This site requires JavaScript to be enabled
An updated version of this article is available

Getting Started with bCourses: Site Setup and Management

276 views

12.0 - Updated on 2024-02-28 by Miles Lincoln

11.0 - Updated on 2023-09-21 by Sara Viray

10.0 - Updated on 2023-09-20 by Miles Lincoln

9.0 - Updated on 2023-08-21 by Miles Lincoln

8.0 - Updated on 2022-05-13 by Miles Lincoln

7.0 - Updated on 2021-11-08 by Sara Viray

6.0 - Updated on 2021-06-07 by Judith Stern

5.0 - Updated on 2019-08-29 by Seyon Wind

4.0 - Updated on 2019-08-19 by Seyon Wind

3.0 - Updated on 2019-08-19 by Seyon Wind

2.0 - Updated on 2018-08-28 by Steven Williams

1.0 - Authored on 2015-07-29 by Paula Miranda

bCourses is UC Berkeley's implementation of the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). This article for instructors provides a checklist to create and manage your bCourses site including adding course content, creating pages and modules, and publishing your site. For more detailed information about specific features, please see the Canvas Instructor Guide.

Global Navigation

The Global Navigation Menu is located on the left side of every page in Canvas. Global Navigation links provide quick access to frequently used Canvas features. Canvas Guide: How do I use the Global Navigation Menu as an instructor?

Create your course site

Create your course site by following these step-by-step instructions: Create your course site

Add course content

You can copy course content such as assignments, modules, pages, and discussions from previous Canvas courses into existing courses. You only have access to copy content from courses from current or previous courses in which you are an enrolled user. Canvas Guide: How do I copy content from another Canvas course using the Course Import tool?

Edit Syllabus

Editing the Syllabus allows you to add text and link files, images, and other course content in your Syllabus Description. Canvas Guide: How do I edit the Syllabus description in a course?

Upload Files

As an instructor, Files allows you to store files and assignments within bCourses. You can upload one or multiple files, view all details about your files, preview files, publish and unpublish files, set usage rights, and restrict access to files. Canvas Guide: How do I use Files as an instructor?

Linking to Library Resources

The Library recommends linking to public domain, library-licensed, or open-access online content rather than uploading copyrighted materials to your course site when possible. Add Course Readings to bCourses: Add "Reserves" to bCourses

Create Pages

As an instructor, you can create a new page to add to your course. Canvas Guide: How do I create a new page in a course?

Add Modules

Modules are used to organize course content by weeks, units, or whatever organizational structure works for your course. With modules, you are essentially creating a one-directional linear flow of what you would like your students to do. Canvas Guide: How do I add a module?

Course Home Page

If you are enrolled in a course as an instructor, the Course Home Page is the first page students see when they open the course. The Home Page also helps students understand how they can navigate through the course. Canvas Guide: How do I use the Course Home Page as an instructor?

Student View

You can view a course the same way that your students view your course through Student View. Enabling Student View creates a Test Student in your course. Canvas Guide: How do I view a course as a test student using Student View?

Publish your site

You must publish a course before students can access it and its contents. Students cannot see unpublished courses and content. Canvas Guide: How do I publish a course?

Post Announcement

You can create an announcement to share important information with all users within your course and with users in sections of a course. Canvas Guide: How do I add an announcement in a course?

Note: Your course must be published for students to receive announcement notifications.

Optional Steps

Download the Canvas Teacher mobile app

The Canvas Teacher app allows teachers to manage certain aspects of their course, communicate with students, and grade assignments from a mobile device. Download the Canvas Teacher app on Android and iOS devices.

Customize the Course Navigation menu

The Course Navigation Menu is a series of links on the left side of your course that help you and your students access different course areas. Canvas Guide: How do I use the Course Navigation Menu as an instructor?

Invite Guests

Enrolled students and GSIs are automatically added to your site via Official Sections. If would like to add unofficial GSIs, class auditors, or other people into your course, they must have a valid CalNet ID.


More Getting Started with bCourses articles: