Communication within Canvas

Q. Does Canvas offer synchronous chat sessions?

A. Yes, there is a real-time text-based Chat tool that allows users to 'instant chat' with their cohort in that course.

To make it available to students, it must added in each course via Settings, then Navigation Tab and drag it to the top to make it visible to students.

Q. Can you hold real-time webinars in Canvas?

A. No, the former Conferences tool based on BigBlueButton has been discontinued.

Note: The recommended route for real-time webinars (e.g. tutorial groups, seminars or classes) is to make use of Microsoft Teams, which is integrated into Canvas.

Review our guide: How to create a Teams meeting within a Canvas course