Customize Canvas profile

Introduction

Setting up your Canvas profile is a great way to share information about yourself with anyone enrolled in a Canvas course with you. Our trainers use Canvas as a way to connect with learners throughout each course. There are four main parts to setting up you profile: headshot, biography, namecoach, and notifications

Step 1: Add your headshot

1. In Canvas, go to “Account” in the top left of your screen.

2. Then select “Profile”

3. Next, click “Edit Profile”.

4. Roll your mouse over the image icon and click the edit pencil.

5. Upload your headshot photo. The photo should be a close up if possible. 

Step 2: Add your title, pronouns, and bio

In Canvas, go to “Account”, then “Profile”, then click “Edit Profile”. 

1. Select your pronouns. Read why pronouns are important. 

2. Enter your title

3. Add a biography in the textbox. You may want to share your background, experiences, work, expertise, etc. Think of this mini-biography as similar to a LinkedIn profile summary.

4. If you have any websites you’d like to share, such as linkedIn, you can add those here. 

5. Save

Step 3: NameCoach

NameCoach is a tool integrated into Canvas that gives learners the ability to record the pronunciation of their names, provide the phonetic spelling of their names, and store their pronouns. Trainers and fellow classmates can access this data to learn how best to address each learner.  NameCoach aims to create a more inclusive classroom community and encourages a culture of respect.

In Canvas, go to “Account”, then “NameCoach Recorder”

1. Include the phonetic spelling of your name

2. Record your name using a phone call, web recording, or upload. Learn how to record your name 

Step 4: Enable Notifications

Staff and trainers will be sending announcements throughout the course. To ensure you receive these announcements, set up notifications on announcements. 

1. In Canvas, go to “Account”, then “Notifications”.

2. In the Course Activities section, look for Announcement.

3. In the email column, click on the checkmark to select "notify me right away" via email.