Canvas to Support Learning

Canvas is a digital tool that supports learning in a blended, flipped, or fully online environment. You can use Canvas for project-based learning, problem-based learning, and personalized learning pathways. Canvas is a learning management system that costs per student. The cost depends on the number of accounts purchased.

The practical way to model Canvas is to use it as part of your professional learning training. Use the site to house resources, embed videos, and interactive lessons. I would also model Canvas use with students. I would build a module with resources and guides for problem-based learning project and walk students through how to use the module. This would be a great example to show teachers how to use an LMS with PBLs. Another way to model Canvas is to use it for your class bell ringers. Train students how to login to Canvas, find and complete the bell ringer, and submit while the teacher takes attendance and gets the class started. While modeling the examples is key to show teachers the power of Canvas, the next essential step is training. I would break the training down into three main sessions: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. There are many parts to using Canvas for discussions, assignments, modules, quizzes/tests, and embedded information.  I would not expect a teacher to be an expert after a few training sessions. My goal would be to work with teachers at my sites to personalize their learning about Canvas to meet the needs of their students.

I would investigate the use of Canvas collaboratively with students in a few ways. First, I would have students participate using the discussion board feature which I would also take part in the discussion. This is one of my favorite parts of Canvas. The student who will not participate in a class discussion often finds their voice and does a fabulous job of participating in the online discussion board. Next, I would use Canvas to flip some instruction. I would create videos of content and use the ARC feature of Canvas to embed the video with questions for students to answer as they watch the video. Then I would allow the students to decide during class if they want to view the video or join a small group where I go over the same content directly with students. The video is always there for review and I give students a choice. One other way that I can use Canvas collaboratively is to give feedback using Speedgrader. I would provide feedback and allow students to submit an assignment as many times as needed to achieve mastery.  I can give written, auditory, or video feedback using the features of Canvas. Feedback is essential for growth. Students can comment back on their feedback and therefore provide collaboration on improving their mastery of the content.

Canvas empowers students because it allows the teacher to build pages, modules, and mastery paths where students can work from to choose their own learning path within the confines of the learning standards. The essential component of personalized learning is learner agency. Students would have a voice because they can have a say in the topics and choice because they can pick their path. Canvas gives them the starting point and resources.

Teachers can use Canvas to build digital citizenship lessons to embed with their content modules. Also, parents can observe the Canvas page. The teacher can create content for parents such as newsletters and links that parents will refer to as they talk with their children.

Canvas transformed my work with students. I could give them access to so much more than before when I didn't have an LMS to use. Providing information and resources opens up learning. If I had to have a substitute, I put everything on Canvas and students knew what they were supposed to learn and work on during that class period. This also worked for students who were absent. Using Canvas dramatically reduced missing work from absent students because they could easily find out what they missed.

Canva transformed my work with colleagues because we had a central location for building resources and a collaborative space to work. Canvas housed all of our teacher handbook information and important district materials such as the curriculum.  You can also use Canvas to flip faculty meetings and embed important video updates to staff. The discussion board feature allows you to have a collaboration with colleagues that is ongoing as needed.

ISTE Standards for Students:  Empowered Learner c, Digital Citizen b, Knowledge Constructor b & d, Innovative Designer c, Creative Communicator b, Global Collaborator b, c

ISTE Standards for Educators: Leader a & c, Citizen a & b, Collaborator a & c, Designer a, b & c, Facilitator a & b, Analyst a