Canvas includes translation tools that can make it easier to communicate with students who speak English as a second language. There are a couple of ways you might use this feature.

The first is through the Canvas Inbox, where instructors can include a translated version of a message when communicating with a student. When composing a message, simply select the option to include a translated version, choose the language, and decide whether the translation should appear before or after your original message. It’s a pretty simple way to make sure an important communication is available in a language that may be more comfortable for the student.

The other translation option is available in Canvas Discussions. There, instructors can enable translation for a discussion, which allows students to translate the discussion directions as well as other students’ contributions into a language of their choice. This could be particularly useful when the language of the discussion itself isn’t the main point of the activity. For example, if students are discussing a concept, sharing ideas, or responding to a prompt, allowing them to read those contributions in their preferred language may make it easier for them to participate fully. Once an instructor enables the feature, students can choose whether and how they want to translate the discussion.

As with any translation tool, the goal here isn’t to replace thoughtful communication or language instruction. Instead, it’s another option you can use when it makes sense for your course and your students. If you have students who would benefit from receiving a message in another language, or you have a discussion where language shouldn’t be a barrier to participation, Canvas makes it relatively easy to give them that option.