This blog post marks the third update in a series of technology infrastructure changes at CSCCE. At the turn of the year, we moved to using Zeffy for our course sales and registrations. Then in June we introduced you to Credible, our new homegrown digital badging platform. Now, it’s time to tell you about the biggest update yet – we’ve established a self-hosted instance of the open-source learning management system, Canvas.
Canvas, a product of Instructure, is one of several similar platforms that exist to organize materials for organizations who deliver educational training courses. In the US especially, Canvas LMS is a common choice for K-12 and higher education institutions. More often than not, institutions access Canvas through Instructure-hosted instances, an arrangement that offers a lot of technical support….for a fee.
Canvas LMS is also available as an open-source platform; one you can self-host and customize for yourself (if, and this is a big if, you have in-house coding expertise). After several years of contracting with Instructure, we decided it was time to give the open-source route a try. And, thanks to some expert support, we’re happy to share that all CSCCE training courses will now run through our own Canvas instance!
This blog post curates a collection of FAQs about CSCCE’s Canvas transition for our learners. If you are interested in learning more about the behind-the-scenes process of standing up a self-hosted instance of Canvas, please contact info@cscce.org and we’d be happy to discuss!
How do I access CSCCE’s new Canvas instance?
If you are a current learner in a CSCCE training, or you are a participant in the CSCCE Community Manager Certification Program, you should have received detailed information by email about how to access materials in Canvas. Please email training@cscce.org if you need any help!
What’s different about the new Canvas instance?
Not much! If you’re used to accessing CSCCE materials via Canvas, our new instance will look almost identical to you. We’ve preserved all of the design and information architecture of our old instance – but if you can’t find something, let us know!
Can I access Canvas on my mobile phone?
No. At this time we only support access to Canvas on a desktop or laptop computer. While there is a Canvas app available for Apple and Android devices, you will not be able to use it to access CSCCE’s Canvas instance.
What do I do if I forget my login?
We use Google single sign-on to manage access to our Canvas instance – as we have always done. This means that when you arrive on the login page, always choose the “login with Google” option below the username and password entry windows. You should never have to contact us to reset your password!
Who do I contact if I’m having trouble accessing my course in Canvas?
The best way to contact a member of the CSCCE team with questions about your Canvas access is to email tech.help@cscce.org. This email alias sends your message to multiple members of the team, ensuring that you receive a timely response.
I am an alumni of a past CSCCE training course – how do I access my course materials?
If you previously took a course with CSCCE that was administered via our Instructure-hosted Canvas instance, you should have received an email from us explaining your ongoing access to course materials via Google Drive. Based on user feedback, which indicated that learners primarily use Canvas while a course is in session and not in the months following, we recently implemented an offboarding policy for Canvas. You can read more about offboarding and ongoing access to materials in this blog post.
I am a current participant in the CSCCE Community Manager Certification program, how will this update affect me?
If you are a participant in the CSCCE Community Manager Certification Program, you should now have access to all of your past training materials in the new, self-hosted version of CSCCE’s Canvas instance. If you are looking for something, but can’t find it, please contact training@cscce.org. While we have tested our new set up in detail, as with any new product launch, you may find bugs or broken links, and we appreciate your taking the time to let us know what you find.
I am a graduate of the CSCCE Community Manager Certification….same question!?
Like active participants, CSCCE-Certified Community Managers also have access to all past training materials in our new Canvas instance. While this may not always be the case, we will communicate with you directly if your Canvas access changes.