How do I create Portfolios as an instructor?
Canvas offers two types of portfolios to support both learner-driven and instructor-guided use cases: Showcase Portfolios and Evaluation Portfolios. These tools support storytelling, assessment, and the validation of competencies.
Evaluation Portfolios allows you to support structured assessment and track student progress over time.
- Portfolios can be generated using one or more Canvas courses as their foundation, with links to key assignments and competencies.
- You can establish evidence requirements to align expectations and support consistent demonstration of competencies.
- Align portfolio evidence with institutional competencies to help students demonstrate specific skills and knowledge.
- Monitor progress with real-time visibility into submission status and portfolio completion.
- Streamline grading by using portfolio tasks with Canvas assignments and SpeedGrader.
- Review student reflections and narratives to better understand learning and growth.
- Support feedback and iteration with options for revisions and resubmissions.
Notes:
- If the Portfolio feature does not appear in your account, it hasn't been enabled by your institution.
- Email and In app notifications are not currently supported.
- Instructors and admins can only create Portfolios if they have been added to a course with a instructors, TA or course designer role.
- At this time, educators can only view their own Evaluation Portfolios. Collaboration or sharing with others is not currently supported.
Create Portfolio
To create a guided portfolio, click the Create Evaluation Portfolio.
Select Course Modal
Select one or more courses to assign a Portfolio. Students enrolled in those courses are automatically assigned their own individual Portfolio.
Create Portfolio Page
To create an Evaluation Portfolio, you can add a Portfolio Name [1], optional Cover Image [2] and Portfolio Instructions [3].
Add Evidence Options
To add evidence requirements, click the Add Evidence link [1]. Then, choose to Add Assignment From Course [2] or Create New Evidence [3].
Create New Evidence Options
When adding new evidence, select the Project, Extracurricular activity, or Professional experience option. Then, click the Select button.
Create New Project Modal
Each custom portfolio requirement can include instructions and be linked to one or more skills, helping clarify the purpose of the evidence submitted.
Add Section Modal
You can also organize their content by adding sections.
View Learner Progress Data
You can track learner progress at both the individual and group levels.
Review and Comment Modal
You can review submitted evidence, give feedback directly within the portfolio, and mark entries complete when requirements are met.
Note: This modal currently displays only for projects, extracurricular activities, or professional experience entries. It does not display for existing Canvas assignments, as those use SpeedGrader.
Manage Canvas Assignment Tray
To view the Canvas Assignment, click the Go to Assignment button.
View Linked Skills
Skills linked to completed evidence are automatically displayed in the learners portfolio, creating a visual record of achievement.
