SLCC has created the Canvas User Credential to recognize faculty and staff who successfully complete the Canvas User Credential course and demonstrate their ability to use the key features of Canvas. 
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Canvas User Credential.

Who should earn the Canvas User Credential?

The Canvas User Credential is available to all faculty and staff at SLCC. All on-campus and online courses at SLCC are required to use Canvas (at least the syllabus and gradebook should be available to students), so all faculty should understand how to use the key features of Canvas. 

I've been using Canvas for years. Do I still have to take the Canvas User Credential course? 

The Canvas User Credential course is optional, but earning the credential is strongly encouraged. Canvas continues to evolve, so the Canvas User Credential course covers the latest features of this powerful tool. If you taught yourself how to use Canvas (especially if you did this a long time ago), you may have missed some features that can save you loads of time and can make the learning process easier and more efficient for your students. Because the course is self-paced and competency-based, experienced Canvas users are able to complete the course much more quickly than novices. 

What will I learn in the Canvas User Credential course?

This Canvas User Credential course is designed to help you feel more comfortable using Canvas so you can create a better student experience and find efficiencies to reduce your workload. After completing this course, you will be able to demonstrate your ability to:
  • Use navigation elements and components of Canvas such as menus, modules, pages
  • Add a syllabus to a course
  • Create and grade assignments
  • Create quizzes
  • Use communication tools such as inbox, announcements, and discussions
  • Use the media tools in Canvas such as video, audio, and images

When is the Canvas User Credential course offered?

New sessions of the course are offered each semester. You are encouraged to register for a session that works for your schedule.

What is the format of the Canvas User Credential course?

The Canvas User Credential course is taught asynchronously and fully online so participants can experience what it’s like to be an online student. There is no on-campus meeting for this course. 

Who teaches the Canvas User Credential course?

The Canvas User Credential course is facilitated by eLearning's Canvas experts. The facilitators are available to answer any questions you have and will meet with you one-on-one if requested.

How long does it take to complete the Canvas User Credential course?

The Canvas User Credential course takes about 12 hours of work. You can complete the course at your own pace, but you should complete the course within the same semester that you begin it. Participants who do not satisfactorily complete all of the course assignments within one semester are asked to register for a future session. Graduates receive a certificate of completion and a digital badge that can be included in their professional portfolios. 

What are the prerequisites for the Canvas User Credential course?

There are no prerequisites for the Canvas User Credential course, other than you need to be competent with basic computer and word processing skills. For example, you should understand:
  • Basic file formats (such as pdf, doc, docx, jpeg, etc.) and the applications that create them
  • How to create, save, and locate files on your computer
  • How to copy and paste content
  • How to navigate the internet
  • How to create, send, and receive emails 
The Canvas User Credential course is also a great way to prepare for SLCC's Online Teacher Credential course. 

How do I register for the Canvas User Credential course? 

Register for the course using SLCC's training registration system, located on the Employee tab in MySLCC. From the list of courses, look for course code DCUC. Adjunct faculty must have the approval of their associate dean to participate in the course (adjuncts are paid for 12 hours of professional development upon completion of the course). After registering, you will receive instructions for how to log in to the course in Canvas.

If I have more questions about the Canvas User Credential, who can I talk to? 

For additional information, please contact Bob Lindsay in eLearning at x3989 or bob.lindsay@slcc.edu. 



REV EZ 08/18/21