How to authorize Canvas on Google Drive: A Step-by-Step Guide
In today’s digital age, the integration of various platforms and services has become crucial for seamless productivity. One such integration is between Canvas, an online learning platform, and Google Drive, a cloud storage service. Authorizing Canvas on Google Drive allows users to easily access and manage their files, assignments, and course materials. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to authorize Canvas on Google Drive, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for both students and educators.
Step 1: Access Google Drive
To begin the authorization process, you need to access your Google Drive account. Open your web browser and go to drive.google.com. If you are not already logged in, sign in with your Google account credentials.
Step 2: Enable Google Drive API
Before authorizing Canvas on Google Drive, you need to enable the Google Drive API for your Google account. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Go to the Google Cloud Console (console.cloud.google.com).
2. Sign in with your Google account if prompted.
3. Click on “Create Project” and enter a project name.
4. Click “Create” to create a new project.
5. Once the project is created, navigate to the “APIs & Services” tab.
6. Click on “Enable APIs and Services” and search for “Google Drive API.”
7. Select the Google Drive API and click “Enable.”
Step 3: Generate OAuth 2.0 Credentials
To authorize Canvas on Google Drive, you need to generate OAuth 2.0 credentials. Follow these steps:
1. In the Google Cloud Console, go to the “Credentials” tab.
2. Click on “Create Credentials” and select “OAuth client ID.”
3. Choose “Web application” as the application type.
4. Enter a name for your application and specify the authorized redirect URIs. For Canvas, use the following redirect URI: https://canvas.instructure.com/services/oauth2/callback
5. Click “Create” to generate the OAuth 2.0 credentials.
Step 4: Obtain Access Token
To obtain an access token for authorizing Canvas on Google Drive, follow these steps:
1. In the Google Cloud Console, go to the “APIs & Services” tab.
2. Click on “Credentials” and select the OAuth 2.0 client ID you created earlier.
3. Click on “Download JSON” to download the credentials file.
4. Open the credentials file in a text editor and locate the “client_secret” value.
5. Copy the client_secret value.
Step 5: Configure Canvas to Use Google Drive
Now, you need to configure Canvas to use Google Drive. Follow these steps:
1. Log in to your Canvas account and navigate to the course you want to configure.
2. Click on the “Settings” gear icon and select “Course Settings.”
3. Scroll down to the “External Tools” section and click on “Manage External Tools.”
4. Click on “Add External Tool.”
5. Select “Google Drive” as the tool type.
6. Enter a name for the tool, such as “Google Drive.”
7. Click on “Next.”
8. Paste the client_secret value you copied earlier into the “Client Secret” field.
9. Click “Next” and then “Finish.”
Step 6: Access Google Drive from Canvas
After completing the authorization process, you can now access Google Drive from Canvas. Follow these steps:
1. In your Canvas course, click on the “External Tools” link on the course navigation menu.
2. You will see the “Google Drive” tool you configured earlier.
3. Click on the “Google Drive” tool to access your Google Drive files, assignments, and course materials.
By following these steps, you can successfully authorize Canvas on Google Drive, enabling a seamless integration between the two platforms. This integration will enhance your productivity and make managing course materials more efficient.
