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Canvas: Change Course Front Page

Default Home Page Layout in Canvas

Previously, your default course home page in Canvas was the Recent Activity page. After July 2017, Canvas automatically sets your course home, or front page, to the Modules section of your course.

Instructor View

Below is an instructor's view of a new/empty Modules area set as the course front page.

If you do not use Modules, or would prefer another option, you can set your home page to be the Recent Activity Dashboard, Course Modules, the Assignment List, the Syllabus, or customize your own home page by using Pages Front Page.

Student View

If you are now using Modules as your home page, but have not yet created modules, students will see the following:

Other Home Page Layout Options in Canvas

• Recent Activity Dashboard
  Setting your home page as Recent Activity Dashboard, or Course Activity Stream, allows students quickly see what is going on in the course. The most recent announcements, assignment due dates are posted there.

• Course Modules
  Using Course Modules as your home page allows you to guide and direct students in the order you want them to proceed through the course. Modules create a more structured approach to guiding students to the materials, lessons, and activities to complete.

• Assignment List
  Using the Assignment List as the front page would show students their most recent as well as upcoming assignments.

• Syllabus
  In Canvas, you can customize your syllabus to communicate your expectations and goals with your students. The syllabus is automatically populated with the assignments and events in the course. If you want to get fancy, you can create a button syllabus to guide students through the course.

• Pages Front Page
  Finally, Canvas offers is for you to create a customized page and set that as your course home page. This option allows for maximum customization and creativity. On the front page you can describe your course, add pictures and links to other pages, files, modules, discussions, or any area in your course.