Streamlining Course Imports: Key Changes to Canvas Import Functionality
Canvas has introduced several important improvements to its course import process that are designed to reduce clutter, improve clarity, and give faculty greater control over course content. The most significant change is that imported content now overwrites existing items instead of creating duplicates. This shift supports cleaner course shells and helps prevent confusion when reusing materials from prior terms. Additionally, the Import Content interface has been refreshed, timezone information is now more clearly presented, and date management options offer enhanced flexibility. These updates are especially helpful when preparing courses for a new semester or importing content from development shells.
New Default Behavior: Overwriting Instead of Duplicating
One of the most notable changes is that when content is imported into a Canvas course, it now overwrites existing materials if they share the same name and type. Previously, repeated imports of the same content would result in duplicates, which often led to confusion and disorganization in the course structure.
With this update, if an imported item matches an existing assignment, page, or discussion by name and content type, Canvas will automatically replace the original version. This change helps maintain consistency and prevents faculty from having to manually clean up repeated items. Faculty should be sure to carefully review selected items during the import process to avoid unintentionally overwriting important updates or revised materials.
Refreshed Import Content Interface
The Import Content page has been updated with a cleaner, more modern design that reflects Canvas’s current interface standards. Visual elements are easier to navigate, and selection menus have been refined for greater clarity. These changes make it easier for faculty to locate content categories, select specific materials for import, and understand the impact of each import decision.
One notable improvement is the updated import button, now labeled “Add Import to Queue.” This more accurately represents the process behind the scenes, where content imports are scheduled and processed by Canvas in sequence. This clearer labeling can help faculty better understand the timing of their import requests, especially when importing larger course packages.
Improved Timezone Clarity
Canvas now provides improved visibility into time zone differences when adjusting due dates during the import process. When shifting or removing dates as part of a course copy, the interface displays both the time zone of the course being imported and the instructor’s local time zone.
This improvement helps faculty ensure that assignment deadlines, event times, and availability windows remain accurate and aligned with their teaching schedule. It is especially useful for faculty teaching courses across multiple campuses, in different time zones, or during daylight saving time transitions. By displaying both time zones, Canvas reduces the risk of misaligned scheduling during the import process.
Flexible Date Management
Canvas continues to provide robust options for managing dates when importing content. Faculty can choose to shift all dates forward or backward based on new course start and end dates. This is particularly useful when transitioning content from a previous term to the current one, as Canvas automatically recalibrates due dates and availability windows.
Alternatively, instructors can opt to remove all dates entirely, providing a clean slate for manual date entry once the content has been imported. This option is helpful for self-paced or asynchronous courses, new course designs based on existing content, or courses that follow a nontraditional academic calendar.
These flexible tools allow faculty to streamline course preparation while ensuring content is accurately scheduled and accessible to students.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact the EdTech team at edtech@fscj.edu. We’re here to support you for an enhanced learning experience!