Learn how to use the new Lucid integration with Canvas for visual collaboration, brainstorming, and diagramming.

LucidSpark and LucidChart are now integrated with Canvas. These tools allow you and your students to collaborate visually, brainstorm, and create visual documents such as concept maps, flowcharts, and wireframes. 

How to Use Lucid Integration with Canvas 

The new Lucid integration can be used in two primary ways: 

  • Embedded in Canvas content: Lucid documents can be embedded in Canvas content with permission settings to allow students to view, comment, or edit the documents. Lucid documents can be embedded anywhere you have access to the Rich Content Editor, such as Pages, Discussions, Quizzes, and more.
  • As an assignment for students to submit: You can create a Lucid assignment, so that students must submit a Lucid document to complete the assignment. You may require students to begin with either a template document (such as a concept map) or a blank document. 

If you are looking to coordinate collaborative activities – such as group activities or whole-class activities – we recommend embedding Lucid documents directly in your Canvas content. If you are looking to have students submit a document for feedback and grading, we recommend setting up a Lucid assignment in Canvas. 

LucidSpark or LucidChart: Which to Use? 

The Lucid Canvas integration allows you to embed or use as an assignment both LucidSpark and LucidChart documents. Both services are similar, so which should you use? 

LucidSpark is the more free-form option, serving as a collaborative virtual whiteboard. The primary tools of LucidSpark are drawing tools and sticky notes. As such, LucidSpark is best used for brainstorming and planning. 

LucidChart is more focused on building a finished product, typically a diagram, flowchart, concept map, mind map, or wireframe. LucidChart includes tools that allow for complex diagramming, such as various connectors. As such, LucidChart is best for building these specific types of documents. 

If you aren’t sure which to use, we recommend LucidChart, since its more robust features will generally allow you to do more than LucidSpark. 

How to Configure Lucid Integration with Canvas 

The first time you use Lucid in Canvas, you will need to either create a new account or connect your existing account. The following tutorial video from Lucid for Education details this process: 

Conclusion 

We encourage you to experiment with Lucid in Canvas. If you’d like a development course (an empty course without students), you can request one at bsu.edu/canvas. 

For more information about Lucid, we recommend browsing Lucid’s Educator Resources library. You are also welcome to reach out with questions to strategiclrn@bsu.edu, 765-285-1763. 

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  • Eva Grouling Snider

    Eva joined the Division of Online and Strategic Learning in 2021. Previously, she taught professional writing courses in the English Department, including graphic design and web development. She launched Jacket Copy Creative (now known as Compass Creative), an immersive learning course in which students helped market the English Department (and now the entire College of Sciences and Humanities). She also served as a director of advertising at a social media advertising agency in Muncie. Her interests include UDL, digital accessibility, and design. She’s often busy “hacking” Canvas to do cool things.

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