how to hide classes on canvas

3 min read 27-01-2025

Canvas, the popular learning management system (LMS), offers a multitude of features to manage courses and assignments. One frequently asked question revolves around hiding classes from view. This guide will walk you through several methods for concealing courses on your Canvas dashboard, depending on your role (student or instructor) and desired outcome. Whether you want to temporarily declutter your dashboard or permanently remove access to a course, we’ve got you covered.

Hiding Classes as a Student

As a student, you might want to hide a class temporarily to reduce dashboard clutter or because you're finished with the course but it remains listed. Unfortunately, Canvas doesn't offer a direct "hide" button for students. However, you can achieve a similar effect using these methods:

Method 1: Archive the Course (If permitted)

Some institutions allow students to archive completed courses. This removes the course from your active dashboard view. Check your institution's Canvas settings; this option isn't universally available. If available, the steps usually involve navigating to the course and looking for an archive or delete option in the course settings.

Method 2: Focus on Active Courses

Canvas organizes courses primarily by their activity. Focusing on active, currently relevant courses will naturally push completed or inactive ones further down your dashboard. This isn't true hiding, but it helps manage visual clutter.

Method 3: Use Browser Extensions (Caution Advised)

Certain browser extensions claim to offer course hiding functionality for Canvas. However, use caution. Such extensions can be unreliable and may potentially compromise your account security. Always download extensions from reputable sources and review user reviews carefully before installation.

Hiding Classes as an Instructor

Instructors have more control over course visibility. Here are the methods available to hide classes:

Method 1: Unpublish a Course

This is the most common method for temporarily hiding a course from student view. An unpublished course will not appear on the student dashboard. To unpublish a course:

Go to your Canvas course.
Click on the Settings tab.
Locate the More Options section.
Toggle the "Publish" option to "Off."

Remember to republish the course when it's ready for students.

Method 2: Delete a Course (Permanent Action!)

Deleting a course is a permanent action and should only be used if you absolutely need to remove a course entirely from Canvas. This action cannot be undone. Proceed with extreme caution. Before deleting, be sure to backup any essential course content. The process usually involves accessing course settings and selecting a "delete" option.

Method 3: Archive a Course (Institutional Dependent)

Similar to students, the archiving option's availability depends on your institution's Canvas configuration. Archiving removes the course from active view but allows you to easily restore it later. Check with your institution's Canvas administrator to determine availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I hide a specific module within a course?

A: Yes. You can selectively hide individual modules within a course by adjusting the module's settings. This allows for phased course delivery and better control of student access to content.

Q: What happens to student submissions if I hide or delete a course?

A: If you unpublish a course, student submissions are still accessible. If you delete a course, submissions are typically also deleted, depending on your institution's retention policies. Always back up important data before deleting a course.

Q: How do I find hidden courses?

A: Hidden courses, depending on the method used, may be found in archived sections of your Canvas account or via direct links if you have them. Contact your institution's support for assistance if needed.

Conclusion

Hiding classes in Canvas is achievable, but the approach varies significantly based on your user role (student or instructor) and desired outcome (temporary or permanent). Always exercise caution, especially when deleting courses, and back up your data before taking any irreversible action. Remember to consult your institution's Canvas support team for guidance if you face any issues or uncertainties. Understanding these methods allows for better course management and a more streamlined Canvas experience.