External Tools Overview
External Tools (also known as “applications,” “apps,” and/or “LTIs”) are developed by third party vendors to integrate with the Canvas LMS. These tools must be vetted and approved to be supported by system administration. Certain external tools may not be supported due to security or functionality concerns.
WashU provides access to many educational technology tools that have the potential to increase student engagement, foster deeper connections to content, and save you time on teaching and learning tasks.
Atomic Search
Atomic Search is a comprehensive search tool that allows instructors and students to search for content in Canvas courses. Students and instructors can now easily search their Canvas content in a user-friendly and accessible way. They will save time finding the information they need in a course site without spending time searching through all of the content.
Based on student feedback for consistency in Canvas, we are thrilled to announce a new addition to our Canvas platform that will enhance your learning and teaching experience. Starting in the Spring 2024 semester, we are introducing the Atomic Search tool, designed to simplify content discovery for both instructors and students. This tool will transform the way you navigate and access course materials within Canvas.
Key Benefits of Atomic Search:
● Effortless Content Discovery: With Atomic Search, you can now quickly and easily locate course materials, streamlining your Canvas experience.
● No Setup Required: Atomic Search integrates seamlessly within Canvas without the need for any adjustments.
● Accessible Everywhere: The Atomic Search tool is conveniently accessible from any page within Canvas. Look for the "Search" icon at the top of every page. In courses, you'll also find a "Search" link in the navigation menus.
What Atomic Search Offers:
● Time Savings: Atomic Search empowers both students and faculty to access their learning content more efficiently, saving valuable time.
● Comprehensive Search: Enjoy the convenience of full-text search capabilities across all types of course content, including files, pages, assignments, quizzes, and announcements.
● User-Friendly Interface: Atomic Search provides an intuitive search experience, similar to popular search engines, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly navigation experience.
Have Questions or Need Assistance?
You can review Atomic Search documentation by clicking here: Atomic Search Documentation.
Box
Box is a powerful tool for sharing files, allowing students to turn files in to you, and tracking updates to shared files.
Canvas
WashU MyCanvas is the primary instance of Canvas, the learning management system for Washington University in St. Louis.
Canvas offers technical support 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to all faculty, staff, and students. Click the Help button from the Global Navigation Menu to access 24/7 Canvas Support via chat or phone. Help is customized for faculty, staff, and students. You can also review Canvas Guides or report a problem.
Gradescope
Gradescope (restricted by license to participating schools): Save time grading your existing paper-based assignments.
Using Gradescope with Canvas as a Student
Additional resources from Gradescope to help you get started:
- A general Gradescope walkthrough video here.
- Our Get Started page for other helpful short videos.
- Our Help Center for written documentation and frequently asked questions.
- You can find an overview of all of our Assignment types here.
- To learn more about Exam/Quiz Assignments, click here.
- Creating and managing Online Assignments: Click here for guides.
- Our Gradescope mobile app documentation.
- Take a look at the recordings from the 2022 Gradescope Summit.
[video: https://youtu.be/4_MJC-iT7IY]
Hypothes.is
Hypothes.is (or Hypothesis) is a social annotation tool that places a conversational layer on top of texts to support collaboration, interactive reading, and engagement. Adding Hypothesis to readings in Canvas can increase active discussion right on top of PDFs and webpages, enabling students and instructors to add comments and start conversations in the margins of a course reading.
Using Hypothesis With Assignments in Canvas
Canvas Course Import or Copy and Hypothesis
Integrating the Library
Kaltura (use through Spring 2026 term)
Use Kaltura for recording lectures and delivering videos to students in Canvas. Kaltura is a video tool available for teaching. It offers the ability for faculty to easily record and upload video in their courses. Using this tool, faculty can access analytics on student use of video resources and engage students in video content by incorporating comments, questions, and even quizzes.
Integrated within Canvas, Kaltura is a video hosting, sharing and recording service provided for all WashU faculty, staff and students.
Guide to using the Kaltura video platform
[video:https://learning.kaltura.com/media/How+to+Embed+a+Kaltura+Media+in+the+…]
Microsoft Immersive Reader
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams provides a collaborative platform for working together toward common goals through tools such as Conversations, Shared Files, Online Meetings, and Private Chat.
Use Microsoft Teams for quick online meetings, text-based messaging, and video conferencing with an invited list of students or colleagues. While not integrated into Canvas, you may wish to use Microsoft Teams to quickly speak with students or colleagues online. Teams links can be easily added with a single click when you send an Outlook meeting invitation.
Office 365
Office 365: Subscription services offered by Microsoft, as part of the Microsoft Office product line.
