Canvas Insider

A while back, I had made a video showing teachers of Canvas courses the student's perspective when it came to Peer Review assignments. I've seen an increase in questions from my faculty clients about Peer Reviews in their courses, so I wanted to make an updated video sharing the different types of Peer Reviews available… in my usual one-take, cheeky perspective.Before you go…After viewing this screencast (thank you for checking it out, by the way!) if you would like to see more of these screencast-style tips in the future, shoot me a quick email? If you think I should hang up my screencast gear moving forward, shoot me a quick email!I appreciate your feedback…-CP This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.canvasinsider.blog

My latest Substack blog is now available:The Relational Technologist Mindset is available for you to check out by clicking this link, and you can subscribe here: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.canvasinsider.blog

With a great deal of attention focused on student and teacher mental health, I wanted to make mention of an oft-overlooked area of a school, college, or university who is directly responsible for maintaining a successful work environment: support staff.Thank you for your time and attention! If you found value with this tip, shoot me an email to let me know.-Chris This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.canvasinsider.blog

In this audiogram, I wanted to share an exploration about tech support based on a moment in time from a Saturday afternoon at Costco. Here is the transcript if you wish to read along, or not listen:Hello Canvas Insiders! I wanted to share a story with you, a moment in time that happened to me recently that relates to my career in technology support. It's a moment in time that I unknowingly became someone whom I have referred to in the past in an allegory or a parable pertaining to my work in helping clients fix their computer problems. So check this out:This past weekend I willingly chose to do something I normally, in my right mind, would NOT do. I went to Costco on a Saturday afternoon. I only had three things on my list: Vitamin C pills, Vitamin E pills, and multi-vitamin pills. Three bottles. No need for a big shopping cart, bang-bang see you later quick run into Costco. Now as most of us are aware of, there is no such thing as a quick visit to Costco. But let's get back to the story.I park what seemed to be a quarter-mile away from the main entrance, which is the usual for a Saturday afternoon at our favorite behemoth warehouse location. Flashed my member card to the welcome person at the entrance, navigated myself through carts and carts of people wandering about the aisles, acquired my three vitamin pill bottles, and made my way to the checkout lines. Now here's where the story gets exciting.With my 6-foot-3 height, I surveyed the 10-plus checkout stands with long lines of carts. Not for me. I saw on my right that there was four banks of self-checkout scanners. I noticed one was not being used. I made my way to the open self-checkout scanner space. I scanned my Costco membership card, beep, and scanned the three vitamin pil bottles, beep, beep, beep. I quickly tapped the Pay now button on the screen, and I sensed a person coming alongside of me and saying, "Sir, are you aware that there is a line for the self-checkout area?" As I pulled my payment card out of my jeans, I said, "Nope!" And the young man continued to lecture me, "For the future, we have a line for the self-checkout and there are people in line now." Now, let's pause here for a moment, Canvas Insiders. one of my triggers in life is social embarrassment or social shame. Had it a lot while growing up as a shy, quiet loner without many friends in school, and I've done a lot of work to curate a universe where I am not likely to experience embarrassment or shame. In a split-second, I am now feeling embarrassed as my mind, my inner narrative, is telling me, as I'm tapping my credit card against the payment terminal, that there are a lot of people looking at me with derision, contempt, anger, you name it. I also have someone in a position of authority, so to speak, admonishing me for something I was unaware of. In my surveying of the Costco cattle herd of shopping cart, flatbed carts, and a ton of people gathered around the checkout areas, I did not see one instance of a sign for a checkout line, one orange traffic cone guiding shoppers to the way to check out. From my perspective, everyone was at least than 10-feet away from the self-checkout scanners, there was an open spot, and I took it. Now here's my confession, Canvas Insiders. As I am replaying this moment in time back in my mindspace, I realize my triggered response of public embarrassment or shame, that split-second moment where my anxiety was telling me that that young staff person was going to make me cancel my order and go to the back of the line of shoppers, I did not respond nicely to his what-I-consider passive-aggressive informing me of established lines for checkout. As he said in a fairly parental-admonishing tone, "For the future, we have a line for the self-checkout and there are people in line now." I took my printed receipt, held it up to him and said, "three items, 42 seconds." And I left to exit the store. The young man then raised the stakes when he said, "Sir, I need to see your Costco member card," and as I'm walking away, I said, "Already scanned it. I wouldn't have been able to check out if I wasn't a member." and kept walking to the exit lines. So I'm wagering you are assessing my behavior in that brief Saturday afternoon moment in time at a very busy shopping establishment as rude, combative, aggressive, and descriptors that if I were to say to them might flag this as explicit content. I understand you may feel that way. In hindsight I let my protective instincts prevail, and unfortunately, for me that means no-verbally aggressive behavior. But make no mistake, I have now been made aware of Costco's informal rules and management to "Effectively provide customer service" by loosely organizing line queues for customers to checkout and self-checkout. Knowing what I know now, if I repeated this behavior, in my inner narrative I would proclaim myself guilty as charged. From other shoppers' perspectives, I would imagine that they viewed my "cutting in line" as cheating my way to a quick checkout. That whole