Introduction
Canvas can be extended by integrating external tools. Software companies, textbook publishers, and training websites all make Canvas external tools. Some are free, others must be purchased. Virginia Tech's Canvas external tools are categorized here based on broad categories for publisher tools, collaboration tools, multimedia tools, assessment tools, accessibility tools, and tools that didn't fit into those categories. For our main article on external tools, see Canvas - Requesting and Using External Tools (LTI Tools).
Instructors can request new external tools be added to Canvas.
- Canvas administrators and Virginia Tech's legal, IT security, and software purchasing teams must review external tools before they can be integrated.
- Only Virginia Tech, not Canvas, can add an external tool to Canvas or to your course site.
- Not all requests can be fulfilled.
To be easily integrated with Canvas, external tools should be designed according to the Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standard. Some companies refer to external tools them as LTI tools. Canvas external tools are considered applications or apps. Canvas and some companies refer to external tools as LTI apps or external apps.
This article covers publisher tools available in Canvas at Virginia Tech.
Contents
Instructions
Blended Teaching (Real Estate)
Background
Blended Teaching is a platform with extensive teaching materials that integrate video content and interactive tools to enhance traditional teaching methods by increasing student engagement and performance. The platform is used globally and aims to provide a flexible, effective, and accessible learning experience that combines online and in-person learning.
Blended Teaching is only available for Real Estate courses in Canvas. Access to Blended Teaching can be purchased directly through Blended Teaching's site. Upon accessing Blended Content links in Canvas, students will be asked to create an account and purchase a license in order to access the content.
Add Blended Teaching to Canvas
Add Modules using Deep Linking:
- In your course navigation menu, choose Modules.
- Click the + button on the module you would like to add the link to.
- Choose Add External Tool from the dropdown menu.
- Click on Blended Teaching to load the pop-up window.
- If you haven't done so already, enter your Activation Code.
- Choose your classbook from the list.
- Click on iFrame from the dropdown menu.
- Import your chosen modules.
Get Help with Blended Teaching
Blended Teaching is supported by Blended Teaching, not Canvas or Virginia Tech. For help:
- See the Blended Teaching Support page.
- Contact help@blended-teaching.com.
Buzz Publish Anywhere
Background
Buzz Publish Anywhere supports deep linking to activities, which allows teachers to browse available content and choose to only add what they want to use in Canvas.
Add Buzz Publish Anywhere to a Canvas Site
Click here to learn how to add deep linked articles in Canvas.
Get Help with Buzz Publish Anywhere
Buzz Publish Anywhere tools are supported by Buzz, not Canvas or Virginia Tech. For help, see the Agilix Help Center.
Cengage Learning
Background
Link your Canvas and Cengage courses and activities to provide access to Cengage content from your Canvas course.
With this integration:
- You and your students access your Cengage courses from Canvas.
- Your students' grades for either the Cengage course or activities can be synced to Canvas.
For more information on incorporating Cengage content in Canvas, see:
Add Cengage Learning to a Canvas Site
Adding the Cengage integration to a Canvas site is a two-step process:
1) Integrate a Cengage Course with Your Canvas Course
- Open your Canvas course.
- Click Modules in the course navigation.
- Locate or create the module that will contain your course link
- To create a course link in a new module:
- Click the three dots next to +Module.
- Click on Cengage.
- To add a course link to an existing module:
- Locate the module and click the + icon.
- Set the dropdown to External Tool.
- Click on Cengage.
- To create a course link in a new module:
- If prompted, sign in to your Cengage account.
- Click Add Homework Platform.
- Select the textbook or product you want to use.
- Select an option to create a new Cengage course, link to an existing course, or copy an existing course.
- Complete the details for your Cengage course.
9 Click Continue. A link to your Cengage course will be added to your module.
2) Add Links LTI Advantage to Cengage Activities
Linked graded activities are included in the Canvas gradebook unless you choose to exclude them.
- Open your Canvas course.
- Click Modules in the course navigation.
- Locate or create the module that will contain your activity links.
- To add activity links in a new module:
- Click next to +Module.
- Click on Cengage.
- To add activity links to an existing module:
- Locate the module and click the + icon.
- Set the dropdown to External Tool.
- Click on Cengage.
- Alternatively, click Assignments in the course navigation and click to add activity links to the Assignments page.
