What is the CHAT feature in Canvas? And do I really have to use it?

The Chat tool in Canvas allows students and teachers to interact in real time. It's available to all teachers and students in a course, and cannot be limited to specific students.

Teachers can use the chat tool to conduct group discussions or study sessions.

If you do not want the Chat tool (or any other tools!) to be available to the students in a course, it's easy to disable them.

This video walks you through the process, or keep scrolling down for the steps.

To disable the Chat tool (or other others) ...

1. Click Settings for your course (lower left corner of screen.)
2. On the Navigation tab, click the cog (gear) for the desired tool.
3. Select Disable.

If you change your mind, you can come right back here and enable it again.