Open Educational Resources (OER) / University Libraries
- OER are broadly defined — textbooks, course materials, modules, streaming videos, tests, software, and any other tools, materials, or techniques used to support access to knowledge, in any medium
- OER are free to use and modify — released under an open license that permits no-cost access, use, adaptation and redistribution by others with no or limited restrictions
- View OER LibGuide
- Learn more about OER at WashU
Padlet
Padlet is a web-based pinboard that supports class discussions, projects, and more. Use Padlet to post, move, and connect ideas in a digital “wall” space. See below for an overview and tutorials on how to use it for your class.
Panopto (use for Summer and Fall 2026 terms)
WashU is excited to announce that we will be transitioning from Kaltura and Annoto to Panopto, a new platform for managing and sharing video content. We have chosen Panopto because it offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of features, and a simple organizational structure. In addition, Panopto offers a number of advantages, including:
- Commitment to Education. Unlike other video platforms, Panopto was purpose-built for higher education. Panopto’s focus on education ensures that its features are specifically designed to support the needs of learners and instructors.
- Enhanced Functionality: Panopto provides a user-friendly interface that streamlines video creation, editing, and sharing. Additional features include searchable transcripts, non-destructive editing tools, and analytics that track viewer engagement.
- User-Level Controls. Panopto offers robust access controls that allow content creators to define who can view, edit, or share videos through customizable roles, group-based permissions, and flexible sharing options. Users also have direct control over their Zoom integration settings, allowing them to enable or disable the Panopto-Zoom connection without requiring administrator assistance.
The transition from Kaltura and Annoto to Panopto will roll out in phases. As we approach each phase of the transition, we will post updates here and send follow-up communications with more specific details about dates, training opportunities, and support resources. We understand that switching to a new platform requires adjustment, and we’re committed to providing a variety of resources to ensure a smooth transition for the WashU community.
Kaltura-to-Panopto transition project
Guide to using the Panopto video platform
FAQ
Why are we moving from Kaltura to Panopto?
WashU is moving to Panopto to provide a more modern, integrated, and user-friendly video platform. Panopto offers stronger editing tools, improved analytics, better Canvas integration, and a more streamlined experience for faculty, staff, and students.
Will Panopto replace all Kaltura tools and features including Annoto?
Yes. Recording, uploading, editing, captioning, and embedding videos will all be handled in Panopto. Panopto also offers additional features such as quizzes, table of contents, and smarter search.
How can I learn more about the transition?
We've created a dedicated Kaltura to Panopto transition page to keep you informed throughout this process. This page will serve as your central hub for the project timeline, important updates, training and support resources, and frequently asked questions. We encourage you to bookmark this page for easy access.
What are the dates of the transition?
- Through May 6th, 2026: Continue using Kaltura as usual
- Starting May 7th, 2026: Use either Kaltura or Panopto
- Important: If you want content that you record in Summer 2026 to be available for Fall 2026 in Panopto, use Panopto in Summer 2026
- After August 17, 2026: Use Panopto exclusively; No new content should be made in Kaltura or Annoto.
When can I start using Panopto?
Panopto is currently available in the Canvas course navigation but disabled by default.
How can I enable Panopto in Canvas?
Instructions linked here
Will my Kaltura videos be moved over to Panopto?
Yes. All Kaltura videos will be transferred to Panopto through Spring 2026. You do not need to download, re-upload, or manually migrate your content. The CTL and your school’s edtech teams are overseeing the transfer.
Will I need to do anything to move or link my videos in Canvas?
No. After migration, Panopto will automatically re-link transferred videos where possible.
If a link cannot be automatically updated, the CTL will provide guidance on how to replace the video manually.
What happens to videos with multiple owners, editors, or viewers?
The migration team is working to identify videos with complicated permissions and will provide additional guidance if needed.
Will Panopto impact accessibility or captions?
Panopto includes built-in machine captioning and supports manual caption editing.
Will I still have access to Annoto and Kaltura Quizzes once we transition to Panopto?
Unfortunately no. Annoto will be replaced by Panopto analytics and quizzes built in Kaltura will need to be rebuilt in Panopto for Fall 2026 courses. The CTL’s Panopto Resource provides instructions for creating quizzes. Note: Canvas quizzes will not be affected.
Can I have Zoom recordings automatically uploaded to Panopto?
If you would like your future Zoom recordings to automatically save to Panopto, you can opt in by following the instructions on the CTL website.
What do I need to do to now to prepare?
At this time, you can continue teaching and uploading videos as normal. Avoid creating new long-term content in Kaltura after your school’s migration phase begins in Spring 2026. Watch for CTL communications for important updates.
What happens to Kaltura after the transition?
After video transfer is complete and content has been verified, Kaltura will be fully decommissioned for use in Fall 2026. This includes removing the Kaltura Canvas integration, disabling new uploads using Kaltura and archiving legacy data as needed.
Will there be training available for faculty and staff?
We will be hosting Panopto webinars to help you get comfortable with the new platform. These will be recorded and can be shared. Registration information and dates will be available soon on the transition webpage.
Where can I ask additional questions?