- To add activity links in a new module:
- Click Select Content.
- Select activities to include in your course. By default, when you include a graded activity it is added to the Canvas gradebook. Due dates set in your Cengage course are synced to Canvas.
- Click Continue.
- If needed, click Add Item. The selected activity links are added to the module. If needed, you can reorganize the links in Canvas.
Get Help with Cengage Learning
Cengage tools are created and supported by Cengage, not by Canvas or Virginia Tech. For help:
- Search the online help for answers to most questions.
- Check out WebAssign resources
- Check the Cengage current status.
- Contact US Support
- Access Online Support Services.
- Call: 800.354.9706.
FlatWorld Knowledge
Background
FlatWorld Knowledge is a textbook publisher whose platform can be integrated with Canvas. Instructors can use FlatWorld to provide textbooks, homework, and supplemental materials. An instructor can embed FlatWorld Homework in a Canvas Assignment.
Use FlatWorld in Canvas
See Advice and answers from the FlatWorld Team for basics on how to use the FlatWorld platform.
Add FlatWorld Homework to Canvas Assignments
- In your course site, click Assignments.
- Click +Assignments.
- Title your assignment then scroll down to Submission Type.
- Change the type from Online to External Tool.
- Click Find.
- Scroll down and click FlatWorld Homework then click Select.
- Enter your course information and books, then click Confirm.
Create FlatWorld Assignments (in FlatWorld site)
Embed FlatWorld Assignments in Canvas
- After you create your assignment in FlatWorld, click Publish.
- In the prompt, click Embed in LMS.
- A warning pop-up will appear, click Embed in LMS.
- You will be redirected back to your assignment.
- In the Configure External Tool pop-up, click your assignment then click Select.
- Save your assignment.
Get Help with FlatWorld
FlatWorld tools are supported by FlatWorld, not Canvas or Virginia Tech. For help:
InQuizitive
Background
InQuizitive is a formative, adaptive quizzing tool that improves student understanding of important learning objectives with gaming elements that supports select Norton textbooks. Instructors can assign InQuizitive as pre-lecture assignments to ensure students come prepared to lectures, quizzes, and exams.
Resources
- Getting Started with InQuizitive
- How do students join my InQuizitive section?
- Instructor Help Notes
- Student Help Notes
Use InQuizitive in Canvas
You can add InQuizitive to Assignments in Canvas. You will be using the external tool W. W. Norton LTI 1.3 Learning Tools and adding an integrated link to each assignment. See: Add Tool to an Assignment.
- Add an assignment by clicking Assignments in the left-hand menu of your course and then click the + Assignment button.
- Give it a descriptive name (e.g., Norton Activity) and fill out the assignment details.
- From the Submission Type list, choose External Tool and click Find.
- Click on W. W. Norton LTI 1.3 Learning Tools from the list and scroll down to the URL field.
- In the URL field, enter the URL provided by your Norton representative.
- If using a product homepage, the URL will look like: https://ncia.wwnorton.com/productname-BOOKCODE, where product name is replaced with the name of the Norton tool and BOOKCODE is replaced with the code for the book you are using.
- Make sure Load In A New Tab is checked and click Select.
- Fill out the rest of the assignment details.
- Click Save & Publish.
Get Help with InQuizitive
InQuizitive is supported by W. W. Norton, not Canvas or Virginia Tech. For help:
- See InQuizitive's Knowledge Base.
- Submit a support request with W. W. Norton.
LinkedIn Learning
Background
LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform for professional development and skills training. Virginia Tech provides free LinkedIn Learning access to all active affiliates - faculty, staff, and students.
Instructors can integrate LinkedIn Learning content with Canvas course sites in three ways:
- Link to LinkedIn Learning content from Canvas tools that use the Rich Content Editor or External URL links.
- Create LinkedIn Learning assignments, graded or ungraded, that require students complete a video or course.
- Create LinkedIn Learning module items.
Use LinkedIn Learning in Canvas
For instructions, see Online Tutorials - How to Use LinkedIn Learning.
Get Help with LinkedIn Learning
See Getting Help in Online Tutorials - How to Use LinkedIn Learning.
