Canvas Tools for Communicating with Peers

canvas logo

The following tools are available within Canvas, UNCW's learning management system, and can be used by any student to communicate with people in their courses.

Canvas Discussion Boards - This tool is used to create dialogue and simulate a face to face conversation.

Canvas Inbox - This tool is used to create, send, and manage email messages within the Canvas system and is tied to your UNCW email address.

Canvas Chat - This tool allows you to send instant messages to any students who are actively online. Chat must be enabled by the instructor for you to access it for the course.

Tutorial: How to use Chat as a student.

UNCW Supported Communication Tools

UNCW has a wide range of campus supported licenses that are available to students as part of their tuition. Here are some of the tools that you might use to communicate with other students.

Email

This tool allows you to send and receive messages from on and off-campus partners.

Knowledge Base Tutorials: How to use your UNCW Email.

VoiceThread

This tool simulates a face to face discussion in an online asynchronous format. The instructor must have a link to VoiceThread in your course for you to be able to use it.

Tutorial: How to use VoiceThread in Canvas

MS Teams

This tool creates a virtual workspace for conversation, file sharing, and hosting online meetings.

Knowledge Base Tutorials: MS Teams video training

Zoom

This tool allows you to set up web conferencing spaces, record sessions, and host online meetings.

Knowledge Base Tutorials: Zoom Training

Suggested External Tools for Communication

There are a variety of free apps that you can also choose to explore that can aid in communication. Here are some tools that we would recommend you explore.

Please note: these apps are not supported by UNCW and you will be unable to contact TAC should you need assistance.

WhatsApp

An app for your phone or tablet that allows you to send text, video, voice, image, or files to single users or groups of people.

Marco Polo

An app for your phone or tablet that allows you to send text, video, voice, image, or files to single users or groups of people.

Remind

An app to help you stay connected with your classroom community.

Netiquette Reminder

Maintaining collegiality is essential to creating a welcoming environment for sharing ideas.

Make sure that you check out the Netiquette guidelines and suggestions to learn more about the expectations for interacting with your peers in your courses.