0% found this document useful (0 votes)
191 views

Canvas Instructor Guide BigBlueButton

Conferences in Canvas allow instructors to conduct synchronous online lectures, office hours, and meetings. They support up to 50 participants and integrate with BigBlueButton for real-time audio, video, screen sharing, and chat. Instructors can create new conferences, record conferences for later viewing, and manage both upcoming and concluded conferences.

Uploaded by

Judson Borges
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
191 views

Canvas Instructor Guide BigBlueButton

Conferences in Canvas allow instructors to conduct synchronous online lectures, office hours, and meetings. They support up to 50 participants and integrate with BigBlueButton for real-time audio, video, screen sharing, and chat. Instructors can create new conferences, record conferences for later viewing, and manage both upcoming and concluded conferences.

Uploaded by

Judson Borges
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 88

Canvas Instructor Guide

Conferences

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 443

Canvas Instructor Guide

What are Conferences for instructors?


Canvas recently introduced a new page design called the New Canvas User Interface (UI). Depending on your
Canvas view, your page design may vary from the images shown in this lesson. However, the functionality and
location of the components remain the same.
Conferences are primarily used for virtual lectures, virtual office hours, and student groups. They can also be used
to demonstrate technologies or troubleshoot technology issues online. Conferences can accommodate up to 50
people.

View Conferences

Conferences makes it easy to conduct synchronous (real-time) lectures for all of the students in your course. Conferences
allows you to broadcast real-time audio, video, demo applications on your desktop, share presentation slides, or demo any
online resources. Currently, Canvas integrates with BigBlueButton.
Note: BigBlueButton can accommodate approximately 50 users in a conference at one time. A conference will remain active
on Big Blue Button as long as one person is part of the conference room. When the last person leaves, the conference will
conclude and all files and chats will be removed.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 444

Canvas Instructor Guide

When would I use Conferences?

Use Conferences to:

Connect with your students for online office hours or special study sessions designed to help them prepare for a test.
Connect with your colleagues for professional development webinars.
Practice presenting online. Students can set up practice presentations in their student Groups.
Invite special guests to your classroom by adding them as a student or observer to your course.
Broadcast a live event or lecture to the students that can't be onsite.
Record your conferences so students can view them at a later date. Note: Recordings are automatically deleted 14
days after the conference ends.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 445

Canvas Instructor Guide

How do I use the Conference Index Page?

Conferences are grouped in two parts: New Conferences [1] and Concluded Conferences [2]. Both always display the name [3]
and the description [4] of the conference.
Note: Students can only view conferences to which they have been invited.
New Conferences

New Conferences are either ready to start [1], or in progress [2] where invited participants can join.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 446

Canvas Instructor Guide

Note: Students cannot join a conference until you have started it.
Concluded Conferences

Once a conference has ended, it will be displayed in Concluded conferences. Concluded conferences show the date of the
conference [1].
For recorded conferences, Canvas displays the length of the conference [2]. The length of the conference is indicated in
hours:minutes (e.g. 0:18 is 18 minutes).
The View button will not appear until the conference has been rendered for playback. Depending on the length of your
conference, this process may take several hours [3].
Note: Recordings are automatically deleted 14 days after the conference ends.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 447

Canvas Instructor Guide

How do I create a Conference?


Canvas recently introduced a new page design called the New Canvas User Interface (UI). Depending on your
Canvas view, your page design may vary from the images shown in this lesson. However, the functionality and
location of the components remain the same.
You can create a conference in a course to hold virtual office hours and speakers. Although you cannot send out
invitations to the conference until it begins, you can create course events on the Calendar to indicate an upcoming
conference.
Conferences can accommodate up to 50 people. You can create multiple conferences, which are listed in
chronological order by the date they were created. The most recently created conference will appear at the top of
the list.

Open Conferences

In Course Navigation, click the Conferences link.

