To delete a copy of a course in Canvas, you will typically reset the course content. This effectively clears the course of all existing materials, making it a blank slate. Here's how:
Steps to Reset Course Content (Delete a Course Copy)
-
Access the Course: Navigate to the Canvas course you want to delete (the copy).
-
Go to Settings: In the Course Navigation Menu (usually on the left side), click on "Settings."
-
Reset Course Content: On the right-hand side of the Settings page, you'll find a "Reset Course Content" button. Click this button.
-
Confirm Reset: A pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm your decision. Click the "Reset Course Content" button in the pop-up to proceed. Warning: This action is irreversible!
Important Considerations:
- Irreversible Action: Resetting course content is permanent. All content, including assignments, modules, discussions, and files, will be deleted. Ensure you have backed up any important materials before proceeding.
- "Deleting" vs. Resetting: Canvas doesn't offer a true "delete" function for courses once they've been created. Resetting the content is the equivalent of deleting the course from a student's or instructor's perspective, as it removes all material.
- Permissions: You must have appropriate permissions (usually instructor or administrator roles) within the course to reset its content.
Alternative Action (If You Don't Want to Delete Content Entirely):
If you just want to prevent students from accessing the course, you can simply unpublish it. To do this, go to the course "Settings" page and click the "Unpublish" button. The course remains available to you as the instructor but is no longer visible to students. You can also adjust the course's end date to limit access.
