Blog Entry 1- Learning Management System: Canvas

Reference William Sanga, M. (2016). AN ANALYSIS OF TECHNOLOGICAL ISSUES EMANATING FROM FACULTY TRANSITION TO A NEW LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. Quarterly Review Of Distance Education, 17(1), 11-22.

In District 115 Canvas has been referred to as “the Cadillac” of the Internet-based Learning Management System (LMS).  While it all seemed very exciting when presented, I realized I didn’t know much about any LMS excluding the “free” Google Classroom App.  So instead of diving right into it, I figured I would skim the surface first.  “An Analysis of Technological Issues Emanating from Faculty Transition to a New Learning Management System” by Mapopa William Sanga allowed me to get my feet wet on two topics- LMS and Canvas. 

Summary

Introduction

According to Sanga (2016), LMS “is a web-based application that supports teaching and learning by enabling instructors to create and organize content for learners.”  Thinking back to my experience, I have used such a tool, but never as a teacher.  It provides many benefits to this 21^st Century of learning: student engagement, participation, organizes assessments, clearly communicates, materials are on the tip of the students’ fingers, and accessing these tools allows students to think differently.

It was noted when learning to use any LMS, it is important to embrace technology and keep an open mind.

Purpose of Study

The study was conducted on 119 staff members who had previously been using Desire to Learn (D2L) LMS, but transitioned to Canvas.  The University provided workshops about Canvas to Staff from August 2013 until January 2014.  Majority of the staff members who took the four workshops were faculty that taught on-line classes. 

During this study, they took qualitative data by listing all issues in a Google document.  The researcher, which was the teaching and learning coordinator, synthesized the content and categorized the information to help with the study.

Categories

Among the findings, they gave three levels of issues. Category one was labeled as quick fixes, where the issue could simply be resolved by showing how it is done. The second level was when the support needed more time to solve the issue.  This could have involved contacting Canvas.  Level three was the most complex.  This involved issues while integrating software applications.  The external applications that the university used was Voice Thread, Panopto, Turnitin & Grademark, and Respondus Lockdown Browser.  The first two apps listed are mainly for video and voice, whereas the Turnitin & Grademark is for plagiarism tool.  The last app is to lockdown browsers, printers, etc. when taking an assessment. 

Results

The faculty found Canvas to be very beneficial after learning how to use it.  A challenge they continued to have been integrating the external apps.  But overall, the benefits outweigh the challenge. 

“The gradebook and announcements were very helpful in managing classes and student work” (2016).

Workshops will be necessary to learn Canvas, but depending on staff proficiency with technology definitely plays a factor on how quickly you may learn it.  Another factor in learning how to use Canvas, is motivation and personal enthusiasm.

Reflection

All in all, this informational study offers positive insight of how to use and learn about this LMS.  The jump next year to Canvas should be an exciting time!  Using patience, time, and support, either from Canvas or district, will help me succeed with Canvas Learning Management System.