Create New Conference

Click the New Conference button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 448

Canvas Instructor Guide

Add Conference Details

To create a new conference, type a name for the conference in the name field [1].
If you want to set a time limit on how long invited members are able to join the conference, enter the number of minutes in the
duration field [2]. The time limit will begin when the presenter starts the conference. Once the duration has expired, new
participants will be unable to join and the conference will continue until the last person leaves the conference room or the
conference organizer concludes the conference.
If you want to enable recording options for this conference, select the Enable recording for this conference checkbox [3].
If you don't want to set a time limit for the conference, you can create a long-running conference by selecting the No time
limit (for long-running conferences) checkbox [4].
To create a description of your conference, type a description in the description field [5].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 449

Canvas Instructor Guide

Invite Course Members

By default, all members in the course will be invited to the conference. If you want to select specific members of your course,
deselect the Invite All Course Members checkbox.
Note: Conferences can accommodate up to 50 people. If your course contains more than 50 people, you will have to invite
course members individually.
Select Individual Members

Select the checkbox(es) for the individual member(s) you would like to invite.

Update Conference

To save the conference settings, click the Update button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 450

Canvas Instructor Guide

View Conference

View your created conference.

How do I create a long-running Conference?


Canvas recently introduced a new page design called the New Canvas User Interface (UI). Depending on your
Canvas view, your page design may vary from the images shown in this lesson. However, the functionality and
location of the components remain the same.
Long-running conferences can be used in multiple ways. You can use conferences as a place for users to interact
with other users, or you can show your presentation slides to the class and speak with them at the same time.
Long-running conferences do not include a time limit.

Open Conferences

In Course Navigation, click the Conferences link.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 451

Canvas Instructor Guide

Create New Conference

Click the New Conference button.

Create Long-Running Conference

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 452

Canvas Instructor Guide

While completing the details for the conference, click the No time limit (for long-running conferences) checkbox. (This option
will remove the time limit in the Duration field.)

Update Conference

Click the Update button.

View Conference

View your created conference.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 453

Canvas Instructor Guide

How do I delete a Conference?


Canvas recently introduced a new page design called the New Canvas User Interface (UI). Depending on your
Canvas view, your page design may vary from the images shown in this lesson. However, the functionality and
location of the components remain the same.
You can delete new and concluded conferences. Deleting a concluded conference also immediately removes the
conference from the server, in addition to all associated recordings.

Open Conferences

In Course Navigation, click the Conferences link.

Delete Conference

Click the Settings icon [1] and click the Delete link [2].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 454

Canvas Instructor Guide

Confirm Deletion

Click the OK button.

How do I edit a Conference?


Canvas recently introduced a new page design called the New Canvas User Interface (UI). Depending on your
Canvas view, your page design may vary from the images shown in this lesson. However, the functionality and
location of the components remain the same.
You can edit the settings of a Conference in your course.
Note: When a conference has been recorded and the conference is concluded, you cannot edit the conference
recording.

Open Conferences

In Course Navigation, click the Conferences link.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 455

Canvas Instructor Guide

Edit Conference

Click the conference you want to edit. Click the Settings icon [1] and click the Edit link [2].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 456

Canvas Instructor Guide

Edit Conference Details

Edit the fields you'd like to change.

Update Conference

Click the Update button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 457

Canvas Instructor Guide

View Conference

View the updated Conference.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 458

Canvas Instructor Guide

How do I record a Conference?


Canvas recently introduced a new page design called the New Canvas User Interface (UI). Depending on your
Canvas view, your page design may vary from the images shown in this lesson. However, the functionality and
location of the components remain the same.
When you are creating a new conference, you can choose to record your conference to view at a later date.
As a moderator, you have improved functionality and control for recording conferences. Instead of starting the
recording immediately after the first user has joined, conferences includes a start/stop button so you can control
the length of the recording. After the conference has concluded, the recorded segments will be published as one
recording.
Recording Restrictions
When creating your conference, you must select the record option to record the conference. However,
you can choose to record your conference at any time by editing the conference settings.
Canvas' standard recording feature will store your recordings in Conferences for 14 days and then remove
them automatically.
Recorded conferences cannot be downloaded.

