Trialling a ‘Self Help’ tool in the Canvas virtual learning environment

Since December 2019, academics and administrators using the VLE have had access to a ‘Self Help’ tool in the Canvas interface. Powered by WhatFix, the tool provides interactive, ‘how to’ guidance to help with Canvas-related tasks. Users can scroll through the available guides or search for a specific topic, with step-by-step walkthroughs provided. Staff who attended Canvas training can revisit topics to refresh their knowledge on how to complete a task. The tool can also be used on mobile devices for support on the move.

The help material has been jointly created by Instructional Designers from IT Services and Learning Technologists from the Centre for Teaching and Learning. There are also additional links within some topics to the Guides to Using Canvas at Oxford, providing more detailed information if required.

The ‘Self Help’ tool is currently being piloted by the University. The Canvas Programme will monitor initial progress, after which management of the tool will transfer to the Centre for Teaching and Learning, who will decide whether to continue use of the tool. Users can provide feedback on the tool if required on completion of their task.

Please contact canvasoxford@it.ox.ac.uk if you want to know more about the ‘Self Help’ tool, or have any questions.