Learn how to use Canvas ePortfolios

The purpose of this article is to provide new users with a list of curated activities made to introduce and explore Canvas ePortfolio functionality.

Training Options

Self-Paced Training	Request a Virtual Zoom Training

Self-Paced Training

Request a Virtual Zoom Training

Use the resources below to complete the listed activities in order.

Use existing Canvas ePortfolio Knowledge Articles and/or contact the Boise State Help Desk for questions.

If you and/or your department would prefer to have a member of LTS teach the Canvas ePortfolio activities in a more interactive and group-oriented setting, please email LTS@boisestate.edu with your request.

A member of LTS will reach back out to you to schedule a Zoom Session and invite the correct people to the training. Let us know if you have special requests or would like the session to be recorded.

Faculty Activity Checklist

Time commitment: ~45–60 minutes total

1️⃣ Access & Orientation

☐ Log in to Canvas
☐ Open Account → ePortfolios
☐ Open the default ePortfolio (or create a new one)
☐ Explore the main areas:

Pages
Sections
Settings
Sharing options

✔️ Checkpoint: You know where everything “lives.”

2️⃣ Create Structure

☐ Create at least 2 sections (example: “Teaching Philosophy,” “Course Design,” “Professional Development”)
☐ Add 1 page within each section
☐ Rename pages with clear, meaningful titles

✔️ Checkpoint: Your ePortfolio has a visible framework.

3️⃣ Add Sample Content

☐ Add text content to one page
☐ Embed or upload at least one artifact:

PDF or document
Image
Media link (video, website, etc.)
☐ Use headings or formatting to improve readability

✔️ Checkpoint: You’ve practiced adding and organizing content.

4️⃣ Practice Reflection

☐ Add a short reflective paragraph explaining:

Why this artifact matters
How it demonstrates growth, teaching practice, or learning outcomes

✔️ Checkpoint: You understand ePortfolios as storytelling, not storage.

5️⃣ Sharing & Permissions

☐ Locate Share ePortfolio settings
☐ Generate a public or private link
☐ Review what viewers can and cannot see

✔️ Checkpoint: You can confidently guide students on sharing options.

6️⃣ Teaching with ePortfolios

☐ Identify one assignment that could work well as an ePortfolio artifact
☐ Decide:

Individual or cumulative portfolio?
Reflection required or optional?
☐ Review how students submit ePortfolio links in Canvas assignments

✔️ Checkpoint: You’re ready to integrate ePortfolios into a course.

Student Activity Checklist

Time commitment: ~30–45 minutes total

1️⃣ Access & Explore

☐ Log in to Canvas
☐ Click Account → ePortfolios
☐ Open your default ePortfolio
☐ Click through Pages, Sections, and Settings

✔️ Checkpoint: You know how to get back here anytime.

2️⃣ Build Your Portfolio

☐ Create 2 sections (example: “Coursework,” “Projects,” “Reflections”)
☐ Add 1 page to each section
☐ Give pages clear titles

✔️ Checkpoint: Your ePortfolio has a beginning, middle, and future.

3️⃣ Add Your First Artifact

☐ Add text introducing yourself or the purpose of your portfolio
☐ Upload or embed one item:

Assignment
Image
Video
Link to work

✔️ Checkpoint: Your portfolio contains real content.

4️⃣ Write a Reflection

☐ Add a short reflection answering:

What is this artifact?
What did you learn from it?
Why is it important to include?

✔️ Checkpoint: You’re connecting learning to meaning.

5️⃣ Design & Organization

☐ Use headings or spacing to make the page easy to read
☐ Reorder sections or pages if needed

✔️ Checkpoint: Your portfolio feels intentional, not accidental.

6️⃣ Share Your ePortfolio

☐ Find the Share option
☐ Copy your ePortfolio link
☐ Confirm visibility settings match assignment instructions
☐ Submit the link in your Canvas assignment (if required)

✔️ Checkpoint: Your ePortfolio is ready to be viewed.

Bonus! Optional Activities

Optional Activities

☐ Add another artifact from a different course
☐ Revise a reflection after feedback
☐ Customize your portfolio for future use (internships, jobs, programs)