Skip to main content

Getting Started with Canvas Badges

We're glad you're here! Continue reading on to find out how to get started with Canvas Badges

Prerequisites​

First, read our guide on understanding the Canvas Badges and Machine Types concepts.

Then, you'll want to coordinate with other makerspaces who already use Canvas Badges to select from existing machine types you're going to use, and new machine types you're going to want to add. The goal of Pinpoint and the makerspace initiative is to minimize the number of duplicate training courses users have to complete when using the same equipment across different spaces. To effectively do this, coordinate with other labs that have similar equipment, and choose one of the following options:

  • Put your machines under existing machine types, and configure your course to award a badge that gives access to that existing machine type. Make sure that the existing modules granting this machine type properly equip users for your equipment, and that your module is approved by other makerspaces.
  • If your machine doesn't fit into any of the existing machine types, or if specialized training is required for either your space or your machine, establish a new machine type and create a badge that can later be tied to the machine type, and awarded by your canvas module.
danger

Once you turn Canvas Badges integration on, most users to your lab will likely have all their equipment grayed out. Users who have already completed training modules for your equipment will earn badges automatically once you associate the badge to the module in Canvas Badges (you may need to manually sync group progress on the progress page).

Users who have not completed any of your training modules will be blocked from using equipment in your lab.

It is recommended that you fully map out your module to badge-to-machine-type relationships before turning Canvas Badges integration on.

info

Only super admins are allowed to add/edit machine types, or badge-machine type relationships

You can create machine types before enabling Canvas Badges integration in your lab, but you can't change badge-machine type relationships until integration is enabled.

Enabling Canvas Badges in your lab​

Once you have defined how you want to organize your space's equipment into machine types and have set up badge awards, you're ready to enable Canvas Badges.

Sign in to Pinpoint, select your lab, and select "Other Settings". Select the "Canvas Badges Integration" switch and you're good to go! Edit Relationship Button