Tag: Canvas

Record a Presentation with Slides and Webcam

February 26, 2026

While there are many methods for recording presentations, you can use the following instructions for most lectures and student assignments.

Below are two commonly used options: Zoom and PowerPoint.
·  To sign up for a free Zoom account (the free version is fine), please go to zoom.us/signup. 
·  You can install PowerPoint for free as part of the CIIS community by signing in to  office.com (the credentials will be the same as your CIIS email and password). Then select the Install Office button near the top right. For instructions, see the Microsoft guide on installing Microsoft (Office) 365 or contact CIIS IT at support@uswired.com.

Option 1: Use Zoom to screen share and record your slides.

· Zoom account (the free version is fine).
· Installed Zoom app
· (optional) To enable captions in your Zoom account, see this Zoom Help Center article: Closed captioning and live transcription		Screenshare & record in Zoom.For a larger view in a new tab, click the link below:
Record Zoom with Slides and Webcam

Option 2: Use PowerPoint to record your slide presentation. Save it as a movie file.

· The installed  version of PowerPoint (not the web version).
· PowerPoint slides.		Record presentation in PowerPoint and save it as an Mp4 file.

For a larger view in a new tab, click the link below: 
Record a PPT with webcam as MP4
If you are using a Mac and experience issues with saving the file as an Mp4 using the instructions above, first confirm that you are using the desktop (not online) version of PowerPoint.
Then:
1.       Go to File > Export.
2.       In the window that opens, select where to save the file.
3.       In the File Format field, select MP4.
Mp4 selected in the File Format field.4.       Select Export.

Using Peer Review in Your Course

December 2, 2025

A peer-review assignment enables students to provide feedback on another student’s submission. Peer reviews are a tool that allows students to communicate and helps them master course concepts and learn from each other. Peer reviews can be assigned to show student names or display anonymously.

Note: Students can only view peer review assignments after they have submitted work to the assignment.

Adding Peer Review to Assignments

How to Use Peer Review in Your Course

To learn more about how to use Peer Review in your course, check out Instructure’s guide to Peer Review.

Guidelines for Submitting Syllabi and Course Content

November 19, 2025
Would you like help with your course design in Canvas? You have come to the right place! Online Learning is happy to assist in building your course in Canvas. Once your syllabus is finalized and approved by your department, we ask that you follow the following guidelines to make the process as seamless as possible.

Please email a single Syllabus Word document to onlinelearningsupport@ciis.edu, including:

  • Instructor contact information
  • Class meeting dates, times, and location
  • A course calendar with clearly defined dates
  • All assignments with relevant assignment details, including due dates, assignment description, submission format, point values, and rubrics

If your course uses additional artifacts, such as course readings, lecture material, videos, podcasts, etc., please ensure the following:

  • Readings are uploaded to the Files section in Canvas and all readings match at least the title or author that is stated in the Syllabus
  • Lecture videos are uploaded to the course using Canvas Studio (we can help with this!)
  • Linked media (ex: youtube videos, podcasts, etc.) have correct links. Please check that the link points to the correct/intended video/podcast and that there are no “not found” error messages

Many departments have their own Syllabus template for use. Please check with your Department Chair to see if there is a syllabus template you should use.

If you’d like to set up an appointment with an Instructional Designer, please use the ID Group Calendly.

We look forward to supporting you!

While we’re busy working on your courses, check out these tools/resources (below) to enhance your course in Canvas. Let us know if you’d like more information!
  • Worried that your course has too many or too few activities? Check out our Timed Activity Guide.
  • Include Peer Reviews for your Students’ drafts or major assignments.
  • Encourage your students to submit their best work by using Draft Coach.

Canvas Tour

August 12, 2025

Here’s a brief tour to get you started with navigating CIIS’ Canvas platform.