There are multiple ways to communicate in your course. Some interactions include Announcements, Discussions, and Conversations.

Announcements

Announcements are a way for teachers to communicate with students about course activities.

Announcements also show on the card in the Card View on the dashboard. Look for the horn on the Course card.

Conversations

Conversations is the messaging tool used instead of email to communicate with a course, a group, an individual student, or a group of students.

Click the Inbox link in the left side navigation bar.
Enter a name, course, or group you would like to send a message to. Canvas does not support sending emails, this message can only be sent to the Inbox(s) of individuals that you pick in the drop-down menu.
Write and send the message.