For alternative storage and download options, contact BigBlueButton to set up a hosting account.

Open Conferences

In Course Navigation, click the Conferences link.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 459

Canvas Instructor Guide

Create New Conference

Click the New Conference button.

Enable Recording

To turn on the options for recording within the conference, select the Enable recording for this conference checkbox.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 460

Canvas Instructor Guide

Update Conference

Click the Update button.

Start Conference

Next to the conference you want to record, click the Start button.
View Record Notification

After joining the conference and setting up your microphone, you'll see a reminder notifying you that you can record the
meeting. Click the OK button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 461

Canvas Instructor Guide

Start/Stop Recording

To start recording, click the recording button [1] in the title bar to begin/end recording. A prompt will appear confirming that the
recording will start. Click Yes to begin recording. The recording button will display a red dot and green checkmark to indicate
the conference is being recorded. Also, a recording notification [2] will appear in the title bar. To stop recording, click the
recording button again. The recording button [3] will display a black dot and no checkmark to indicate the conference is no
longer being recorded.
When you start or stop a recording, you'll always be prompted to confirm the action.

View Recorded Conference

When your conference has concluded, click the name of the recorded conference [1]. When the conference expands, click the
View button [2] to replay your conference.
Note: The View button will not appear until the conference has been rendered for playback. Depending on the length of your
conference, this process may take several hours.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 462

Canvas Instructor Guide

How do I start a Conference?


Canvas recently introduced a new page design called the New Canvas User Interface (UI). Depending on your
Canvas view, your page design may vary from the images shown in this lesson. However, the functionality and
location of the components remain the same.
You can start conferences that you have created for your course.

Open Conferences

In Course Navigation, click the Conferences link.

Start Conference

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 463

Canvas Instructor Guide

Next to the conference you want to start, click the Start button.

Join the Audio

Before joining a conference, you will be asked how you want to join the conference audio: via microphone or listen only.
Listen Only allows users to quickly join the conference as a listener only (no microphone check). You will be able to change
your audio preference once you've joined the conference.
Learn more about how to set up your audio.
Allow Chrome Microphone Permissions

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 464

Canvas Instructor Guide

If you are using Chrome, you will have to accept a Chrome-specific permission for access to your microphone. This prompt is
just below the address bar. Click the Allow button.
Allow Firefox Microphone Permissions

If you are using Firefox, you will have to accept a Firefox-specific permission to access your microphone. Choose your
microphone from the Microphone to share drop-drown menu [1] and click the Share Selected Device button [2].
Note: If you don't see the list of microphones, click the microphone icon [3] to the left of the address bar.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 465

Canvas Instructor Guide

Test Audio

For the best audio experience, use a headset with a microphone. To ensure your audio is working correctly, complete the
private audio echo test. Speak a few words and if you hear audio, click the Yes button [1]. To choose a different microphone
and repeat the audio test, click the No button [2]. If you need help with your hardware, click the Question Mark icon [3].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 466

Canvas Instructor Guide

Accept Adobe Flash Player Settings

To use Conferences, you must give Adobe Flash Player access to your camera and microphone settings. Click the Allow
button.
Note: Users of Internet Explorer and Safari will continue to participate with existing Flash-based audio.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 467

Canvas Instructor Guide

View Conference

View the conference.


Learn how to use the conference interface.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 468

Canvas Instructor Guide

How do I use the Conference interface?


Canvas recently introduced a new page design called the New Canvas User Interface (UI). Depending on your
Canvas view, your page design may vary from the images shown in this lesson. However, the functionality and
location of the components remain the same.
Once you have started a conference, you will use the Conferences interface to participate in the course
conference. This lesson shows you how to use the Conferences interface. Conferences uses web real-time
communications (WebRTC) audio for users of Firefox and Chrome.
To read more about Big Blue Button, visit the Big Blue Button website.

