The resources in this "Survival Guide" have been developed and compiled for instructors who are new to Canvas and also for those who have some Canvas experience but would like additional reinforcement and helpful tips. Each page of the Survival Guide has two sections ("Getting Started" and "Going Deeper"), which are organized on separate tabs. The "Getting Started" content begins with a brief introduction to the page's content followed by a short tutorial video and, in some cases, annotated screen captures explaining how to access and use that tool or feature. The "Going Deeper" content includes resources for instructors who are comfortable using Canvas but might be looking for some examples of instructional techniques or ways to address specific challenges, or maybe even just a little inspiration.

Canvas Inbox serves as a centralized messaging platform, enabling instructors and students to easily connect, either through one-on-one communication or group messages. Its integration within Canvas creates a space dedicated specifically to course communication. Additionally, instructors and students can share files within the messages, and the Inbox saves a threaded record of past conversations, making it easy to recall prior details and circumstances that might be relevant to future communications.

This page explains:

How to send messages using the Canvas Inbox.
When to use the Inbox.
How to forward Canvas Inbox messages to your preferred email address.

Let's look closer!

Video Tutorial: Inbox Overview

Canvas Inbox allows you to send messages to groups or individuals who are enrolled in your courses. You can create and respond to messages by clicking on the Inbox link in the Global Navigation panel. Since the Canvas Inbox is global to your account, you will send and receive messages to and from students in all of your courses in this one location.

Messages sent to your Canvas Inbox will also be pushed to the email address that you specified when setting up your account settings. You can, therefore, also read and respond to Inbox messages through your email, which does not require that you log into Canvas.

Inbox Overview (All Users) - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com)

When should I use the Inbox?

Send a message to an individual student or group of students in your courses.
Reply to messages from students in your courses.
Read and reply to assignment submission comments.

Survival Tip: Forward Inbox Messages to Your Email

Now that you've been introduced to the Inbox, let's confirm that your contact information and Inbox message (Conversation Message) notification frequency are set up in a way that appropriately reflects how you like to receive messages. Simply put, let's forward students' Inbox messages to your email address (and/or text messages, if you prefer) so that you won't miss them!

First, let's revisit your account settings to make sure your preferred contact information is in place. Select Account at the top of Canvas' left-side global navigation panel and then select Settings.
Under Ways to Contact on the right side of the page, confirm that the email address listed is where you'd like to receive Inbox notifications (in addition to the Canvas Inbox). You can add an email address or other contact method here as well, such as text messaging. If you have more than one email address listed, select the star next to the email address that you'd like to serve as your default contact.
Next, select Notifications from the left-side course navigation panel and scroll down to Conversations. To the right of Conversation Message, confirm that your email and push notification frequencies are set up the way that's most appropriate for your work style.

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Timely Replies to Student Messages

When students send messages to your Inbox with their questions, comments, or concerns, they're eager to receive your reply. Responding to students in a timely manner can be particularly important if students are asking for feedback or clarification related to an assignment. Despite students wanting an immediate reply, though, it's unrealistic to expect you'll have the time and capacity to reply to every student within minutes of receiving an Inbox message; however, a balance between students' eagerness and your workload can perhaps be found by letting students know up front the timeframe within which they can expect your reply. For example, if you plan to reply to students' Inbox messages within 24 hours of receiving them, you can include that information in your syllabus, on your home page, or in your welcome announcement. By providing that clarity early on, you and your students will be on the same page and can plan accordingly.

Find Submission Comments through the Inbox

Not only does the Canvas Inbox serve as a dedicated space for exchanging general course messages with individuals or a group of students, but it also serves as a channel for exchanging assignment-specific messages. One of the ways you can provide assignment-specific feedback to your students is by providing comments within a submitted assignment. We'll discuss these "Assignment Comments" in more detail on the Feedback page, but for now, we want to point out that you can access and respond to student replies to your assignment comments through the Inbox. To find student replies to your assignment comments, go to your Canvas Inbox and, from the center drop-down menu at the top of the page, select Submission Comments.

Additional Resources

Canvas Guides: How do I use the Inbox as an instructor?

Canvas Guides: How do I send a message to a user in a course?

Canvas Gudes: How do I send a message to all course users in the Inbox?

Canvas Guides: How do I reply to submission comments in the Inbox?

Canvas Guides: How do I change my default email address in my user account?