How to Upload Switch Classroom Lessons into Canvas

Published on January 26
How to Upload Switch Classroom Lessons into Canvas
How to Upload Switch Classroom Lessons into Canvas

(Three Easy Options. Pick What Fits Your District.)

Switch Classroom resources are designed to be flexible, which means there is more than one “right” way to use them in Canvas. Below are three common workflows APES teachers use, depending on how their district is set up.

You do not need to use all of these. Choose the option that fits your tech environment and teaching style best.

Option 1: Upload the .DOCX File Directly to Canvas (Fastest)

This is the quickest way to get started and works in every Canvas setup.

Best for:
 Worksheets, handouts, FRQ practice, teacher-facing materials

Step by step:

  1. Open your Canvas course
  2. Click Files in the left-hand menu
  3. Click Upload and select the downloaded .docx file
  4. Optional. Create a folder like Unit 6: Energy Resources to stay organized

To make it student-facing:

  1. Go to Modules
  2. Click the + button
  3. Select File
  4. Choose the uploaded document
  5. Click Add Item
  6. Publish the module and item, so they show a green check

Students click, download, complete, and submit if needed.

Option 2: Convert the Lesson into a Canvas Page (Best On-Screen Experience)

If you want students to read and work directly inside Canvas, turning the resource into a Page is a great option.

Best for:
 Guided notes, readings, discussion prompts, intro lessons

Step by step:

  1. Open the .docx file on your computer
  2. Copy the student-facing content
  3. In Canvas, go to Pages and click + Page
  4. Paste the content into the editor
  5. Use headings, bullets, and tables to clean up formatting
  6. Click Save and then Publish
  7. Add the Page to a Module

Tip: If the resource includes teacher notes or answer keys, paste those into a separate Page and leave it unpublished.

Option 3: Use Google Docs and Canvas Assignments (Great for Google Districts)

If your district uses Google Drive, this option is extremely popular because it automatically makes a copy for each student and streamlines grading.

Best for:
Editable worksheets, guided notes, written responses

Step by step:

  1. Upload the .docx file to Google Drive

  1. Open it and choose File, then Save as Google Doc

  1. In Canvas, go to Assignments and click + Assignment

  1. Enter directions and due date
  2. Under Submission Type, select External Tool

  1. Choose Google Assignments or your district’s Google integration
  2. Attach the Google Doc

  1. Click Save and then Publish

Canvas will:

  • Make a copy for each student
  • Allow submission directly in Canvas
  • Let you grade efficiently using Canvas and Google tools

This is one of the easiest workflows for feedback-heavy assignments.