Thoughts on Canvas: Accessible Files

I assure you, this mini-essay is not just a personal vendetta. One of the drawbacks of Canvas is that it can turn into a black hole for files, and when you do eventually locate the one you're looking for, it might not even open.

Regarding the former issue, the central 'files' tab is an obvious starting point since files are automatically added there. However, they often end up buried within multiple nested folders, making it feel like you're on an epic quest just to find a ten-page reading assignment for Thursday's class. Unfortunately, this navigation maze is currently necessary because some professors solely place readings and other documents in the syllabus. This leads to a frustrating 50/50 chance of whether the document will actually open. From my perspective as a student, the best way to organize the weekly reading list is to either separate them into modules or create a dedicated page with links to each reading organized by class. This can also serve as a handy location for listing assignments due on the same day or providing additional information about the class.

As for the latter issue, there are times when certain students struggle to open specific documents due to the software they are using. Word documents can be particularly frustrating because they might not be in an updated format, or the student might lack the appropriate word-processing software. This means that, even if there is nothing wrong on the professor's end, the document may remain inaccessible to some students. The best way to address this challenge is to provide documents in PDF format whenever possible since they are easier to access and manage. Another option could be Google Docs, although that introduces a separate issue related to document permissions.

In conclusion, the underlying thesis of this brief rant is a simple plea: please be mindful of the files you use and where you store them for student access. By finding an efficient way to organize your classroom materials, you can significantly reduce the number of emails from confused students.