O365 + Canvas: Part I – Providing Office 365 (OneDrive) files as Resources for students

Below will focus on how you can easily share resources that live in your OneDrive.  No more trying to keep up with file organization in Canvas, OneDrive, and/or your multiple devices separately.  Let the power of OneDrive work to your advantage so that you can be a resourceful teacher for both students and parents.

Connect Office 365 to Canvas

1. Your will need to connect each Canvas course that you’re wishing to use your Office 365 account. Once in your course, you will see the link in your Course Navigation menu.
2. Click on the Log in button in the window that appears.
3. Accept any terms where requested.
4. You’ll then see your OneDrive folders and files appear.

Your Office 365 (OneDrive) account is now connected so that you can easily share files with your students.  Students should perform the same steps above for all their courses.

Add a Link to a File in a Module

This is a way to deliver a copy of a file you want to share with the students.

1. After a module has been created click on the  Add button in the module.
2. In the new window select the External Tool option from the Add drop-down menu.
3. Once this is selected, a window will appear showing a list of different tools to choose. Choose the Office 365 option.
4. Once Office 365 is selected, the files and folders of your OneDrive account will appear.
5. Choose the file you wish to share.
6. Then click Attach File.

You will then see the Module Item titled the name of the file. This will be available as a preview for students to see and review. If need be, they should be able to download their own copy to their own computer.

Add an Office 365 (OneDrive) file link to a Content Page

Sharing just files are great.  However, there are many cases where the use of a file will need further clarification or explanation.  There also may be times when you want to include multiple files or file with other types of resources (i.e. videos, web links, etc.) in one area.  Canvas’ Content Pages can handle these sorts of situations through its Rich Text editor.

Below will showcase the use of a file link only.

1. Once you’re in your Module section, click on the  Add button to add a new Module item.
   • From the drop-down box in the popup window, choose Page.
   • Click on [New Page] from the new list in the larger box.
   • Create a Name for the Page
   • (Optional) Select an indent option.
   • Then click on Add Item.
2. Once returned to the Module, click on the new content page you just created.
3. In the upper right, click on the Edit
4. Add content to the page. To add the OneDrive file, click on the Office 365 icon from the Rich Text Editor menu.
5. Check the box next to the file you wish to add and then click on the Add File.

TIP: Place the file link on a new line.  It’s often best for users to find referenced files from a list instead of it being embedded within lines of text.  Below is an example of a file list.

One Disadvantage View

Canvas can provide certain views of files in a content page.  One of them is an inline preview of the file.  When a user opens the content page, the file auto loads so users can see it instantly within the page.  Otherwise, users must click on the file to view its contents.  Files stored in Canvas versus those made available through Office 365 behave differently in Canvas.  See the comparison setup instructions below:

Preview Available with Canvas Stored File	Preview Not Available with Office 365 Stored File
After inserting a file stored on Canvas (or uploaded from the computer), a link will appear in the content page.	After inserting a file stored on your OneDrive (Office 365), a link will appear in the content page.
Click on the file name so that the cursor is now located in within the file name.  Then click on the Link to URL option from the Rich Text Editor menu.	Click on the file name so that the cursor is now located in within the file name.  Then click on the Link to URL option from the Rich Text Editor menu.
As seen below, the new popup window provides the inline preview option.	As seen below, the new popup window does not provide the inline preview option.

Despite this option, students can still click on the file link and they will remain in the Canvas previewer.