cutting in line business was something that I learned in elementary school was not something you did. And as I watched "tougher" kids, or bullies, cut in front of other kids waiting in line and following the rules, my injustice streak got activated. That's not fair was usually my internal response. Perhaps you feel the same when someone cuts in line as you are being a good citizen and waiting your turn.I share this past weekend's somewhat-embarrassing experience with you, my dear Canvas Insider, to illustrate a perspective about customer service, specifically technical support in higher education, of which I have 25+ years of experience. Your tech support is very busy attending to the large amount of requests for help coming from their clients. In order to help with the large amount of requests, upper management may have implemented a "ticketing system" or an email address for tech support needs. These systems allow the technical support professional to work through the list of requests as they are able to. It gives them the agency to discern which support needs are more urgent than others to resolve. It helps the tech support professional do their job the way they are most adept at. When a client places a phone call to the tech support professional, it is impossible for the tech to fix both issues at the same time. They have to stop what they're doing and "context switch" (Hi, Cal Newport!) to respond to your phone call. In some tech support situations, it's not a simple click a button and the problem is fixed, there might be 30 minutes of CSI-style forensic troubleshooting for the tech support professional to figure out what a client is talking about having only received a forwarded email from a student in which the client simply states, "please fix my student's issue." Stopping that cerebral focus on one issue, picking up a phone, and responding to a call from a client does three things to the tech support:1 - They lose their focus on what they were working on2 - They are now in a "pop quiz" mindset not knowing what their client is needing help with3 - All others in the email inbox or ticketing queue are now waiting for the tech support professional to complete supporting the phone call and get back to the queue of support requests.What is even more disabling to a professional tech support's inertia in performing their work effectively is when a client stops by their office unexpectedly with a need for their tech issue to be resolved right then and there. A professional tech support who has the ability to establish boundaries at work might respond to the client with, "I'm currently working on another customer's tech issue, would you wait a few minutes while I finish up?" Some of you might find this a completely reasonable request, but ~some~ customers need their needs met now. Some would reply to a request for waiting with, "Oh, this will only take a minute." or "Oh, I just have a quick question, it won't take too long." And now the tech support professional is put in a tough situation: They either drop what they're doing to meet the in-person client's needs, which ~some~ management would require as a way to "provide outstanding customer service" which will result in a the tech spending number of minutes to resume the cerebral work on the issue they were working on before the interruption. I'm betting there's increased stress and/or anxiety involved in that "Where was I?" question the tech asks themself as they try to get back on track. ORThe tech will re-iterate to the client that they are working on an issue right now, and please wait until the issue is resolved. And now we have a disappointed client who has to wait to get their needs met, something that, if management were made aware of, might make the tech support professional subject to "revisiting the department's standards for customer service."I want to raise awareness to something, my conscientious and gracious Canvas Insiders. We are currently focusing on two, maybe three, people: the tech support professional, the client on the phone or in person, and perhaps management. We are overlooking a very important aspect. We are overlooking the line of people who sent emails or entered tickets for computer help. They are waiting in line for the tech support professional to help them with their needs. They are following the rules and not cutting in line to get to the tech support. These people who are not watching the tech support professional working are assuming they will get their issue resolved in an adequate timeframe. These emailers and ticket-makers don't see the person cutting in line of them by making a phone call or stopping by in person. I have a tough question for you to consider: if customers who are in the tech support professional's queue of service were made aware of you jumping ahead of them in line for help, just like I unknowingly did at Costco this past Saturday afternoon, do you think they would be okay with your choice to not email or fill out a ticket for help?“Okay, Chris, what should I do to get my computer issues fixed, oh exalted guru of customer support?” Now now, let's not be too agitated about things. I'm sharing a perspective from the tech support professional. I am wagering management is not asking to learn about their tech support professional's perspective. I am also betting that the customers who are receiving support from their tech support professional (for free in many cases?) are not aware, nor do they even consider asking, about the tech's perspective. Here's my ask, Canvas Insider: send an email to your tech support professional, or your Canvas Admin, whomever you get service from. Ask them this, "I know there are email addresses and ticketing systems in place to receive support, but what is YOUR preferred way of contacting you when I need help with my computer or my Canvas courses?" You might be surprised at the response you receive. I'm sure the tech support professional would be surprised as well, because THIS question is something not often asked of those providing technology support.I appreciate you considering my perspective as we consider tech support in the workplace. I would be happy to hear your perspective, and I promise to disengage my biases and judgments, so that I can fully consider your point of view. canvasinsider@protonmail.com. Thanks very much for your time and attention. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.canvasinsider.blog

