Linking Pearson to Canvas

Table of Contents 

• Introduction 
• Solution Steps: How to Link Pearson (or Other Publisher Tools) to Canvas
• Common Issues & Troubleshooting 
• Additional Resources / Related Articles 
• Contact / Escalation Information

Introduction

This solution explains how instructors can link publisher platforms such as Pearson to their Canvas course using an external tool integration (LTI). Integrating a publisher allows instructors and students to access course materials, assignments, quizzes, and grades directly within Canvas, creating a seamless experience without needing separate logins. 

Should be used when a course requires publisher-provided learning materials, homework systems, or digital textbooks that need to connect with Canvas. Linking the publisher integration ensures students can access publisher content from within the course and allows grades from publisher assignments to sync automatically to the Canvas Gradebook. 

This is for instructors who are using publisher content (such as Pearson MyLab, Mastering, or Revel) and want to connect it to their Canvas course so that students can access materials and submit assignments directly through Canvas. 

Before linking a publisher tool to Canvas, the following requirements should be met: 

• The publisher integration (LTI) must be available in Canvas  
• The instructor must have a valid publisher account (e.g., Pearson)  
• The course must be published or available to instructors  
• The instructor must have permission to add external tools to the course  
• The correct course materials must be selected within the publisher platform  

If the publisher integration is not available in the course navigation, contact the Learning Technologies – Kean IT team by placing a request at helpdesk.kean.edu under Applications & Software for assistance  

Solution Steps: How to Link Pearson (or Other Publisher Tools) to Canvas 

Step 1: Access Your Canvas Course

1. Log into Canvas.  
2. Select the course where the publisher content will be used.  

Step 2: Add the Publisher Tool

Publisher tools may appear in one of the following locations: 

1. Option A: Course Navigation Menu 
   1. Look for the publisher tool (for example: Pearson, MyLab & Mastering, or Revel) in the course navigation menu. 
   2. Click the publisher link.  
2. Option B: Modules 
   1. Go to Modules.  
   2. Click the + (plus icon) to add a new item.  
   3. From the dropdown menu, select External Tool.  
   4. Choose the publisher tool from the list.  
   5. Click Add Item.

Step 3: Connect Your Publisher Account

1. You may be prompted to sign in to your publisher account.  
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to link your publisher course with Canvas.  
3. Select the appropriate course materials or textbook.  

Step 4: Pair the Publisher Course with Canvas

1. Confirm the correct course is selected.  
2. Complete the pairing process.  
3. Publisher assignments and content should now appear in Canvas.  

Step 5: Verify Gradebook Sync

1. Create or link at least one publisher assignment.  
2. Check the Canvas Grades area to confirm a column has been created.  
3. Complete a test submission (if possible) to confirm grades sync correctly.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Publisher tool is not visible in the course

• Check the Course Navigation Settings to ensure the tool is enabled.  
• Contact IT or Learning Technologies if the tool is not listed.  

Unable to connect publisher account

• Ensure you are using the correct publisher login credentials.  
• Try clearing browser cache or using another browser.  

Grades are not syncing to Canvas

• Confirm assignments were linked through the Canvas integration.  
• Ensure the correct course pairing was selected.  

Students receive an error when accessing publisher content

• Confirm the publisher course is properly paired.  
• Ensure students access the publisher content through Canvas (not directly through the publisher website).  

Multiple publisher courses appear

• Confirm you selected the correct course section during setup

Additional Resources / Related Articles 

Pearson: Set up your Pearson course in Canvas 

https://help.pearsoncmg.com/integration/canvas/  

Contact / Escalation Information 

If you encounter issues linking Pearson with Canvas, or if the navigation settings are not saving or behaving as expected, you may contact the Kean Canvas Learning Technologies Support Team for assistance.   

Please submit a support request through the IT Help Desk portal using the Canvas support catalog. When submitting a ticket, include the following information to help expedite troubleshooting:   

• Course Name and Course ID (Example: 2026SP*BIO*1000*01)   
• A brief description of the issue   
• Screenshots of the issue (if available)   
• The specific tool or link in question that you are trying to access  

If the issue involves permissions, locked navigation items, or course template restrictions, the request may need to be reviewed by the Learning Technologies Management Team.   

For urgent issues affecting active courses, you may also contact the IT Help Desk directly:   

• Help Desk Website: helpdesk.kean.edu/support/home   
• Phone: 908-737-6000   
• 24/7 Canvas Support can be found by clicking on Help in the Global Navigation section and clicking Chat with Canvas Support (Faculty). They can also be reached via Hotline at 855-781-8511.  

The support team will review the request and assist with troubleshooting, permissions, or configuration changes as needed.