Open Conferences

In Course Navigation, click the Conferences link.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 469

Canvas Instructor Guide

Start Conference

Click the Start button next to your desired conference.

Join the Audio

Before joining a conference, you will be asked how you want to join the conference audio: via microphone or listen only.
Listen Only allows users to quickly join the conference as a listener only (no microphone check). You will be able to change
your audio preference once you've joined the conference.
Learn more about how to set up your audio.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 470

Canvas Instructor Guide

Chrome Microphone Permissions

If you are using Chrome, you will have to accept a Chrome-specific permission for access to your microphone. This prompt is
just below the address bar. Click the Allow button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 471

Canvas Instructor Guide

Firefox Microphone Permissions

If you are using Firefox, you will have to accept a Firefox-specific permission to access your microphone. Choose your
microphone from the Microphone to share drop-drown menu [1] and click the Share Selected Device button [2].
Note: If you don't see the list of microphones, click the microphone icon [3] to the left of the address bar.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 472

Canvas Instructor Guide

Audio Test

It is recommended that you use a headset with a microphone for best audio experience. To ensure your audio is working
correctly, complete the private audio echo test. Speak a few words and if you hear audio, click the Yes button [1]. To choose a
different microphone and repeat the audio test, click the No button [2]. If you need help with your hardware, click the
Question Mark icon [3].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 473

Canvas Instructor Guide

Accept Adobe Flash Player Settings

To use Conferences, you must give Adobe Flash Player access to your camera and microphone settings. Click the Allow
button.
Note: Users of Internet Explorer and Safari will continue to participate with existing Flash-based audio.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 474

Canvas Instructor Guide

Use Conference Interface

The conference interface contains a variety of tools to help you moderate your presentation. Each area of the interface is
created within its own window and can be resized.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 475

Canvas Instructor Guide

Record Conference

Moderators have improved functionality and control for recording conferences. Instead of starting the recording immediately
after the first user has joined, conferences includes a start/stop button so moderators can control the length of the recording.
After the conference session is over, the recorded segments will be published as one recording.
After joining the conference and setting up your microphone, moderators receive a reminder notifying them that they can
record the meeting, but they must click the recording button to start the recording.
Note: You must select the record option when creating your conference in order to see the recording button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 476

Canvas Instructor Guide

View Participants

The Users panel [1] displays the users in the conference. To locate the presenter/moderator, look for the presentation icon
next to their name. When you are the presenter/moderator, you can switch the Presenter by highlighting the name of a user in
the User list and clicking the Change Presenter button [2].
You can mute or unmute yourself, and if you are the moderator/presenter, you can mute everyone [3]. You can also kick a
listener out of the conference by hovering over the listener's name and selecting the x that appears to the right [4]. The lock
icon [5] indicates the moderator has locked viewers from accessing certain features.

User Settings

At the bottom of the Users panel, click the user settings icon [1] to Clear all status icons, Mute All Users, Mute All Users Except
Presenter, or Lock Viewers.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 477

Canvas Instructor Guide

Lock Viewers

Moderators have the ability to lock (restrict) viewers from having the following features:

Webcam
Microphone
Public Chat
Private Chat
Layout

This functionality helps moderators control the conference environment, such as locking private chat to prevent students from
collaborating during a test.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 478

Canvas Instructor Guide

Sharing Media Tools

In the left corner of the title bar, you can share your desktop [1], join/leave audio [2], share your video (webcam) [3], record
conference [4], and mute or unmute yourself [5].
Note: Desktop sharing is not currently supported on Chrome running under Mac OS X. It is recommended you use Firefox to
share your desktop.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 479

Canvas Instructor Guide

Sharing Presentation Tools

At the bottom of the viewing window, you have several options for your presentation.
To add files to your presentation, click the Upload Presentation icon [1].
To gather feedback during your presentation, click the Start a Poll icon [2].
To advance or back up your presentation, click the arrow keys [3]. The number between the keys indicates the
number of slides in your presentation.
To increase the viewing size of your presentation, use your mouse to drag the triangle along the percentage scale
[4].
To make your presentation fit to the width of the viewing window (height will remain proportionate), click the fit to
width icon [5].
To make your presentation fit the entire page within the viewing window, click the fit to page icon [6].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 480

Canvas Instructor Guide

To show the whiteboard tools, hover your mouse over the various annotation icons [7].

