Dropbox: Using the Dropbox App in a Canvas Course

Environment

Information and support for the Dropbox Canvas LTI.

Issue

How do I use the Dropbox app in a Canvas course?

Resolution

Dropbox for Canvas

Connect Canvas to your Dropbox account to easily attach files to courses or submit assignments without switching apps.

Instructors: Centralize your course content in Dropbox, where you can keep it secure. Then, upload lecture slides, videos, reading assignments, and more to a course in Canvas. You can spend your time on academics instead of on managing your files.

Students: Turn in assignments quickly, without having to sign in every time. Upload files from within Dropbox, or while you’re in Canvas.

How Can I Use Dropbox In My Course?

Dropbox will appear as an option for students to select from when uploading file submissions to assignments.

Canvas course example assignment page, Dropbox for Canvas tab is selected with the option to choose a file.

In addition, Dropbox will appear in the Rich Content Editor (RCE) for both instructors and students.

Create new assignment in Canvas page, Rich Content Editor selected, drop-down displays Dropbox as an option.

A link to the Dropbox app can be added to the in the left-side course navigation. The link provides information to students and instructors on how to connect and use Dropbox in Canvas. Note that the link can be removed from the course navigation at any time, and it is not necessary to use Dropbox in the course.

Canvas course page, Dropbox app section, black arrow pointing to "Dropbox for Canvas" link in left navigation.

Log in to Dropbox from Canvas

To access your files and folders in your U-M Dropbox account, you must first log in to U-M Dropbox.

  1. Click the Sign in button on the Dropbox for Canvas page in your course. You will be taken to the Dropbox sign-in page.
  2. Enter your @umich.edu email address in the Email field. Dropbox will automatically recognize your email as associated with U-M Dropbox and display "Single sign-on enabled." Do not enter your UMICH password in the Password field if it does not appear.
  3. Click Continue to finish signing in to your account.

Dropbox sign in page, black arrow points to Single sign-on enabled text.
 

Support

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.

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