If you have questions, please visit the Kaltura to Panopto Transition page or contact your school's educational technology admins.
Piazza
A question and answer discussion board designed to facilitate collaborative interaction among students.
Poll Everywhere
Poll Everywhere is a web-based student response system. It provides powerful tools for live polling and works well with all mobile devices (laptops, tablets, phones). See below for an overview and tutorials on how to use it for your class.
Guide to using Poll Everywhere
Request a Poll Everywhere Account
Poll Everywhere and Canvas Integration Instructions
Poll Everywhere Instructions for Students
Qualtrics
Qualtrics is a research survey suite available for Washington University faculty and staff through a university-wide site license. This tool will make it easier for members of the campus community to build, share, distribute and collect results from online surveys.
Respondus LockDown Browser
Custom browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning management system.
Use Respondus when you need to lock down and/or monitor the remote testing environment. LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor locks down the testing environment within Canvas and protects the integrity of both proctored and unproctored online quizzes and exams. LockDown Browser and Monitor are used in conjunction with the Quizzes tool in Canvas.
LockDown Browser & Canvas Guide
Instructor Training: LockDown Browser
Report an Academic Concern about an Undergraduate Student
Proactive outreach from instructors or advisors when they identify that a student is facing challenges with their academic work can be extremely beneficial in our work to support our students’ success.
SensusAccess
SensusAccess is a self-service media and document remediation service that allows students, faculty, and staff to easily convert documents into a range of alternate media. SensusAccess can also help make documents like image-only PDF files, PowerPoint presentations, and LaTeX projects more accessible. The SensusAccess tool is available as a Canvas integration (live now) and an external website (coming soon!).
Learn more about SensusAccess
Software Downloads
This is a list of software for which Arts & SciencesIT provides support (on Washington University owned faculty & staff computers). If you need help installing any software, please contact your departmental representative.
Textbook/Publisher Resources
Cengage Learning MindLinks™: Provides students with access to Cengage’s learning solutions (including MindTap, Aplia, SAM, CengageNOW, OWLv2, 4LTR Press Online and National Geographic Learning).
McGraw-Hill Connect: Provides access to McGraw Hill’s interactive resources tied to course content and textbooks.
Pearson MyLab and Mastering: Provides access to Pearson MyLab and Mastering platforms
Turnitin
TurnItIn: Manage the submission, tracking and evaluation of student papers online.
VPN
VPN allows you to connect to University resources requiring a secure Washington University network connection to access.
WashU Course Evaluations
Course Evals (Blue): Allows users to view and complete their surveys and questionnaires.
Zoom
Use Zoom for real-time video conferencing with students as well as break-out rooms.
Zoom is a simple and powerful video conferencing solution compatible with all major platforms that makes it a primary choice for web conferencing and recording.
Zoom can be used within Canvas (utilizing course roster information) or independent of Canvas.
Washington University in St. Louis has two versions of the Zoom-Canvas integration that appear in your Canvas course navigation menu: “Zoom” and “Zoom (HIPAA)“
Meeting hosts will only be able to launch Zoom from one link or the other, although attendees are free to attend meetings from either link. The “Zoom (HIPAA)” link is primarily intended for School of Medicine employees, but some others may also be required to use this link to host a meeting. If you’re unsure which link to try, please try the “Zoom” link first. If you get a “User not found” error, then shift to the “Zoom (HIPAA)” link.
If your course requires more than 300 users, contact Ken Keller with the course number and details.
Yes, Zoom is blocked in the following countries: Belarus, Burundi, Central African Republic, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Nicaragua, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan and Darfur, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine (Crimea Region), United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.
To ensure that all of your students have access to your content, plan to record your Zoom calls and make those available for students to watch later.
- If you want to use Zoom in China, download the Zoom Client for Meetings from the Zoom Download Center (China).
- Zoom also has an alternative Web Client; no download is necessary for this experience and only requires Meeting ID, Name and password, if applicable.
Zoom works best with a strong internet signal, particularly when teaching. If you have a slow signal, your video or the other participants’ videos will freeze or buffer and it might be hard to hear.
- Use a wired, not a wireless connection. That is, attach your computer via an ethernet cord to the router if possible.
- If connecting from a laptop, plug in to wall power. Battery use can adversely affect video quality.
- If you don’t have an ethernet cord (and you are not able to get one now), you have to maximize the Wi-Fi signal. To do so:
- Locate your router and move it to the center of the house or apartment. Keep it off the floor and out of any closets.
- Download the app Wi-Fi SweetSpots (Apple or Android) to your phone. After opening the app, walk around your house with your phone and find the place with the strongest Wi-Fi signal. It is likely close to the router. Set up your work station there.
- If your Wi-Fi appears slow during a class or presentation, have other participants shut off their videos
- Always provide participants with PowerPoints or materials after a class or meeting.
Additional resources: