What is the Redirect Tool?
The Redirect Tool is a simple app that lets instructors add a custom link to their Canvas course navigation menu. Links added with the Redirect Tool can be external (e.g., a public website) or internal (e.g., a specific page or resource within the same Canvas course). The link can be configured to open within Canvas or in a new tab.
When would you use the Redirect Tool?
Unlike links added to a Canvas module or page, links added to the course navigation with the Redirect Tool can be quickly accessed from anywhere in the course. This can be useful for links to resources students need to access often, such as a library course guide, a standing web-conference meeting, a mid-semester survey, or a web-based textbook.
The Redirect Tool can be used to add a link to an external public webpage. If the "force open in a new tab" box is left unchecked, the content will appear in Canvas in the content pane. This means students can engage with web-based course materials hosted outside of Canvas without needing to navigate away from the course. Note: Not all websites can be displayed within the Canvas content pane. Websites that show a connection error may need to use the option to "force open in a new tab" when added with the Redirect Tool. Instructors are advised to verify that a site can be displayed in Canvas after adding it to the course navigation with the Redirect Tool.
You can also use the Redirect Tool to link to existing places in your course, such as a special page, discussion, or other Canvas item that students need to access readily.
How do you add a link with the Redirect Tool?
The Redirect Tool can be added as an "App" from the Canvas course settings. When you configure the app, you will be asked to provide a name for the link, which will be what appears in the Canvas course navigation menu, and the URL of the resource or website. More detailed instructions can be found in "Part 2" of this guide on setting up your Canvas course.