In this audiogram, I wanted. to raise awareness of a new era, or epoch, we have entered into as a society. And how, at the start of a new school year, we can become better communicators. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.canvasinsider.blog

Instructure's annual conference was another huge success, and I wanted to make mention of a couple of items (and people) who made an impact on me during the big event. Plus… I have something up my sleeve for the month of August. All that and more in my latest Unscripted Audiogram.Thanks very taking the time to listen. Don't forget to drop me a line at canvasinsider@protonmail.com if you have any thoughts or comments for me. I do appreciate your perspective!-Chris This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.canvasinsider.blog

Weblinks mentioned in AudiogramFan of Mozilla Firefox?* Export bookmarks* Update browser softwareLike using Google Chrome?* Export bookmarks* Update browser softwareAficionado of Brave Browser?* Export bookmarks* Update browser softwareDevotee of Safari Browser?* Export BookmarksBackup Phone Contacts* Apple iPhone* AndroidAll these downloadable files can be stored on a USB flash drive….just in case.Thanks for listening!-Chris This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.canvasinsider.blog

As I strive to be more of a Relational Technologist with my clients, I have found that the “little things” make such a big difference for those whom I serve. In this unscripted audiogram, I share four “little things” that have given me a huge ROI (return on investment). Thanks very taking the time to listen. Don't forget to drop me a line at canvasinsider@protonmail.com if you have any thoughts or comments for me. I do appreciate your perspective!-Chris This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.canvasinsider.blog

I was chuffed to attend and present in two EdTech conferences the past couple of weeks. Wanted to share a few observations with you now that in-person conferences are back with a happy vengeance.Thanks for listening!-Chris This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.canvasinsider.blog

“…who are the people in your neighborhood? The people that you meet each day.”- Sesame StreetSo much wisdom in that show. In this unscripted audiogram I wanted to explore those who know you, those who fuel you, and those who help you persevere through your work life. Your community. Thanks for listening and for considering whom your community consists of, and for investing in them.-Chris This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.canvasinsider.blog

No one likes to feel dumb. Tech support has choices to make when their clients contact them about an issue. I'm exploring ways to be more of an ally versus an adversary in this unscripted audiogram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.canvasinsider.blog

I'm preparing for a presentation in a conference later this spring, and wanted to share some ideas I've accumulated so far about what it means to be a Relational Technologist. I'd appreciate any thoughts, feedback, or helpful suggestions you might have to make my upcoming presentation better.-Chris This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.canvasinsider.blog

I've been wrestling with an issue in my University's Canvas-land, and felt impulsive enough to simply hit record and verbally process. Rambling? Perhaps. Scattered? After the day of work I had, most likely. But I'm exploring the realm of supporting the diaspora of student personal technology…and when it fails for them. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.canvasinsider.blog

This is the final Canvas Insider podcast episode for the foreseeable future. Thank you very much for taking the time to listen to my efforts to share information, skills, and perspectives to improve your relationship with Instructure's Canvas LMS, and get you to happy hour sooner. To stay up to date on my other Canvas Insider content, check out https://canvasinsider.substack.com

On this episode: A clarification/correction, and three Canvas tips for your courses and your account. Other content I curate: Canvas Insider Newsletter - https://canvasinsider.substack.com/ Greyman Technology Newsletter - https://greymantechnology.substack.com/ Bellingham Podcast - https://www.bellinghampodcast.com/ Topics I talked about: Google, Microsoft can get your passwords via web browser's spellcheck - https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-microsoft-can-get-your-passwords-via-web-browsers-spellcheck/

