Canvas by Instructure
Canvas by Instructure

Canvas by Instructure

logo_instructureIf you have or are considering a one-to-one program in your school, a learning management system (LMS) will be a key piece in the mix of tools to make it a success. It will bring together many of the digital tools already being used (Turn-It-In, Google Apps, etc.) in one central place.

If you have ever taken an online course, you have already been on the student end of an LMS. Blackboard is one of the most popular but has grown rather complex and stagnated in the area of integrating new technologies. I had narrowed my choices to Canvas and Schoology. Both are very capable systems. Schoology has a bit of a “Facebook” social media feel. This can be both a strength and weakness. Canvas feels more course-like. From a very quick and non-scientific survey, I have found that high school students may have a greater chance of running into Canvas in college and this could be an advantage.

If you would like to try Canvas with a “toes-first” approach, faculty can sign up for a free Canvas account and begin setting up courses in it. These free accounts will allow you to use Canvas with a class with all of the features with the exception of the overall administration and school tie-in.

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