Canvas Commons is not just a repository for finding and importing resources; it's also a platform for sharing your own valuable content with colleagues. This section will guide you through the process of preparing and sharing your resources on Canvas Commons.

Preparing Content for Sharing

Before sharing your content, ensure it's well-organized and ready for others to use:

Review your content for accuracy and clarity
Remove any course-specific information that may not be relevant to others
Ensure all links and resources are functioning correctly
Consider creating a brief introduction or instructions for using your shared content

Choosing Sharing Options

Canvas Commons offers three main sharing options:

Public: Share with all Canvas users worldwide
Institution: Share only within your college or district
Private: Share only with yourself (useful for personal content management)

Canvas Commons sharing options

Canvas Commons sharing options

When to Use Each Option:

Public: Use for high-quality, universally applicable content that could benefit educators beyond your institution
Institution: Ideal for department-specific resources or when maintaining consistency across your college
Private: Perfect for storing your own resources or works in progress

Adding Metadata and Descriptions

Providing detailed metadata helps others find and understand your shared content:

Title: Create a clear, descriptive title
Description: Write a concise yet informative description of your resource
Tags: Add relevant keywords to improve searchability
Grade Level: Specify the appropriate educational level (e.g., undergraduate, graduate)
Subject: Choose the most relevant subject area

Selecting Appropriate License Types

Choosing the right license is crucial for defining how others can use your shared content:

Public Domain: No restrictions; anyone can use and modify the content freely
Creative Commons: Various license types allowing different levels of use and modification
All Rights Reserved: Retains full copyright; others must seek permission for use

License selection in Canvas Commons

Tip: For most educational content, consider using a Creative Commons license to promote sharing and collaboration while still receiving attribution for your work.

Step-by-Step Sharing Process

Follow these steps to share your resource on Canvas Commons:

Navigate to the content you wish to share in your Canvas course
Click the options menu (three dots) next to the item
Select "Share to Commons"
Choose your sharing option (Public, Institution, or Private)
Select the appropriate license type
Fill in the metadata fields (title, description, tags, etc.)
Add a thumbnail image if desired
Review your settings and click "Share" to publish your resource

Share to Commons dialog box

Best Practices for Sharing

To ensure your shared content is valuable and easy to use:

Be specific in your descriptions and tags to help others find your content
Consider the needs of potential users when preparing your content
Update your shared resources periodically to keep them current
Respond to feedback or questions from users of your shared content

Conclusion

Sharing resources on Canvas Commons is an excellent way to contribute to the educational community and showcase your expertise. By carefully preparing your content, choosing appropriate sharing options and licenses, and providing detailed metadata, you can ensure that your shared resources are discoverable and valuable to other educators. Remember, the strength of Canvas Commons lies in the collaborative efforts of its users – your contributions make a difference!