Lindenwood University students and instructors use Lindenwood Canvas as their main learning management system for classes, assignments, and messaging. Yet moving through Canvas can become slow and frustrating if you do not know the shortcuts. Whether you are logging in for the first time or returning after a break, these straightforward pointers will help you make sense of the platform quickly.
1. Learn the Dashboard Inside and Out
Your dashboard is the home screen you see right after you log in. It shows all your active courses, new announcements, and deadlines that are just around the corner. To keep that view focused and useful:
● Pin courses that you access daily by clicking the three-dot menu next to the class and choosing Pin.
● Give each course its own color by picking Change color in the same menu so you can spot them at a glance.
● Hide old or completed classes by selecting Unpin or Move to inactive courses and cutting down on visual noise.
2. Master the Global Navigation Menu
The vertical bar on the left side of the screen gives you speedy links to the tools you use most:
● Courses: Browse every class you are enrolled in.
● Calendar: See due dates and scheduled events side by side.
● Inbox: Message instructors and peers without leaving the system.
● Grades: Monitor scores and progress for each course.
For even quicker access, bookmark this menu in your web browser so it opens with a single click.
3. Master the Calendar and To-Do List
Every deadline in your Lindenwood courses appears in the built-in Canvas calendar. To make it a true planner, do the following:
● Assign a unique color to each class so tasks stand out at a glance.
● Export the entire calendar to Google Calendar or Outlook for pop-up reminders.
● Check the To-Do List in the right sidebar and drag items to the top according to urgency.
4. Set Up Notifications
Missing a deadline or announcement feels awful, so adjust notifications early:
● In the main menu, choose Account, then Notifications.
● Decide whether alerts land in your inbox, by text message, or as a push alert on your phone.
● Turn on messages for new grades, course announcements, and due dates.
5. Utilize Keyboard Shortcuts
Once you memorize a few key strokes, moving through the site takes seconds:
● Press ? at any time to pull up the full shortcut list.
● Tap G + C to dive straight to the Courses page.
● Hit G + A to open the calendar without hunting through menus.
6. Download the Canvas Student App
The Canvas Student app keeps your courses in your pocket. Inside you can:
● Upload photos or files and turn in assignments from anywhere.
● Get instant buzzes when a grade posts or a teacher writes you.
● Check scores and instructor feedback on previous work.
Grab the app from the App Store or Google Play and stay connected away from your laptop.
7. Bookmark Frequently Used Pages
If one lecture site, reading list, or discussion board is a regular stop, save it as a browser bookmark. That small step cuts out the extra clicks through Lindenwoods menus and saves time every day.
Conclusion
Applying the strategies outlined above will help you move through Lindenwood Canvas more swiftly and devote greater attention to actual learning. Whether you personalize the dashboard or master keyboard shortcuts, each adjustment incrementally boosts overall efficiency. Put these tips into practice today to derive maximum value from every visit to the platform.
When your workflow is streamlined, you spend less time hunting for information and more time achieving success in your courses. Best wishes on your journey through Canvas!
