Quercus (Canvas) can be accessed through mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. These apps allow instructors and students to access course materials, communicate, receive notifications, and complete certain course activities from a phone or tablet.
Instructure provides two main apps: Canvas Student for students and Canvas Teacher for instructors and teaching staff. Some features and integrations may function differently from the desktop version of Quercus.
Getting Started with Canvas Mobile Apps
To access Quercus on a mobile device:
- Download Canvas Student or Canvas Teacher from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and select the option to find your institution.
- Search for University of Toronto, or enter q.utoronto.ca if prompted for your institution’s Canvas URL.
- Sign in using your University of Toronto credentials.
For detailed instructions, consult Canvas’s mobile login guidance for iOS and Android devices.
Canvas Student
The Canvas Student app allows students to access and participate in course activities from a mobile device.
Students can use the app to:
- View course materials, Modules, Pages, and Files.
- Read Announcements and participate in Discussions.
- Review Assignments, due dates, and To Do items.
- Submit supported assignment types.
- View grades and instructor feedback.
- Access Inbox messages, course calendars, and notifications.
Although Canvas Student supports some assignment submissions and quizzes, students should use Quercus through a desktop or laptop browser to complete and submit assessments. Mobile app functionality varies by activity, device, and integration, and may not provide the full functionality needed for assessments.
For detailed information, consult Canvas’s Canvas Mobile Features.
Canvas Teacher
The Canvas Teacher app allows instructors and teaching staff to access selected course features and manage certain activities from a mobile device.
Instructors can use the app to:
- Review course content and activities.
- Access Announcements, Inbox, and Discussions.
- Monitor course activity and receive notifications.
- Review assignment submissions and provide feedback using supported SpeedGrader features.
Although Canvas Teacher supports some grading functions, including annotations on supported devices, instructors are encouraged to use Quercus in a desktop browser for grading and other important assessment tasks. Mobile functionality may be limited, and some features may behave differently from the desktop version.
For detailed information, consult Canvas’s Canvas Teacher Mobile Features.
Mobile Access and Assessment Considerations
Although Canvas mobile apps support many course activities, instructors and students should be aware of their limitations.
- Assignments and quizzes: The Canvas mobile apps should not be used for completing or submitting high-stakes assessments. Students should use Quercus through a desktop or laptop browser for assignments and quizzes to access the full range of assessment features and reduce the risk of technical difficulties.
- External tools: Publisher platforms and other integrated applications may require a browser or additional authentication and may not function consistently within the apps.
- Microsoft 365 files: The Canvas Student app may be used to co-author or edit Microsoft OneDrive documents, but it should not be used to upload OneDrive files as assignment submissions. Students should use a desktop or laptop computer to submit OneDrive files through Quercus.
- Notifications: Mobile push notifications depend on individual preferences and device settings. Students should not rely on notifications as their only way to monitor course activity.
- Accessibility and usability: Some content and activities may display differently on smaller screens. Instructors should consider mobile access when organizing course materials and provide alternatives when a particular activity cannot be completed reliably on a mobile device.
Canvas mobile apps are developed and supported by Instructure, and their features may differ between iOS and Android devices. For a more complete experience, access Quercus through a supported desktop browser.
Troubleshooting Mobile App Issues
If you experience problems accessing Quercus or using features in the Canvas mobile apps:
- Check that your device has a stable internet connection.
- Confirm that you are using the latest version of the app.
- Close and reopen the app, or sign out and sign back in.
- If problems persist, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
Some issues may be related to device compatibility, operating system settings, or limitations of the mobile apps. If a feature does not work as expected, try accessing Quercus through a supported desktop browser.
For further guidance, consult Canvas’s Mobile Guides.