Learning Management System
Canvas by Instructure is PSU’s learning management system (LMS). Canvas features may be used to support in-class, hybrid, or for fully-online teaching.
Videoconferencing
Zoom is PSUs primary videoconferencing platform for teaching. All PSU faculty, staff, and students have an account. For full features, download the Zoom desktop “client” app and keep it updated.
Video editing and publishing
MediaSpace is where you can upload, create, and edit video and audio resources. Your Zoom recordings are also backed up there once you activate your account. Multimedia production support is available by request from OAI.
Email, documents, and calendar
In addition to Gmail, Google’s Workspace suite of applications include: Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drive, Forms, Jamboard, Classroom, Assignments (a plagiarism checker), and Calendar.
Digital annotation
Hypothesis is a social annotation platform that allows users to comment on web content. Faculty can use hypothesis to to foster collaborative critical reading practices. A Hypothesis LTI is now available in Canvas for all users, and can be paired with a PDF or web URL. You and also create an assignment with Hypothesis.
* Read more about using non-supported applications in our detailed article, How can I use Third-Party Tools for Teaching?
Digital accessibility changes for PSU faculty
In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice updated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to set clear requirements for accessible web content and mobile applications used by public entities, including public universities. The rule adopts WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the technical standard. The original compliance date of April 2026 has been extended and the new compliance deadline for PSU is April 26, 2027. Learn more about Title II compliance at PSU.
Dive into Teaching Guides
Add audio descriptions to your MediaSpace videos
In addition to captions, audio descriptions are a required component of accessible video content. When visual information is necessary to understand the content, videos must include audio descriptions in order to be considered accessible. MediaSpace has built-in support for audio descriptions, and you can use the Caption Editor to add them to your videos.
Grackle Slides for accessible Google Slides
Grackle Slides is a Google extension that scans sheets for common accessibility issues and suggests fixes right in your Google Slides. Use Grackle to evaluate your slides and cross-check your accessibility practices.
Grackle Docs for accessible Google Docs
Grackle Docs is a Google extension that scans docs for common accessibility issues and suggests fixes right in your Google Doc. Use Grackle to evaluate your documents and cross-check your accessibility practices.
Grackle Sheets for accessible Google Sheets
Grackle Sheets is a Google extension that scans sheets for common accessibility issues and suggests fixes right in your Google Sheet. Use Grackle to evaluate your sheets and cross-check your accessibility practices.
Getting started with Grackle for Google Workspace accessibility
Grackle is a Google Workspace add-on that can be used to check and improve the accessibility of Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets. Grackle is available for all PSU Google users.
Accessible images and alt text for course materials
Learn how to write effective alt text and make images accessible for all students in Canvas, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office.
How to improve PDF accessibility
Learn best practices for reducing PDF usage, structuring documents, using accessibility checkers, applying optical character recognition (OCR), and utilizing PDF editing tools.
Creating engaging course media: A practical guide for PSU faculty
Whether you are new to digital media or looking to improve the digital media assets for your course, this guide highlights best practices in digital media creation and walks you through the steps for creating your own video and audio content.
Getting started with Panorama at PSU
Get familiar with Panorama in Canvas, including where it appears, what materials it can review, and how to start fixing common accessibility issues.
👋Need more help?
Submit a support request through our Faculty Support portal for assistance.