How to: use Conferences in Canvas

What are Conferences?

Conferences is the tool that allows teachers to conduct real-time virtual lectures with all students in a course.  Users can broadcast real-time audio and video, demonstrate applications, share presentation slides and online resources.  Canvas uses BigBlueButton which is a web conferencing system designed for online learning.

How do I set up a Conferences in Canvas?

To start a conference in Canvas follow the steps below:

1. In the left hand course navigation menu click Conferences.
2. Click the add (+) Conference link.
3. In the New Conference Window enter:
   1. Name of the conference
   2. The duration (in minutes) for the conference
   3. If you wish to record the conference, select enable recording for this conference.
   4. If there is no time limit, select no time limit (this is for long conferences).
   5. A description for the conference.
   6. If you are inviting all users in the course to join the conference, select invite all course members.  If you deselect this option you will be presented with the list of users to choose from.
   7. Click Update.

How do I start a Conference?

To start a conference:

1. In the left hand course navigation menu click Conferences.
2. Next to the conference you want to start, click the Start button.
3. Canvas will direct you to the conference room for your conference.