Macmillan LTI Advantage
Background
Macmillan Learning offers digital solutions, like Achieve, that are aimed at enhancing learning experiences through pre-class preparation, in-class engagement, and post-class assessment. The platform also provides extensive instructor resources, professional development opportunities, and a community for educators to connect and share insights.
To learn more about integrating Macmillan content into Canvas, please see:
Link Macmillan with Canvas
Please note that the Macmillan tool has been updated in Canvas during Summer 2024 and is now called Macmillan LTI Advantage. Because of this, there may be syncing issues with copying old courses from previous terms. Please note that you would likely need to re-add your Macmillan content to assignments and modules if you are importing course content from a previous semester.
To create the content links in Canvas:
Send students this resource: Connect your Canvas account with Achieve.
Get Help with MacMillan Tools
Macmillan tools are supported by Macmillan, not Canvas or Virginia Tech. For help, see:
- Macmillan Knowledge Base.
- See Macmillan Support to chat with a support associate.
McGraw-Hill ALEKS
Background
McGraw-Hill ALEKS is an LTI tool that allows instructors to integrate McGraw-Hill content in their Canvas sites. The tool lets users include McGraw-Hill content, learning materials, and assessments into Canvas. It also connects McGraw assessments to the Canvas gradebook. ALEKS is a learning and assessment system for Math, Chemistry, Statistics, and Accounting. After quickly and accurately determining each student's precise knowledge of a subject, ALEKS helps the student work on the topics they are ready to learn.
Add McGraw-Hill ALEKS to a Canvas Site
You can add McGraw-Hill ALEKS to Canvas to the Course Navigation Menu or to an Assignment:
Get Help with McGraw-Hill ALEKS
McGraw-Hill tools are supported by McGraw-Hill, not by Canvas or Virginia Tech. To learn how to use them, see:
For McGraw-Hill ALEKS technical support, see ALEKS Support.
McGraw-Hill Connect LTIA
Background
McGraw-Hill Connect is an LTI tool that allows instructors to integrate McGraw-Hill content in their Canvas sites. The tool lets users include McGraw-Hill content, learning materials, and assessments into Canvas. It also connects McGraw assessments to the Canvas gradebook.
Add McGraw-Hill Connect to a Canvas Site
You can use McGraw-Hill Connect only on official course shells. See Canvas Site Types in Canvas to read about official course shells versus draft course sites.
You can deploy your McGraw-Hill Connect assignments to Canvas through Modules through the LTI Advantage integration.
- For step-by-step instructions, see: Canvas LTI Advantage Integration
- Watch their video walk-through: Upgrade Your Canvas Course to LTI Advantage
Move to the new McGraw-Hill Connect LTIA
The McGraw-Hill integration in Canvas has been updated in Summer 2023. Below are some useful resources from McGraw-Hill to help you prepare your courses before deploying for Fall 2023:
- Reuse Your Connect Course For a New Term
- Duplicate your Connect section
- Update Registration Dates in Connect (optional)
- Update due dates for new term in Connect
- Organizing your Canvas shell
- If you are using a blank Canvas shell, you can create folders & organize any non-Connect assignments then move forward with Step 6.
- If you are using a copied Canvas shell for Fall 2023 with prior Connect assignments, all Connect content and grade items will need to be deleted from the shell prior to pairing for Fall 2023. Instructor workflow.
- After your course is prepped, you would need to complete the Step 6 to pair using the LTI Advantage integration.
- Pairing Canvas with Connect LTIA:
Please note:
- It is extremely important that you have deleted all Connect content and grade items out of your Canvas shell prior to pairing via LTIA Integration for the first time. Please follow the steps in this link to fully delete Connect content from Canvas.
- You will select the McGraw Hill Connect LTIA option under Modules in your Canvas content folder(s) to pair with Connect. You will no longer go to Settings -> Navigation.
Customer Success Representative scheduling links are below if you would like to schedule time to get your Connect courses ready for Fall.
- Chelsea Fulton: Scheduling link
- Lizzie Lang: Scheduling link
- Allyn Byrson: Email allyn.byrson@mheducation.com
Get Help with McGraw-Hill Connect
McGraw-Hill tools are supported by McGraw-Hill, not by Canvas or Virginia Tech. To learn how to use them, see:
For McGraw-Hill technical support, see:
McGraw-Hill SIMnet LTIA
Background
McGraw-Hill SIMnet is an LTI tool that allows instructors to integrate McGraw-Hill content in their Canvas sites. The tool lets users include McGraw-Hill content, learning materials, and assessments into Canvas. It also connects McGraw assessments to the Canvas gradebook.
