Canvas Inbox and Best Practices

Introduction

Canvas provides multiple ways for instructors to communicate with students. The Inbox is Canvas's built-in messaging tool, ideal for sending reminders, announcements, or individual feedback. While grades should be primarily entered through the Gradebook, you can also leave helpful comments directly on assignments. This guide covers how to use the Inbox and how to communicate grades effectively from within the Gradebook.

Contents

• How to use the Inbox
• Receiving a Message
• Messaging with Gradebook
• Message Using Dropout Detective

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to use the Inbox

Step by Step

1. Select the Inbox icon:

   • Choose the Inbox from the global navigation menu

     

2. Click the Compose icon:

   

3. Choose the course:

   • Select your course from the drop-down menu

     

4. Compose your message:
   • Course: Select your course from dropdown
   • Individual Message: Select this option
   • To: Select recipient from list
   • Subject: Add clear subject line
   • Message*: Write your message

Receiving a Message

Step by Step

1. Click Inbox:

   • Select from Navigation bar

     

2. Select a Message:

   • Choose message to respond to

     

3. View message content:

   

4. Respond to message:

   • Click the Respond arrow

     

5. Compose response:

   

6. Send message:

   • Click Send button

     

Messaging with Gradebook

Step by Step

1. Select Grades:

   • From course navigation

     

2. Duplicate the tab:

   • Right-click tab and select duplicate

     

3. Send a message.

A. Select student and message:

B. New window will open on the right.

C. Click on the Mail button.

1. Compose message:

   • Fill in subject and message

     

Message Using Dropout Detective

Step by Step

1. Access Dropout Detective:

   • Select from Third Party Tools

     

2. Duplicate the tab:

   • Right-click tab and select duplicate

     

3. Select student:

   • Click on student you wish to contact

     

4. Choose message option:

   • Select Send Message or Student Email address

     

5. Compose message:

   • New tab will open with compose message

     
      

Have Questions? Contact the Academic Technology Support Team

atst@spcollege.edu 

 Phone at 727-341-3500

(Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST).

After-hours or weekend assistance? Contact the Technical Support Center at 727-791-2795 or onlinehelp@spcollege.edu

Want to Schedule a One-on-One or Group Session on Canvas or other instructional technology issues or opportunities?

Schedule 1:1 Support Help with a Member of the Academic Technology Support Team