Canvas
Canvas
Embedded Files
Canvas is the Learning Management System (LMS) used by Ontario Tech University, making it an essential tool for our academic community. Similar to D2L, Canvas is highly customizable and supports various features like announcements, discussion boards, calendars, gradebook, and assignments. Instructors are able to select what features that want accessible on their course. The course homepage is customizable allowing instructors to set up their course how they would like.
Creating the LMS
Creating the LMS
There is a general shell/template to follow that would be generated by your institution that you would have access to. Instructors are responsible for setting up course content, quizzes, assignments, gradebook entries, and additional resources. Fortunately, Canvas makes it easy to import material from previous courses, streamlining the setup process for recurring classes. .
Students are enrolled through the schools registrar's office and typically added through the registrar or the IT department. Teachers can also add students with a join code.
Course Organization
Course Organization
Courses on Canvas can be organized with the following sections: Home, Announcements, Modules, Assignments, Quizzes, Discussions, and more.
Modules are the backbone of course organization in Canvas. Files, links to assignments, and quizzes can be added to modules and rearranged using a simple drag-and-drop interface. This allows instructors to align course materials with lessons and units seamlessly.
Navigating Canvas
Navigating Canvas
Canvas LMS Overview.webmStudent Engagement
Student Engagement
Canvas supports both teacher-directed and self-directed learning environments. Instructors can create sequential modules with embedded links to assignments and quizzes, allowing students to progress independently.
Videos can also be added within the module section of the course to support student learning. This would allow students to learn independently. A flipped classroom could also be implemented in this manner.
On Canvas students are able to work as collaborators. They are able to work in the same document (Google Doc or Microsoft Office 365) concurrently. This is an advantageous features when students are completing group work.
Assessments and Gradebook
Assessments and Gradebook
Students can be assessed within the assignments section or quiz section. If work is completed on paper or in class, instructors can specify that for the specific assignment and enter grades directly in the gradebook.
While Canvas’s gradebook is comprehensive, some users may find it less intuitive than other platforms for viewing overall grade breakdowns. However, its ability to handle diverse assessment types and its integration with other tools make it highly functional.
Online Learning
Online Learning
Canvas includes a built-in conferencing feature for virtual meetings, which can also be integrated into the course calendar. However, the standard plan limits usage to 10 concurrent conferences. For higher usage, instructors can integrate external platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
Tools
Tools
The New Analytics tool provides instructors with valuable insights into student progress, such as aggregate and individual assignment grades, login activity, and course participation. A unique feature of this tool is the ability to message students directly from the gradebook, streamlining communication.
The Pros and Cons of Canvas
The Pros and Cons of Canvas
Benefits
Benefits
User-Friendly Interface - Canvas has a clear overview and is fairly easy to navigate using the menu.
Communication Tools - There are many ways to communicate with students or to have students communicate with each other.
Regular Updates - Canvas is continually being updated and integrates new technologies.
Limitations
Limitations
Learning Curve - It can be overwhelming to learn how to best utilize the many tools and features available.
Clunky - Even though the side menu can be adapted based on what is needed for your specific course it can make navigating the course clunky.
Limitations with Standard Plan - Canvas is a very flexible learning management system but some of these features are limited when using the free or basic version.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
The Power Learning Solutions Blog has a detailed post on how to create your own course on Canvas which includes several video tutorials.
Canvas LMS Tutorials
Canvas LMS Tutorials
Suzy Lolley is a teacher who has a YouTube channel with a playlist of many videos explaining how to use Canvas.
Canvas has an online guide to assist instructors in using the many features of the LMS.
References
References
Bulut, M. A. (2023). An evaluation of Canvas LMS through universal design for learning principles and IMS standards. Journal of Ibn Haldun Studies 8(1), 57-62.
How do I create a conference in a course? (2024). Community Canvas LMS. https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Instructor-Guide/How-do-I-create-a-conference-in-a-course/ta-p/1156
Power, R. (2019). Creating your own course in Canvas. Power Learning Solutions Blog. https://www.powerlearningsolutions.com/blog/
Santiana, Silvani, D., & Ruslan (2021). Optimizing LMS Canvas for interactive online learning perceived by the students. Journal of English Education and Teaching 5(4), 529-543.
Şahin, M., Yurdugül, H. Learners’ Needs in Online Learning Environments and Third Generation Learning Management Systems (LMS 3.0). Tech Know Learn 27, 33–48 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-020-09479-x
Page updated
Report abuse