Blackboard and Canvas have a number of similar features. The steps to do certain activities or the terminology might be different between the systems. Review the table to learn more about how common activities in Blackboard are done in Canvas.
| Action | In Blackboard | In Canvas |
| Upload your syllabus | Go to a content area (i.e. Course Documents) > Build Content > Item | Click the Course Syllabus or Syllabus in the course navigation menu and Edit the Syllabus Description with text and/or an attached file. Which tab you use depends on your division. |
| Add course readings | Contact eReserves | Contact eReserves |
| Add a link | Go to a content area (i.e. Course Documents) > Build Content > URL | Go to Modules on the course navigation menu. Create a Module and then add a link to a Page or an external link to a Module. |
| Organize content | Within a folder: Drag and drop Within a content area: Create folders | Go to Modules on the course navigation menu. Then create and use Modules or linked Pages to create a hierarchical structure for your course site. |
| Create assignments | Go to a content area (i.e. Assignments) > Create Assessment > Assignment | Go to Assignments on the course navigation menu > Add Assignment. |
| Download student submissions | Under the Grade Center column for the assignment, download individually or bulk download. | On the Assignment page for the assignment. |
| Add a journal, blog or wiki to your site | Go to a content area (i.e. Assignments) > Add Blog or Add Wiki | Canvas does not have journals, blogs, or wikis as separate tools. Pages can be used as wikis if the editing settings are adjusted. Discussions can be used instead of Blogs. |
| Build a quiz or a test | Go to a content area (i.e. Assignments) > Create Assessment > Test. Then deploy the test. | Go to Quizzes on the course navigation menu > Create New Quiz. |
| View student grades | In the Control Panel, Grade Center > Full Grade Center | Go to Grades on the course navigation menu. |
| View course roster | In the Control Panel, Users and Groups > Users | Go to People on the course navigation menu. |
| Edit the course navigation | Edit content area names and add/reorder content areas and tool links in the course menu. | Go to Settings on the course navigation menu > Navigation to rearrange and show/hide menu options. You can not rename any menu items. Warning: Do not change the Settings > Course Setting area (such as course name, course code, or term) as it could cause your course to be reset and lose all your work. |
| Send an email message to the class | Tools > Send Email | Click on Inbox in the course navigation menu to send a message to the class. |