Frequently Asked Questions
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If a course has implemented custom navigation links to the left-hand navigation menu, those links will not transfer over correctly if the course is copied/migrated in full to a new course shell.
It is advised that instructors use the Modules page to organize the bulk of their content and avoid using custom navigation links altogether. However, if custom navigation links are required, then be aware these will not transfer over correctly when you copy/migrate a site to a new shell. You will need to recreate them.
In some cases, you might want to add a custom link from the course menu on the left side of your course site. You can do so with the Redirect Tool.
Note that student surveys reveal that custom links are confusing and contribute to frustrating inconsistencies between Canvas sites. Please consider using Modules and our brief guide to Organizing Content. Note also that links generated with the redirect tool:
- Do not work well in the Canvas mobile applications.
- Will not work after importing from another/a previous course site.
To add a custom link:
- Navigate to your course settings by clicking on the Settings button in your course navigation menu.
- Click on the App tab. Either look for the blue arrow icon, or search for the Redirect Tool, and then click on the blue arrow.
- After clicking on the blue arrow, fill out the Add App prompt and click Add App to confirm.
Name: The title of the link as it will appear in the menu.
URL Redirect: The URL of the link you'd like to add.
Checkboxes: If the link is to a different site, check "Force open in new tab" and uncheck all others. If the link is to a page in your Canvas site do the opposite: uncheck "Force open in a new tab" and check all three navigation options.
SensusAccess Convert a File is a tool within Canvas that converts course materials into alternative formats. Students and staff can convert files housed on the Canvas site, as well as entire Canvas pages including assignments, announcements, and any other content created using the Rich Content Editor.
The following materials can be converted:
Canvas pages, .DOC, .DOCX, .PDF, .PPT, .PPTX, .TXT, .XML, .HTML, .HTM, .RTF, .EPUB, .MOBI, .TIFF, .TIF, .GIF, .JPG, .JPEG, .BMP, .PNG, .PCX, .DCX, .J2K, .JP2, .JPX, .DJV, .TEX, .ZIP and .ASC
These materials can be converted into the following, and some conversions have optional parameters for accessibility:
- .docx file (Word Document).
- Tagged PDF.
- .txt file.
- MP3 (Multiple languages and speeds).
- E-book (EPUB or MOBI).
- Digital Braille
Please consult our Guide to SensusAccess - Convert a File (PDF) for more information.
"400 Bad Request" errors can be solved by clearing cache and cookies. The cause is very difficult to identify and will differ from user to user. Anecdotal information leads us to believe Chrome is more susceptible to these errors and may be connected to extensions installed, and the length of the current browser session. If you are experiencing this issue often, you could consider trying a different browser such as Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
The first stop for any teaching fellows/assistants looking to get on Canvas should be the Human Resources Office to ensure you have completed your paperwork to be hired and verify your appointment to the specific class. Once you are hired, HR will add you to the appropriate course in my.Harvard. That information will then be automatically updated in Canvas.
Please contact HR in the first instance if you do have access to your course in Canvas.
Check the workflow here: HGSE Teaching Fellow Resource Site (harvard.edu)