The Bottom Line
Canvas Instructure is one of the best online learning platforms available. It offers some unique Web 2.0 features. However, Canvas Instructure's best attribute is its ability to convey information intuitively. Canvas Instructure makes it easy for students and instructors to navigate the well-designed site. The platform isn't without its faults. But, overall, Canvas Instructure simply feels better to use than most other online learning platforms.
Pros
- Intuitive, easy-to-use format
- Clean, simple design
- Makes grading and viewing grades easy
- Social media integration
Cons
- Can be a bit buggy
- Difficult to find instructional material on how to use the platform
- No simple way to add one sentence reading assignments to calendar
Description
- Online learning management system
- Web 2.0 integration
- Free to use for individuals
Guide Review - Canvas Instructure Review
Canvas Instructure is a relatively new online learning platform that allows students to integrate their accounts with social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Students and instructors acting individually (not subscribing as an entire school) can use the program for free.
Canvas Instructure solves a lot of problems for instructors. For example, it allows assignments to be quickly created from several places within the website. Information about each assignment is automatically parsed into the course calendar, the syllabus, the grade book, etc. without any additional action from the instructor. Grading is simple and weighted grades can be created with ease. A "speed grader" allows for faster grading without the dreaded load time that many other learning platforms require.
Students can keep track of progress in the class, complete assignments, and participate in discussions with ease. The grade book allows students to see both their grades for individual assignments as well as their overall grade. Students can even enter in alternative scores for assignments to project how their overall grade would be impacted by a higher or lower score. Students can choose to connect their accounts to multiple email addresses, text-receiving phone numbers, and social media pages.
Canvas Instructure does have a few drawbacks. The platform seems to still be a bit buggy, and edits sometimes change back to older versions of a document. Occasionally, the system does something unexpected and leaves instructors worrying about how to fix the problem. Most instructors rely on the dependability of their online learning platform and little issues can end up making a big difference. It would also be helpful if modules could be viewed on stand-alone pages and could be included in the design-your-own front page.
Canvas Instructure solves a lot of problems for instructors. For example, it allows assignments to be quickly created from several places within the website. Information about each assignment is automatically parsed into the course calendar, the syllabus, the grade book, etc. without any additional action from the instructor. Grading is simple and weighted grades can be created with ease. A "speed grader" allows for faster grading without the dreaded load time that many other learning platforms require.
Students can keep track of progress in the class, complete assignments, and participate in discussions with ease. The grade book allows students to see both their grades for individual assignments as well as their overall grade. Students can even enter in alternative scores for assignments to project how their overall grade would be impacted by a higher or lower score. Students can choose to connect their accounts to multiple email addresses, text-receiving phone numbers, and social media pages.
Canvas Instructure does have a few drawbacks. The platform seems to still be a bit buggy, and edits sometimes change back to older versions of a document. Occasionally, the system does something unexpected and leaves instructors worrying about how to fix the problem. Most instructors rely on the dependability of their online learning platform and little issues can end up making a big difference. It would also be helpful if modules could be viewed on stand-alone pages and could be included in the design-your-own front page.
