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How to Install Learning Apps in Canvas

There are various ways for you to install learning apps in your Canvas course, but not all learning apps can be installed in every way. These instructions clarify which items can be installed in which locations and how to install them.

Learning apps are available to be installed in four different ways: in the Course Navigation Menu, in a module, in a page (or any item with the Rich Content Editor window), or as an assignment.

How to add a learning app in the Course Navigation Menu

The items that can be installed via this method include:

  • Online MID
  • Check In
  • Tokens
  • Shout outs
  • Randomly

To install one of these learning apps, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to your Canvas course.
  2. Go to the Settings in the Course Navigation Menu at the bottom left of your Canvas course.
  3. Click on the Navigation tab.
  4. Scroll down to find the learning app you would like to install.
  5. Click on the kabob (three dots) in line with the item, and click Enable. The item should move to the top set of boxes. You may click and drag to rearrange the item.
  6. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Save.
  7. The app has now been added into the Course Navigation Menu of your Canvas Course.

How to add a learning app in a module

All learning apps are available to be installed directly into a module.

  1. Navigate to your Canvas course.
  2. Go to Modules.
  3. Find the module you wish to add the tool, and click on the + icon.
  4. Click on the first drop-down option, and choose External Tool.
  5. Scroll down the window and select Learning Apps.
  6. Find the item you wish to select and click Install.
  7. Give the item a title, and click Submit.
  8. Select Add Item.
  9. A new, unpublished link to the app will appear in the module. Click on the link, and select Load in a new window if it does not automatically launch.
  10. In this new window, you will be able to make edits. When all edits are complete, save your progress before closing the window.
  11. Navigate back to the Canvas page, and click the Publish button when you are ready.

How to add a learning app in a page (or other Rich Content Editor)

All learning apps are available to be installed directly into a page, or into any other item with a Rich Content Editor (RCE), including discussion boards and announcements.

  1. Navigate to your Canvas course.
  2. Open or create the page/discussion/announcement you would like to add the tool.
  3. Above the content editor window, click on the Learning Apps icon. Screenshot
  4. Find the item you wish to select and click Install.
  5. Give the item a title, and click Submit.
  6. A link to the learning app will appear in the content editor window. It will not automatically give you the option to begin editing. If you would like to edit, click on the link, and select Link Options.
  7. In the right hand side, find the Link and copy the link into a new browser window.
  8. In this new window, you will be able to make edits. When all edits are complete, click Save in the learning apps window. You may now close the window.
  9. Navigate back to the Canvas page, and you can save and/or post your item. You can click on the link after you have saved the page to verify your changes.

How to add a learning app as an assignment

You have the option to select all learning apps and make them an assignment and manually enter the grade for them in the Canvas gradebook. However, some learning apps can send grades directly to the gradebook. The learning apps that will send directly to the gradebook include:

  • Quick Write
  • Quick Quiz
  • Video Feedback
  • Threaded Discussions (Note: this will only send back a completion grade of 100%)

Follow these steps to add a learning app as an assignment:

  1. Navigate to your Canvas course.
  2. Go to the Assignments tab.
  3. Click on the + Assignment button to add an assignment.
  4. In the Submission type section, select the drop-down menu and choose External Tool.
  5. Click Find.
  6. Scroll down the window and select Learning Apps Assignments.
  7. A pop up window will appear. Find the learning app you want to use, and click Install.
  8. Give the item a title.
  9. At the bottom of the box, there is a line that says Configure LineItem (Not all LMS placements support all features). Select the drop-down menu in line with it, and change it to SendLineItem.
  10. Add the points value and availability dates. Click Submit.
  11. Choose Select.
  12. Configure the remainder of the assignment with the settings you require, and then click Save.
  13. Navigate back to the item in Assignments and click on the link to the assignment. Either launch it in a new window, or the item will appear in that window for you to begin making edits.