Chat Window

The Chat window contains the welcome message [1] for the conference and contains all the chat messages throughout the
conference.
You can chat with all of the participants in the conference by typing text in the Chat window [2]. To start a private chat with
another participant, click the Options tab [3].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 481

Canvas Instructor Guide

Languages

To change the language of the interface, click the language drop-down menu at the bottom of the screen.

Choose Layout

To choose from a number of preset layouts, click the Default Layout drop-down menu to select the layout you want to use.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 482

Canvas Instructor Guide

Resize Conference Windows

Each window within the interface is independent of the others. You can resize the windows to personalize your viewing
experience. To change the size of a window, hover over the edge of a window until the cursor becomes a double arrow, then
click and drag to your desired size.

Log Out

To leave the conference, click the log out button or close your browser tab or window.
Note: Unless you set up a long-running conference, the conference will end automatically once the last user has logged out of
the conference. It may take a few minutes for the Conferences page to reflect that the conference has concluded.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 483

Canvas Instructor Guide

How do I join a Conference that has already started?


Canvas recently introduced a new page design called the New Canvas User Interface (UI). Depending on your
Canvas view, your page design may vary from the images shown in this lesson. However, the functionality and
location of the components remain the same.
You can join a conference that has already been started by the conference host.
Note: You cannot join a conference until the conference host has started the conference.

Open Conferences

In Course Navigation, click the Conferences link.

Join Conference

Next to the conference you want to join, click the Join button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 484

Canvas Instructor Guide

Join the Audio

Before joining a conference, you will be asked how you want to join the conference audio: via microphone or listen only.
Listen Only allows users to quickly join the conference as a listener only (no microphone check). You will be able to change
your audio preference once you've joined the conference.
Learn more about how to set up your audio.
Allow Chrome Microphone Permissions

If you are using Chrome, you will have to accept a Chrome-specific permission for access to your microphone. This prompt is
just below the address bar. Click the Allow button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 485

Canvas Instructor Guide

Allow Firefox Microphone Permissions

If you are using Firefox, you will have to accept a Firefox-specific permission to access your microphone. Choose your
microphone from the Microphone to share drop-drown menu [1] and click the Share Selected Device button [2].
Note: If you don't see the list of microphones, click the microphone icon [3] to the left of the address bar.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 486

Canvas Instructor Guide

Test Audio

For the best audio experience, use a headset with a microphone. To ensure your audio is working correctly, complete the
private audio echo test. Speak a few words and if you hear audio, click the Yes button [1]. To choose a different microphone
and repeat the audio test, click the No button [2]. If you need help with your hardware, click the Question Mark icon [3].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 487

Canvas Instructor Guide

Accept Adobe Flash Player Settings

To use Conferences, you must give Adobe Flash Player access to your camera and microphone settings. Click the Allow
button.
Note: Users of Internet Explorer and Safari will continue to participate with existing Flash-based audio.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 488

Canvas Instructor Guide

View Conference

View the conference.


Learn about how to use the conference interface.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 489

Canvas Instructor Guide

How do I conclude a Conference?


Canvas recently introduced a new page design called the New Canvas User Interface (UI). Depending on your
Canvas view, your page design may vary from the images shown in this lesson. However, the functionality and
location of the components remain the same.
Depending on how you created your conference, your conference may conclude by itself, or you may have to
conclude it manually.

View Time-Limit Conferences

Conferences created with a time limit will remain active for the duration of the conference.
Once the conference duration has expired, the conference will automatically conclude once the last member of the
conference has left the room. You can also manually conclude (end) the conference at any point during the allotted time.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 490

Canvas Instructor Guide

When a conference concludes, all files and chats are removed from the conference room.