Add McGraw-Hill SIMnet to a Canvas Site
You can deploy your McGraw-Hill SIMnet assignments to Canvas through Modules through the LTI Advantage integration.
For step-by-step instructions, see:
Get Help with McGraw-Hill SIMNet
SIMnet is supported by McGraw-Hill, not by Canvas or Virginia Tech. For help, see:
Pearson
Background
MyLab and Mastering and Revel have been replaced with the new Access Pearson (LTI 1.3) tool. After June 15, 2024, instructors need to set up new LMS courses with the Access Pearson (LTI 1.3) tool. The LTI 1.3 tool has the latest improvements, including grade sync enhancements and automatic student account creation.
- Pearson MyLab features a homework and test manager and online course content
- Pearson Mastering features wrong-answer feedback, a grade book, hints for students, and dynamic content.
Add Access Pearson to Canvas
You can add Access Pearson to the Course Navigation Menu, to an Assignment, or to a Module. Please note that in Canvas, the tool is called Access Pearson now. See Set up Access Pearson - Canvas for a step by step guide or see general instructions on how to add tools below:
Get Help with Pearson Tools
Pearson tools are created and supported by the Pearson, not by Canvas or Virginia Tech.
- For more detailed information, see Features - MyLab and Mastering.
- Contact Pearson Support if you have any questions or need more assistance.
Pressbooks
Background
The Pressbooks LTI allows you to connect your Pressbooks network to Canvas in order to send results from learner activity from Pressbooks to the Canvas gradebook.
Use Pressbooks with Canvas
You can also create graded assignments manually, using the chapter’s launch URL. See Add Graded Activities to the LMS for details.
- Navigate to the Assignments tab of your Canvas course and click the +Assignment button.
- Edit the assignment fields as desired, including a name, description, point value, assignment group and grade display options.
- For Submission Type choose External Tool and click the Find button.
- In the new window, select the Pressbooks LTI tool and click Select.
- Under Enter or find an External Tool URL, paste the Launch URL for your Pressbooks graded activity into the URL field.
- Make sure you've filled out all the assignment fields for Assign to, where you can decide who to assign the assignment to, as well as the dates that this assignment will be displayed.
- Click Save. Your assignment is ready to be published, added to course modules, and assigned to or completed by students.
Get Help with Pressbooks
Pressbooks tools are created and supported by Pressbooks, not by Canvas or Virginia Tech.
- Additional Resources by Pressbooks
- Pressbooks Support Center
- Click on the Help button at the bottom of the page. After you search for a topic, you have the option to view articles or contact support.
SCORM
Background
SCORM are technical standards for online learning products. SCORM enables online course content to be shared between different platforms. Canvas at Virginia Tech uses an external tool that can import SCORM content into course sites.
Read more about SCORM from the SCORM Community: SCORM Explained 201: A deeper dive into SCORM
Import SCORM Files
Learn how to import SCORM content into Canvas from the Canvas Guides: How do I import SCORM files as an assignment?
Get Help with SCORM
Canvas Support supports SCORM. Click Support on any Canvas screen for a list of help options, including 24/7 chat and phone support.
WileyPLUS
Background
WileyPLUS features:
- Direct Links to Readings and Assignments: Giving instructors greater control over how they deliver information and allowing students to conveniently access their coursework.
- Gradebook Synchronization: Offering total score or assignment-level grade integration to track all scores in one place.
Add WileyPLUS to a Canvas Site
You can add WileyPlus to a Canvas Assignment or Module:
After adding WileyPlus, a popup will appear asking for your Wiley Product ID. For help finding it, see Course Section ID for New WileyPLUS or contact your Wiley representative.
Get Help with WileyPLUS
The WileyPLUS tool is created and supported by WileyPLUS, not by Canvas or Virginia Tech.
Students
Instructors
- See Course Section ID for New WileyPLUS.
- For support and other resources with WileyPLUS, see WileyPLUS Training & Support.
- Call the Wiley Instructor Support Hotline at 877-586-0192.
- Contact your Wiley representative.