Canvas leverages technologies like Etherpad to allow multiple users to work together on the same document at the same time. Collaborative documents are saved in real-time, meaning a change made by any of its users will be immediately visible to everyone.

Collaborations in Etherpad do not require students to set up any account. Students will be able to enter the document simply by clicking on the Collaboration link.

How do I create an Etherpad document?

1. Click Collaborations in the course navigation menu to the left.

2. If you already have previous collaborations, click Start a new collaboration. Otherwise, you will see the Start a New Collaboration screen.

3. Select Etherpad as the Collaborate using option [1], Enter a name for the document [2], Enter a description (optional) [3], and select the people or groups you want to share the document with [4].

4. Click Start Collaborating to create and start using your new document.

How do I share an Etherpad document?

The document will automatically show on the Collaborations page for anyone you have already selected to collaborate with. You can add more people or groups at any time.

You can also share an Etherpad document by sharing the URL. Please note that there are no access restrictions to an Etherpad document. See Is Etherpad secure? below.

How do I add more people or groups to my Etherpad document?

You can add more people or groups to your document by editing the settings on the Collaborations page

1. Click Collaborations in the course navigation menu to the left.

2. Click the edit icon for the document you want to add people or groups to.

3. Select the people or groups you want to add to the document.

4. Click Update collaboration when you are done.

How do I enter my name inside an Etherpad document?

Etherpad keeps track of everyone's contributions in real-time. You should enter your name to let others know who you are.

1. From within an Etherpad document, click the Show the users on this pad icon in the top right corner.

2. Enter your name into the dropdown box that appears and press enter.

3. You can click on the Show the users on this pad icon again to make the box disappear.

How do I delete an Etherpad document?

1. Click Collaborations in the course navigation menu to the left.

2. Click the delete icon for the document you want to delete.

3. Click OK to the popup prompt to delete the collaboration.

Is Etherpad secure?

No, Etherpad does not use authentication or access restrictions to protect a document. Anyone with the URL will be able to view and edit an Etherpad document.