View Long-Running Conferences

Conferences created without a time limit will remain active as long as you (or another conference organizer) keeps the
conference running.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 491

Canvas Instructor Guide

End Conference Manually

To end a conference, return to the Conferences page. Next to the name of the conference, click the End button.
When a conference concludes, all files and chats are removed from the conference room.

View Concluded Conference

Once the conference has concluded, the conference will appear in the Concluded Conferences section on the Conferences
page. Updating the status of the conference may take a few minutes.
Note: If the conference has not changed status after a significant amount of time, the time limit has passed, and there are no
members left in the conference room, edit the conference and update the settings to manually refresh the Conferences page.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 492

Canvas Instructor Guide

How do I share my desktop in the Conference interface?


Canvas recently introduced a new page design called the New Canvas User Interface (UI). Depending on your
Canvas view, your page design may vary from the images shown in this lesson. However, the functionality and
location of the components remain the same.
As a presenter, desktop sharing allows you to share your full screen or only part of your screen with other
participants in the Conferences interface.
Note: Desktop sharing works for Mac, Unix, and PC platforms. On Mac OS X with Java 7, you can run desktop
sharing with Firefox and Safari but not Google Chrome, as Chrome is a 32-bit browser and Java 7 requires a 64-bit
browser to run. It is recommended you use Firefox to share your desktop. This lesson will show you how to share
your desktop using Firefox.
Please see additional tutorial videos offered by BigBlueButton.

Open Conferences

In Course Navigation, click the Conferences link.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 493

Canvas Instructor Guide

Start Conference

Click the Start button next to your desired conference.

Join the Audio

Before joining a conference, you will be asked how you want to join the conference audio: via microphone or listen only.
Listen Only allows users to quickly join the conference as a listener only (no microphone check). You will be able to change
your audio preference once you've joined the conference.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 494

Canvas Instructor Guide

Firefox Microphone Permissions

If you are using Firefox, you will have to accept a Firefox-specific permission to access your microphone. Choose your
microphone from the Microphone to share drop-drown menu [1] and click the Share Selected Device button [2].
Note: If you don't see the list of microphones, click the microphone icon [3] to the left of the address bar.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 495

Canvas Instructor Guide

Audio Test

It is recommended that you use a headset with a microphone for best audio experience. To ensure your audio is working
correctly, complete the private audio echo test. Speak a few words and if you hear audio, click the Yes button [1]. To choose a
different microphone and repeat the audio test, click the No button [2]. If you need help with your hardware, click the
Question Mark icon [3].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 496

Canvas Instructor Guide

Accept Adobe Flash Player Settings

To use Conferences, you must give Adobe Flash Player access to your camera and microphone settings. Click the Allow
button.
Note: Users of Internet Explorer and Safari will continue to participate with existing Flash-based audio.

Open Desktop Sharing

In the upper left-hand corner of the title bar, click the Share Desktop button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 497

Canvas Instructor Guide

Choose Full Screen or Region

To share your entire desktop with participants, click the Full Screen button [1]. To share a part of your screen, click the Region
button [2].
Allow Java Applet

The first time you run desktop sharing, you will need to allow Firefox to run the Java Applet. This prompt is just below the
address bar. Click the Allow button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 498

Canvas Instructor Guide

Plugin Preferences

To set your plugin preference for the Java Applet, click the Java Applet drop-down menu [1]. To allow Firefox to automatically
run the plugin in the future, choose Allow and Remember. To change your preferences, click the plugin icon [2] next to the
address bar.
Run Applet Permission

You will need to allow the BigBlueButton Deskshare Applet permission to run on your computer. Click the Run button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 499

Canvas Instructor Guide

Select Region

If you choose to select a region, use the double-sided arrows [1] to drag and re-size the sharing window. You can also use your
mouse to click and drag the border of the red and white box [2] to move the selection area. When you have selected the
region you want to use, click the Start Sharing button [3].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 500

Canvas Instructor Guide

Share Desktop

You will receive a notification reminding you that you are now sharing your desktop. Click the OK button.
The blue box indicates the part of your screen that is being shared with participants.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 501

Canvas Instructor Guide

Presenter's Preview

In the presenter's preview panel in the lower left-hand corner, you can see a preview of what participants are seeing on your
screen.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 502

Canvas Instructor Guide

Stop Desktop Sharing

Click the Close button [1] or the Close (X) icon [2].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 503

Canvas Instructor Guide

How do I add files to a Conference?


