Overview
A Canvas Sandbox Course is a private, non-instructional course that faculty and staff can use to explore Canvas features, develop course content, test instructional tools, and collaborate on projects without affecting an active academic course.
Sandbox courses are not connected to Banner or the official course schedule and remain available for ongoing course development and testing.
What Can You Use a Canvas Sandbox For?
Canvas Sandbox Courses provide a dedicated environment for developing and reviewing instructional materials before they are introduced into an active course.
- Explore Canvas Features: Become familiar with Canvas tools and course functionality.
- Develop Course Content: Create and organize pages, assignments, modules, and other instructional materials.
- Test Instructional Tools: Review course tools and settings before using them in an academic course.
- Collaborate on Projects: Work with authorized colleagues on course development and instructional design activities.
Who Can Request a Canvas Sandbox Course?
Canvas Sandbox Courses are available to:
- Faculty
- Staff
- Departments or administrative units
How to Request a Canvas Sandbox Course
To request a Canvas Sandbox Course, complete the Canvas Sandbox Course Request Form.
Request Information: The Canvas Sandbox Course Request Form is the designated method for submitting sandbox course requests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is my sandbox course connected to Banner?
No. Sandbox courses are standalone Canvas courses and are not connected to Banner or official course enrollments.
Can I copy my sandbox into a future course?
Yes. You can import content from your sandbox into an official Canvas course using the Import Existing Content feature.
Can multiple people work in the same sandbox?
Yes. Additional instructors or designers can be added when requested or after the sandbox course has been created.
Can students be enrolled in a sandbox?
Sandbox courses are intended for development and testing. If you need to test the student experience, you may use Canvas Student View or request that test users be added, if appropriate.
Canvas Sandbox Course Quick Reference
| Feature |
Details |
| Course Type |
Private, non-academic Canvas course |
| Eligible Requestors |
Faculty, staff, departments, and administrative units |
| Banner Integration |
Not connected to Banner or official course enrollments |
| Course Availability |
Remains available for ongoing development |
| Content Transfer |
Content can be copied into another Canvas course using Import Existing Content |
| Collaboration |
Additional instructors or designers may be added |
Important: Sandbox Courses Are for Development
Canvas Sandbox Courses are intended for course development, testing, and collaboration. They are not connected to Banner or official course enrollments.
Need Additional Assistance?
If you have questions about Canvas Sandbox Courses, course access, or the sandbox request process, submit a support request through the Canvas Support service.
Canvas Support →