Learning Experience Design Studio

Office of the Provost

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Lucid

Overview

Lucid is a suite of visual collaboration tools (Lucidspark and Lucidchart) integrated within Canvas. It allows faculty and students to brainstorm, map processes, and create visual artifacts that can be shared and submitted for assignments. Using Lucid through Canvas unlocks the full education suite and makes it easy to embed activities into courses.

How to activate your Lucid account in Canvas

Key Features

  • Two Tools, One Suite
    • Lucidspark: Best for brainstorming, sticky notes, group collaboration, and quick visual activities.
    • Lucidchart: Best for structured diagrams, concept maps, flowcharts, and process mapping.

  • Canvas Integration
    • Sign in through Canvas to unlock the full education suite of tools.
    • Create Lucid-based assignments directly in Canvas.

  • Collaboration
    • Real-time group work with commenting, sticky notes, voting, and timers.
    • Easy sharing with links or embedding.

  • Reuse
    • Copy and reset Lucid files each semester for new students.

  • Templates
    • Choose from existing templates or build your own.

Getting Started

  1. Access Lucid
    • From Canvas, go to your course.
    • Click on Lucid in the course navigation (you may need to enable  this in the Settings menu) or through an assignment.
    • Sign in with your eID via Canvas (ensures you have the full license).

  2. Create a “+New” document
    • Select Lucidspark for brainstorming or collaborative activities.
    • Select Lucidchart for diagrams, maps, and structured visuals. 
    • Or, Create from a template (e.g., exit ticket, confidence measure)

  3. Explore the Interface
    • Use the Lucid Canvas (workspace) to create.
    • The Left Toolbar provides tools (shapes, sticky notes, lines).
    • The Top Toolbar includes options for facilitating, sharing, and settings.
    • Use the Bottom Right Tool bar to zoom and navigate around the board.

  4. Create an Activity
    • Start from a template (e.g., exit ticket, confidence measure).
    • Add elements (sticky notes, shapes, connectors).
    • Facilitate collaboration with the timer, voting tools, or other features as needed.

  5. Share and Submit
    • Share via link or add to a Canvas page using the Lucid Icon in the Rich Content Editor tool bar.
    • In Canvas, create an Online Submission Assignment or have students submit Lucid files/links. OR
    • In the assignment settings, under Submission Type select “Lucid” from the dropdown. You can then select a Lucid document or create a new one.
    • Attach a rubric if grading.

  6. Copy for a New Semester
    • Duplicate or reset files for new student groups.

Teaching Ideas

  • Brainstorming & Collaboration: Use Lucidspark for group idea generation.

  • Concept/Process Mapping: Use Lucidchart for flowcharts and diagrams.

  • Visual Exit Ticket: Collect end-of-class reflections in Lucidspark.

  • Confidence Measure: Gauge student understanding with a visual confidence scale.

Tips

  • Always log in through Canvas for full access.

  • Encourage students to use templates to save time.

  • Use comments and voting for interactive discussions.

  • Pair Lucid activities with Canvas rubrics for clarity in grading.

Resources