Canvas recently introduced a new page design called the New Canvas User Interface (UI). Depending on your
Canvas view, your page design may vary from the images shown in this lesson. However, the functionality and
location of the components remain the same.
As a presenter, you can add individual documents or presentations to a conference. You can also easily switch
between files to show different presentations during a conference session.

Open Conferences

In Course Navigation, click the Conferences link.

Start Conference

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 504

Canvas Instructor Guide

Click the Start button next to your desired conference.

Join the Audio

Before joining a conference, you will be asked how you want to join the conference audio: via microphone or listen only.
Listen Only allows users to quickly join the conference as a listener only (no microphone check). You will be able to change
your audio preference once you've joined the conference.
Chrome Microphone Permissions

If you are using Chrome, you will have to accept a Chrome-specific permission for access to your microphone. This prompt is
just below the address bar. Click the Allow button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 505

Canvas Instructor Guide

Firefox Microphone Permissions

If you are using Firefox, you will have to accept a Firefox-specific permission to access your microphone. Choose your
microphone from the Microphone to share drop-drown menu [1] and click the Share Selected Device button [2].
Note: If you don't see the list of microphones, click the microphone icon [3] to the left of the address bar.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 506

Canvas Instructor Guide

Audio Test

It is recommended that you use a headset with a microphone for best audio experience. To ensure your audio is working
correctly, complete the private audio echo test. Speak a few words and if you hear audio, click the Yes button [1]. To choose a
different microphone and repeat the audio test, click the No button [2]. If you need help with your hardware, click the
Question Mark link [3].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 507

Canvas Instructor Guide

Accept Adobe Flash Player Settings

To use Conferences, you must give Adobe Flash Player access to your camera and microphone settings. Click the Allow
button.
Note: Users of Internet Explorer and Safari will continue to participate with existing Flash-based audio.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 508

Canvas Instructor Guide

Add File

Click the Upload Presentation button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 509

Canvas Instructor Guide

Select File

Click the Select File button.


For best results, upload a PDF file. BigBlueButton will convert any Word documents or PowerPoint presentations to a PDF file.
Therefore, if your presentation has animations (visual or audio), they will not be converted.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 510

Canvas Instructor Guide

Open File

Select the file you want to upload [1]. Click the Open button [2].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 511

Canvas Instructor Guide

Upload File

Verify you have selected the file you want to upload [1]. Click the Upload button [2].
Note: You can only upload one file at a time. Repeat these steps to upload additional files.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 512

Canvas Instructor Guide

View Presentation

In the Presentation panel [1], view your presentation. At the bottom of the viewing window, you have several options for your
presentation.
To show a different file or delete a file, click the upload presentation button [2].
To gather feedback during your presentation, click the Start a Poll icon [3].
To advance or back up your presentation, click the arrow keys [4]. The number between the keys indicates the
number of slides in your presentation.
To increase the viewing size of your presentation, use your mouse to drag the triangle along the percentage scale
[5].
To make your presentation fit to the width of the viewing window (height will remain proportionate), click the fit to
width icon [6].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 513

Canvas Instructor Guide

To make your presentation fit the entire page within the viewing window, click the fit to page icon [7].
To show the whiteboard tools, hover your mouse over the various annotation icons [8].
Note: Only the presenter can make annotations on slides. As a moderator, you have the ability to change presenters.
Show Different File

To show a different file or presentation, click the Show button. This allows presenters to easily switch between files during a
conference.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 514

Canvas Instructor Guide

Delete File

Next to the file you want to delete, click the Delete button.
Note: You cannot delete the default.pdf file.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 515

Canvas Instructor Guide

How do I start a poll in a Conference?


