How do I create a sandbox course in Canvas?

Faculty can create sandboxes in Canvas to prepare content, experiment with Canvas features, or collaborate with colleagues. Sandboxes are courses that will never receive student enrollments.

Quick Links: | Prerequisites | Instructions | Troubleshooting | Next Steps |

Canvas allows faculty members to create sandbox courses, which serve as practice environments for developing and testing course content. These sandbox courses enable instructors to experiment with Canvas features and prepare materials without impacting live courses. This guide will walk you through creating a sandbox course in Canvas, allowing you to enhance your course design and delivery in a risk-free environment.

Prerequisites

• Access to a Canvas account with Teacher role permissions.
• Familiarity with the Canvas Dashboard.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To create a sandbox course in Canvas, do the following:

1. Log into your Canvas account and navigate to your Dashboard [1].
2. Locate and select the Start New Course button [2] on the righthand sidebar of your Dashboard. If you don't see this option, it may be because you don't have a course where you have the Teacher role. In this case, contact Learning Technology Services for assistance in creating a new sandbox.
   
3. Enter details for your new course, including:
   • Name: Choose a descriptive name that differentiates it from your live courses.
   • Course Code: Enter a unique code; this cannot be changed later.
   • Content Rights: Typically, leave the content rights as copyrighted.
4. Select Create Course to finalize the creation of your sandbox course.

Troubleshooting

• If you cannot find the Start New Course button, ensure you have a course with the Teacher role. If issues persist, contact Learning Technology Services for support.
• For detailed guidance on importing content or other specific tasks in your sandbox, refer to the guide on copying course content in Canvas or reach out to the Technology and Learning Program for assistance.

Next Steps

Once you have successfully created your sandbox course in Canvas, consider the following actions to make the most of this flexible and creative environment:

1. Import Content from an Existing Course: If you have previously developed course materials that you wish to reuse or modify, you can import them into your sandbox course. This is an excellent way to refine existing content or adapt it for a new class. Follow our guide on copying course content in Canvas.
2. Prepare for a New Course: Your sandbox course is an ideal space to organize and test new content, assignments, and course structures. Once you're satisfied with the arrangement and functionality in your sandbox, you can effortlessly transfer these elements to a new, active course, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared start to the term.

Still need help? If you run into problems or still need help, reach out to the Technology & Learning Program.