Canvas Portfolio: Quick Start Guide for Faculty

1. Navigate to Portfolios

   • In the Global Navigation menu (blue menu in Canvas) click on Account.

   • A menu will pop out, select Portfolio.

   • You will need to authorize the tool for first-time use. A pop-up will require you to select “Authorize.”

2. Create a Showcase Portfolio

   • Click the Create Portfolio button and select Create Showcase Portfolio.

3. Customize

   • Add a Title and optional cover image/description.

4. Add Evidence

   • Add existing Canvas assignments or create new custom evidence entries (text, images, PDFs, etc.). You can include reflections and tag items with relevant skills.

5. Organize and Share

   • Use sections to organize content.

   • You can preview, share via a public link (if enabled), or export the portfolio as PDF/HTML using the action buttons. 

1. Navigate to Portfolios

   • In the Global Navigation menu (blue menu in Canvas) click on Account.

   • A menu will pop out, select Portfolio.

   • You will need to authorize the tool for first-time use. A pop-up will require you to select “Authorize.”

2. Create an Evaluation Portfolio

   • Click the Create Portfolio button and select Create Evaluation Portfolio. (You must have a Teacher role in at least one published course to see this option).

3. Define Details

   • Enter a Title and specific Instructions for your learners.

   • Optionally, upload a cover image to personalize it.

4. Assign to Courses

   • Select one or more Canvas courses to link to this portfolio. Learners enrolled in these courses will be automatically added to the portfolio, though there have been some noted issues with student access if they hold any other role (e.g., teacher) in other courses.

5. Set Up Evidence Requirements

   • Click the Add Evidence link.

   • Choose to Add Assignment From Course (linking directly to existing Canvas assignments for grading in SpeedGrader) or Create New Evidence (for custom items like projects, extracurriculars, or professional experience).

   • For each requirement, write specific instructions and use tags to align them with skills or competencies.

   • Organize requirements into sections (e.g., by term, topic) using the Add Section link.

6. Publish

   • Save and publish the portfolio when ready. Note that edits are reportedly limited after publishing. 

Start by defining the specific learning goals and criteria the portfolio will address. The structure should be well-defined to guide students effectively. 

• Align with Outcomes: Ensure the portfolio aligns with specific course, program, or general education learning outcomes.

• Choose the Type: Decide among an assessment portfolio (specific required pieces), a working portfolio (ongoing work), or a display/showcase portfolio (best work).

• Specify Content: Determine the "must-haves" (core entries) versus optional items. Consider a mix of evidence, such as drafts, final assignments, peer feedback, and multimedia.

• Set Limits: Specify size limits (e.g., maximum pages, word count) to manage workloads for both students and staff. 

A clear, standards-based rubric is crucial for fair and efficient grading. The rubric should articulate the criteria for success and how each aspect will be weighted. 

• Focus on Growth: Portfolios are ideal for measuring student growth over time. The rubric can assess improvement from an initial artifact (baseline evidence) to final submissions.

• Include Reflection: A significant portion of the grade should focus on the student's structured reflection and metacognition (thinking about their own thinking). Students should explain how their chosen evidence demonstrates their learning and growth.

• Facilitate Peer/Self-Assessment: Integrate opportunities for students to use the rubric for self- and peer-evaluation, which helps them understand the criteria better. 

Introduce the portfolio at the beginning of the semester to give students ample time to collect and curate their work. 

• Select a Platform: Utilize institutional technology like Canvas Portfolios or simple tools like Google Sites, ensuring students have access and support.

• Scaffold the Process: Break the portfolio creation into smaller, low-stakes assignments throughout the term (e.g., a bi-weekly reflection post).

• Provide Ongoing Feedback: Offer regular guidance and critical feedback as a "coach" throughout the semester, deferring the final "judging" until the end. This helps manage the final grading workload by focusing on how feedback was applied. 

When grading the final portfolio, use the developed rubric to assess the curated collection and accompanying reflection. 

• Grade the Final Product/Growth: You can choose to grade primarily on the final demonstration of outcomes, rather than averaging all earlier attempts.

• Require a "Snapshot": If using an e-portfolio system, have students submit a snapshot link of their portfolio by the due date (e.g., the close of U.S. markets on Friday, December 5, 2025, for a fall assignment), freezing the content for review.

• Consider an Oral Defense: For robust assessment and to ensure academic integrity, incorporate a brief oral component or structured interview where students discuss their work.

• Communicate Uses: Remind students how their finished portfolio can be used professionally (e.g., for job applications, graduate school), extending the value beyond a single course grade.