To help you get started with creating clear directions for your students about the nuances of Canvas Quizzes, we've provided you with some base text that you can customize.
General Canvas Directions
You have one attempt for this exam. Once you begin, you must complete it in that session. If you are disconnected for any reason, the timer will continue running. Please re-enter the exam as soon as possible.
Submit your exam by selecting the Submit Quiz button at the bottom of the page. Once submitted, you will not be able to return to the exam.
You can monitor your time using the timer on the right side of the screen. The timer begins when you start the exam and continues running even if you leave the page.
Important: Do not open the exam in multiple tabs or browser windows. This can interfere with Canvas autosave and may result in lost or blank responses.
Important: If you experience technical issues during the exam, contact DCE Academic Technology as soon as possible.
- 617-998-8571 (during support hours)
- 844-326-4466 (24/7 support)
- or use the Help icon in Canvas for chat or email 24-hour support
Online Support Office Hours: Fall & Spring Terms , and Summer Term.
Available From and Until (Window of Time)
The exam will be available starting Wednesday at 7:40 pm (ET).
You must submit your exam by Thursday at 7:40 pm (ET) or within 135 minutes of starting the exam, whichever comes first.
Important: If you begin late in the availability window, you may not have the full 135 minutes. Plan your start time accordingly.
File Upload Exams
You must upload and submit your exam before your time limit expires or before the exam end time, whichever comes first.
For example, if the exam closes at 11:59 pm, submissions will not be accepted after that time.
Important: Uploading at the last minute may result in a blank or incomplete submission. Plan to submit a few minutes early.
When you finish your work, use the file upload option to submit your exam as a single file.
Note: When downloading exam files, you may see a message about leaving the Canvas page. This is expected—select OK to continue.
Buffer Time for Technology
The exam is designed to take 60 minutes. An additional 10 minutes is included to allow time for tasks such as scanning, uploading files, or minor technical troubleshooting.
Suggested time per question reflects the 60 minutes of exam content. You may use the additional 10 minutes as needed to complete and submit your work.
Proctorio Enabled Exam
This exam uses Proctorio and cannot be taken without it.
Before starting the exam, make sure you have:
- a working webcam and microphone
- a supported browser
- the Proctorio browser extension installed
Follow the instructions on the Get Set Up with Proctorio site and complete the Proctorio Readiness Quiz in advance to confirm your system is working properly.
Important: If Canvas prompts you for an access code, Proctorio is not running. Check that you are using a supported browser with the extension enabled.
Instructor support
Email: dce_instructionaltechnology@fas.harvard.edu
Web: teach.dce.harvard.edu/itg
Emergencies: call the help desk at (617) 998-8571
Student support
Support for students is provided by Academic Technology
Email: AcademicTechnology@dce.Harvard.edu
Phone: (617) 998-8571
Resources: Canvas Student Support Guides & Tips