Module 1. Learning Canvas Tools

Customizing Settings and Navigation

Course Navigation is the list of links on the left side of the course page that you (and your students) use to access different parts of your course and access certain tools.

As an instructor, you control which links are visible to students. To do so, select Settings from the Course Navigation menu and then select the Navigation tab in the Settings page. Drag and drop items to re-order them or to hide them from students -- then make sure to hit Save at the bottom of the Settings page!

Navigation tab in settings page

It's possible for a tool to be used in a class but the link not to be visible to students. An example from this class is the Pages tool. Your Canvas Champion has access to it but you as a participant don't need it so it's disabled. The Settings link is never visible to students!

The best practice is to customize your course navigation to include only the links students will need to complete the course. If you're not using Collaborations or Conferences, for example, disable them from navigation so students can't see them. Too many choices cluttering your course navigation cause confusion and cognitive overload.

There are many other options on the Settings page. Look at Settings to see what we have available for you at Cal Poly Pomona. Our local system administrator can answer questions about the available items.

Canvas Guides

How do I use the Course Navigation Menu as an instructor?

How do I manage Course Navigation links?