CANVAS Overview of Instructure’s Learning Management System or LMS

What is a LMS? A Learning Management System is collaboration software for distributing courses over the internet. Other popular LMS’s include - ◦Blackboard ◦Moodle ◦Angel

LMS Paradigm Web based collaboration and communication tool used to enrich learning, engage students, and increase achievement. Students can be engaged in the class beyond the actual room and the set class time. Media of all sorts can be incorporated into the learning dialogue.

What are Canvas’s features? Communication Collaboration Rich Content Editor – (Assignment Design) Speedgrader Calendar Outcomes Save, Share, Reuse Materials

Communication – Announcements, messages, assignments, etc. that are posted to Canvas are “pushed” out to the student (in whatever manner the student chooses). ◦ ◦Text Message ◦Facebook ◦Twitter

Collaboration – Canvas has several tools that allow for increased collaboration with each other. ◦Shared Documents (Google Docs) ◦Discussion Boards ◦Video Conferencing ◦Asynchronous Video ◦Live Chat

Rich Content Editor – Canvas allows the teacher and (with permission) students to post materials to the course. This can be used to enhance what is happening in the classroom and/or it can be used for assignments and units. ◦Pictures ◦Video ◦Drafts ◦Documents ◦Website Links

Speedgrader - ◦Design Rubrics ◦Quickly grade assignments and quizzes ◦Grade from mobile devices

Calendar- Post due dates, etc. that can push out notifications to students.

Outcomes – Curriculum maps, standards, and benchmarks (once saved) can all be accessed by the teacher and included in the course.

Save, Share, Reuse - The course can be copied, exported, and shared. All the work, discussion, and content can benefit others beyond just one term. The teacher can replicate parts or items as needed.

Web Resources Instructure’s website Instructure’s YouTube Channel blend=7&ob=5 Canvas FAQ tle=Main_Page