On this episode: Back after some time off this summer. Other content I curate: Canvas Insider Newsletter - https://canvasinsider.substack.com/ Greyman Technology Newsletter - https://greymantechnology.substack.com/ Bellingham Podcast - https://www.bellinghampodcast.com/ Topics I talked about: Microsoft Teams stores cleartext auth tokens, won't be quickly patched - https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/09/microsoft-teams-stores-cleartext-auth-tokens-wont-be-quickly-patched/ Google, Microsoft can get your passwords via web browser's spellcheck - https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-microsoft-can-get-your-passwords-via-web-browsers-spellcheck/

On this episode: My thoughts and observations about InstructureCon 2022

On this episode: Where I've been, what I've done, and links to new content, should you be inclined... Canvas Commons - Search for "Chris Powell" to find the "Preventing the Nightmare" module The guide to being an Information Concierge, not an angsty know-it-all - https://personaltech.blog/ Exploring online anonymity and pseudonymity - https://greymantechnology.substack.com/ Monthly Canvas Tips - https://canvasinsider.substack.com/

On this episode: What teachers see, and what students see, in the course navigation menu... and a couple of software tools that might help with your workflow.

On this episode: A fellow named Kevin

On this episode: Discussion "dork posts", Accessing bits of previous content page saves, and another goofy shameless plug.

On this episode: A few Canvas oddities...things that you might not find mentioned in Instructure's online documentation, or in a reference book for dummies...but they still happen to us out there in Canvas-land.

On this episode: A tip for teachers using module requirements, and info about GMail, multi-factor authentication, and Xfinity email.

On this episode: Following up on a mild annoyance, a couple of tips for course management and communicating with students, and a shameless plug: Issue 1 of the Canvas Insider newsletter is out.

On this episode: A few trends I've noticed at the start of the winter quarter, a wonderful feature with the desktop version of Microsoft Outlook on Apple M1 computer, and a public service announcement for teachers.

On this episode - Following up on a past show topic, and a shameless plug. The Greyman Technology Privacy Shopping Spree

On this episode: The AWS outage on December 7.

This episode airs on December 3 - Recent update to Google Chrome results in teachers unable to load pages within their Canvas course.

On this episode: A clever way to limit how many times students can view videos in your Canvas course, and a "working theory" pertaining to Canvas notifications and why they might not always come into your inbox.

On this episode - A few tech tips which may be outside of our Canvas LMS realm

On this episode: Always have a backup, another tip for Zoom presenters, and a tech tip for virtually everyone.

On this episode: Props to Instructure for a couple of new features coming soon to Canvas, and a friendly reminder when contacting tech support.

On this episode: A tip for teachers having issues with students viewing content in their course, a message for tech support, and a proposition for upper management or institutional leadership.

On this episode: Grade Distribution Graphs, Excused Absences, Supercharge your Course Image in your dashboard, and a Public Service Announcement.

On this episode: Thoughts about InstructureCon 2021 and ideas for presenters who want to be a part of InstructureCon 2022.

On this episode: Accommodating groupings of students in a course Using Zoom with your remote class meetings, especially during assessments

On this brief episode: I got three words for ya.

On this episode: A couple of suggestions to keep in mind - for all of us - as a new academic year takes flight.

On this episode: Allow early access to your course for one student, but not the entire class Online Presentations - web browser tip Another Public Service Announcement

On this episode: Sharing Syllabus with perspective students or the internet Sticking my toe in the asynchronous teaching pool My Canvas Foundations Screencasts

On this episode: A tip about a possibly-overlooked feature in Canvas A sad reality we face in Canvas Support A message for us all in dealing with tough tasks Revisiting Presentations

On this episode: Start-of-new-term reminder Lots of "guests" participating in your course? Consider public visiblity. Shameless plug for Greyman Technology

On this episode: Hidden web links or embedded video in your Canvas page? Try this location. Plus, a DIY audio transcribing method you might not have considered.

On this episode: A different way to introduce Canvas LMS to new teachers Technology usage in a low-trust workplace

On this episode: New-ish Student Assignment Flow idea Google Assignments LTI 1.3 curiosity Update Password tip Anyone De-FAANGing their life like me?

On this episode:Windows 11? Exhale if you have an older computer with Win10. Get the inside scoop to get your Canvas issue resolved quickly. That's not my job?

Work differently, an hour well spent, asynchronous support.

On this episode: Two Canvas course tips to decrease confusion and protect your content, and a cool thing that happened to me recently

Information, skills, and perspectives to improve your relationship with Canvas, and get you to happy hour sooner.

Information, skills, and perspectives to improve your relationship with Canvas and get you to happy hour sooner.

On this episode:A tip for assignments for students making up an incomplete after the first term concludes.Another PSA.