Presenters can now create polls for participants during a conference. Presenters cannot participate in their own
polls. Polls are anonymous, and participants are not required to complete a poll. Learn how participants take
Conference polls.
Polls can be Yes/No, True/False, or letter responses up to six answer choices (A through F).
When used in a presentation, polls can be created automatically. Learn how to create a poll using a presentation.

Start Poll

After you have started a conference as a presenter, click the Start a Poll button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 516

Canvas Instructor Guide

Select Poll Type

Select your preferred poll type.


Unless a custom poll is chosen, answers appear as shown for each type. For instance, the A/B/C/D poll type includes four
answer choices shown as A, B, C, and D.
Note: Once you select the poll type, the poll will automatically be available to participants.
Select Custom Poll

If you select the Custom Poll type, enter your preferred answer responses in each text field [1]. You can enter up to six custom
answers. Then click the Start Poll button [2].

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 517

Canvas Instructor Guide

View Live Poll Results

Once you have started the poll, the poll shows the Waiting for responses status until participants begin to submit poll
questions.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 518

Canvas Instructor Guide

You can view results in real time and see the number of responses for each answer. Once an initial response is received, you
can see the number of responses compared to the total number of Conference participants.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 519

Canvas Instructor Guide

Complete Poll

You can view results in real time and see the number of responses for each answer. When all participants have completed the
poll, the poll displays as Done.
Note: Polls are anonymous, and participants are not required to complete a poll.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 520

Canvas Instructor Guide

Publish Poll

You can publish the poll results to participants at any time by clicking the Publish button.
Note: Once results have been published, they cannot be hidden.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 521

Canvas Instructor Guide

View Results

View the poll results in the current slide.

Repeat Poll

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 522

Canvas Instructor Guide

If necessary, you can poll the same information on the current slide again. If your slide has a pre-set poll type that appears in
the menu, click the poll type button [1]. If not, click the Start a Poll button again.

How do I automatically create a poll using a presentation in a Conference?


When used in a presentation, polls can be created automatically. If a presentation slide includes poll questions,
Conferences will read the slide and automatically include the choices in the poll that match the presentation:

Slides with yes or no generate a Yes/No poll


Slides with true or false generate a True/False poll
Slides with answers AF generate a letter poll with the same number of options (shown as AF)
Slides with bullet points cannot be detected and have to be created manually

Create Presentation Slide

As part of your presentation, create a slide with a question. Then add up to six answer choices.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 523

Canvas Instructor Guide

Import Presentation

When you import the slide presentation into a Conference, the interface will automatically detect a poll type based on the slide
content and display it in the poll type button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 524

Canvas Instructor Guide

Begin Conference Poll

To begin the poll, click the poll type button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 525

Canvas Instructor Guide

Change Poll Type

If you need to change the poll type for the slide, or if the interface cannot detect a poll type, click the Start a Poll button [1] and
choose the correct poll type [2]. You may have to create a custom poll type.
Note: If you have to create a new poll type, the poll will begin as soon as you select the poll type.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 526

Canvas Instructor Guide

How do I take a poll in a Conference?


If you are not a Conference presenter, you can join a conference and participate in Conference polls.

Open Conferences

In Course Navigation, click the Conferences link.

Join Conference

Next to the conference you want to join, click the Join button.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 527

Canvas Instructor Guide

View Poll

When a poll begins, the answer choices appear under the current slide. Polls can be part of a presentation or can be created
as part of an informal discussion.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 528

Canvas Instructor Guide

Answer Poll

Click your answer to the poll. Once you respond, the answer choices will disappear.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 529

Canvas Instructor Guide

View Poll Results

If the presenter publishes the poll results, you can view them as part of the current slide.

Canvas Instructor Guide Updated 2016-04-27

Page 530

You might also like