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Getting Started with Canvas Badges

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Canvas Badges integration lets you control equipment access based on training completion. This guide will help you set up Canvas Badges in your makerspace.

Before You Begin​

Make sure you have:

  • Admin access to your makerspace in Pinpoint
  • A Canvas course for your training modules
  • Access to Canvas Badges administration
  • Coordinated with other makerspaces about machine types

Understanding Machine Types​

Before enabling Canvas Badges, coordinate with other makerspaces to:

  1. Review existing machine types
  2. Choose between:
    • Using existing machine types for your equipment
    • Creating new machine types for specialized training
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Using existing machine types helps reduce duplicate training requirements across spaces.

Using Existing Machine Types​

When using existing machine types:

  • Verify training modules meet your safety requirements
  • Get approval from other makerspaces using that machine type
  • Configure your course to award the appropriate badges

Creating New Machine Types​

Consider new machine types when:

  • Equipment doesn't fit existing categories
  • Specialized training is required
  • Your space has unique safety requirements

Setting Up Canvas Badges​

Prerequisites​

Complete these steps before enabling integration:

  1. Create badges for your training modules
  2. Set up course groups
  3. Configure automatic badge awards
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Once Canvas Badges integration is enabled:

  • Most equipment will be initially inaccessible
  • Users must complete training to regain access
  • Previously trained users will automatically receive badges

Planning Your Integration​

Map out these relationships before enabling:

  • Modules to badges
  • Badges to machine types
  • Machine types to equipment
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Only super admins can:

  • Add/edit machine types
  • Modify badge-machine type relationships

Enabling Canvas Badges​

  1. Sign in to Pinpoint
  2. Select your lab
  3. Navigate to "Other Settings"
  4. Enable "Canvas Badges Integration"

Edit Relationship Button

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Test your integration thoroughly before announcing to users:

  • Verify badge awards work
  • Check equipment access permissions
  • Ensure existing users maintain access

Next Steps​

After enabling Canvas Badges:

  1. Set up badge-machine type relationships
  2. Test with sample users
  3. Communicate changes to your users
  4. Monitor for any issues
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Need help? Contact eds@umd.edu for assistance with Canvas Badges setup.