What is Quercus?
Quercus (Canvas) is the University of Toronto’s academic toolbox. Quercus offers an advanced content design, a variety of student communication tools, easy-to-use course administration features and mobile applications for access to key functions from a phone or tablet. Through a number of built-in tools and effective integration of other educational technologies, this powerful “app store” platform allows for greater pedagogical flexibility and engagement. TA roles and responsibilities in Quercus can vary from developing and managing course content, creating rubrics and adding grades, to moderating various activities.
Accessing Quercus
Visit Quercus and use your UTORid and password to access the toolbox. To activate your UTORid, visit the Activation website. If you are experiencing issues with your UTORid and password please contact the Information Commons Help Desk. You can also use the Canvas Teacher App to access and manage Quercus.
Identifying Local and Central Quercus (and EdTech) Support
Each division at U of T has identified key contact and supports related to Quercus. If you have questions or wish to speak with an individual, please contact your divisional support representative. If your division does not have a key EdTech support contact, does not offer training or technical support, you can reach out to the central office at q.help@utoronto.ca.
Quercus Training
Training and support is offered divisionally and centrally in-person, through online webinars, and self-directed online learning resources. Begin with the “Quickstart Quercus: a basic introduction” video for U of T faculty and staff. For more information, enroll in TATP’s 1-hr Quercus Training Module.
Quercus training workshops—both in-person session and online webinars—are offered at various locations across the University and they are open to TAs. Explore the Training Schedule to identify a workshop that will hone your Quercus knowledge and skills.
Online documentation related to Quercus (including tip sheets, guides, and videos), are available through the Quercus Support Resources.
Online training and self-paced videos are offered through the Canvas Community Training Portal. To access Canvas Training, follow the steps to create an account, which will also allow you to view and register free webinars.
Key additional external resources include:
Building and Managing Courses in Quercus
For information related to specific aspects of building and managing course elements in Quercus:
- Adding staff and students to a course
- Announcements and communication
- Adding course content and customizing course setting
- Managing the gradebook, setting up rubrics and using SpeedGrader
- Creating assignments and quizzes
Supporting your Students in Quercus
When your students have questions about course access, need an introduction to the toolbox, require instructions on how to find their way around Quercus, view grades, or have other questions, direct them to the Student Quercus Guide and the blog Quercus for Students. Share with your students the introduction to Quercus video: “Overview of Quercus for students” to get them started. More documentation related to specific tools integrated into Quercus are available on the Student Quercus Support Resources.
Technical questions regarding UTORid, email and internet access, wireless connectivity, etc., can be directed to specific help sites: Information Commons; UTM Help Site; and UTSC Help Site.
Integrated Tools in Quercus
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