Canvas

 Canvas

Canvas is a tool that we are all very familiar with because we use it on a daily basis for school. I found this technology in the “Top 15 Software Mentioned by Elementary vs Secondary Teachers” and it was the 14th on the list. Canvas is used for students to view and submit their assignments. They are able to access their different classes and see files or pages that are included in the classes. Teachers also can make announcements through Canvas that students are able to see. There also is a handy to-do list and calendar for the students to follow. The items on the to-do list will show up when there are 6 days left until the assignment is due. 

Here is a video on how to use Canvas for the teacher's side. https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Video-Guide/Canvas-Overview-Instructors/ta-p/384268

Ease of Use

Canvas is very easy to use. The app is very self explanatory. Academic Technology (2022) expressed that Canvas is such a user friendly program. The ease of use for this platform is amazing and the modules feature is so great as well (Academic Technology, 2022). There are multiple tabs for the students to follow that are very easy to navigate. The students are able to easily see their grades, future assignments, and other announcements. I remember when I first started using Canvas I thought it was so easy to use. 

Versatility

Canvas is not very versatile because it can only be used for submitting assignments, viewing assignments, and looking at modules. Students really only use this platform to submit assignments. They cannot create anything on Canvas. Teachers can post assignments, announcements, modules, and even videos on this website. It is great for online learning because the teacher is able to do all of their instruction through Canvas. This may be through the different modules, videos, or even assignments they have specifically created for the student. Canvas is very versatile for teachers but not so much for students. 

Likelihood of Using

Depending on the grade level, I would use Canvas in the future for the middle to upper elementary grades. I do not feel like this platform is developmentally appropriate for K-2 and I feel like if I teach the older grades I would use Canvas. I do not feel like the platform would actually benefit kids K-2 because they may be too young to access all of the assignments and do the homework online. 

Connections to Course

I connected Canvas to “the Seven Events of Instruction”  through “Presenting the Content.” This is because teachers can upload lectures of their teaching content on Canvas. They can also include documents, videos, or activities for students to do that will help the students learn the content as well. Most of what can be uploaded to Canvas is used for students to learn the content. Teachers can help differentiate the students' instruction through the different activities through videos, images, and even readings.  

I connected Canvas to the TLC Framework of “T2 Assessing.” This is because there are quizzes and tests that can be conducted through Canvas. Teachers can assign students different quizzes and tests that can be about the information that was just learned. This way, teachers can see how well students understand the content. It is very nice because Canvas can give students quizzes or tests after every chapter or unit that is covered. Some tests can even be proctored if they are not open note. There are also time limits that can be put on the quizzes as well. 

Websites Used

https://atg.fas.harvard.edu/canvas-feedback