the term. Try summarizing key points from that week’s discussion board or addressing commonly asked questions or frequently missed quiz answers. Actively posting announcements reminds learners that you are engaged in the course and demonstrates good communication strategies.
Spontaneous announcements can call attention to news events or current developments in the discipline that are relevant to students. You might also use them to address any problems with tools, textbooks, or assignments that arise.
Scheduled announcements can help to mark progress throughout the course. You might have an announcement that posts at the midterm point to link to an ungraded survey on how the course is going. Another helpful announcement to schedule ahead of time could remind students to complete the course evaluation or submit a final assignment.
However you choose to utilize announcements, try not to flood students with too much information. If they see an announcement every day, they are less likely to read each one. The most effective announcements do not repeat information already available in the Canvas course but make connections across course content and student interests.
Creating an Announcement
When you create an announcement, Canvas sends a message to all students enrolled in a course. Announcements by default also go to students’ emails; however, this depends on students’ notification settings which can be changed.
- In Course Navigation, click the Announcements link.
- Click the +Announcement button.
- Enter a title in the Topic Title box.
- Enter your text in the Rich Content Editor.
- Bonus: You can add links to course content, files, or images by using the Insert Content into the Page section.
- Bonus: You can choose which section of your course to post the Announcement to if you have cross-listed your sections into one course using the Post to section.
- Bonus: You can delay posting to a certain time to allow you to create announcements for the future.
- Click the Save button to post the announcement.
Deleting an Announcement
- In Course Navigation, click the Announcements link.
- Click the Options icon and click the Delete link.
- Click OK to confirm the deletion.
Displaying Announcements on your Home Page:
This will add your Announcements to the top of your Home Page, so learners can see them easily every time they come to the course site.
- Click on “Settings” in the Course Nav menu.
- Scroll all the way done to the bottom of the page and click “more options.”
- Check the box next to “Show recent announcements on Course home page.”
- From the drop-down menu labeled “Number of announcements shown on the homepage,” choose the number of announcements you would like to display, from 1-15.
- Click “Update Course Details” to save.
- If you have any current announcements, they will now show up on the Home Page. If not, the next one you create will automatically display.
Upcoming Events
Quick Hits: Utilizing New Quizzes in Canvas
September 4, 3:00-4:00 PM
This quick hit will cover getting started with New Quizzes in Canvas for beginners. Participants will learn how to build questions in New Quizzes, use item banks, and navigate the tool efficiently.
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Facilitated by Gray Jackson, Sr. Learning Tech Specialist.
Workshop Wednesday: Effective Canvas Organization and Course Design
September 10, 1:30-2:30 PM
“Workshop Wednesday: Effective Canvas Organization and Course Design” will be held on Wednesday, September 10, from 1:30-2:30 pm! Join this training to learn more about designing and organizing your Canvas course to be intuitive, consistent, and clear for all learners.
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Facilitated by Leslie Fuller, PhD, Digital Learning Strategist
Clemson Online Fall 2025 Events Calendar
Review our Fall 2025 Events Calendar to see what Online Instruction Development opportunities await!
We have a robust lineup of topics and live training formats to support your use of Canvas and other e-learning tools. Topics cover demonstrations of using Kaltura, engaging your students, and workshops to get your Canvas site ready to teach!
All of our live training is recorded. Registrants will automatically receive a link to that day’s video after it has been processed.
Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.
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