While rare, unexpected webpage outages can occur and the Canvas LMS is no exception. A few proactive steps can keep your course running smoothly. Here is how you can continue facilitating your classes during a Canvas outage.
Adjust Deadlines
Consider adjusting deadlines for assignments. This gives extra time and a bit of peace of mind while you and the students organize during the outage.
Communicate via Email
Let students know to email assignments to you or a TA if they cannot upload it to Canvas by the deadline. Email students in your class through the Student Information System (SIS). Use email to send assignment instructions that are only accessible via Canvas directly to your students. You can later submit those documents to Canvas later on.
Share a Folder for Course Materials
You can setup a folder in OneDrive to share documents and files with the class to allow them to upload for sharing as well.
3rd Party Tools May Still Work
If you use Gradescope, you and your students may still be able to submit and grade assignments using that platform by logging on to the Gradescope site directly using the JHU credentials. Panopto and Zoom should also be available.
Provide Alternatives
A good measure is to keep Word or PDF copies of any important assignments as a backup. Provide paper alternatives if Canvas quizzes were to be used to administer in-person exams.
You can provide an alternative for submitting assignments by creating an MS Form with file submissions and emailing students the form link.
Download the Canvas Gradebook (In Advance)
Consider downloading a copy of your Canvas gradebook so that you can work offline.
During an outage, look for updates at https://canvas.jhu.edu/. IT@JH will update the JHU Canvas status page as soon as it receives details from Instructure, the vendor who hosts Canvas. You can also contact the Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation ([email protected]) if you have questions or want to discuss alternative assessment arrangements.