AVID students are helping roll out our district's new learning management system (or, LMS) called Canvas. In describing Canvas to other teachers and to the students I have said two things:
1. Think Edmodo on steroids. Canvas is much more robust and has a lot more functionality for teachers who want students to use independent and online learning.
2. Think Blackboard but simpler and more user friendly. Most of us who have struggle through graduate level education have also struggled with using Blackboard as a learning management system. Canvas is Blackboard's #1 competitor in K-12 education today and it is probably going to keep growing in popularity.
As a part of our district's evaluation team on learning management systems I had a chance to experience Canvas this summer. Now, I have developed a multi-unit curriculum on Digital Citizenship that teaches internet safety and copyright use.
Students completed their first assignment in class today, but have the option of working at home -- anytime, anywhere and at any pace. They may finish early. Some will push it to the last deadline. I have no doubt that this will be an interesting experiment for all of us.
1. Think Edmodo on steroids. Canvas is much more robust and has a lot more functionality for teachers who want students to use independent and online learning.
2. Think Blackboard but simpler and more user friendly. Most of us who have struggle through graduate level education have also struggled with using Blackboard as a learning management system. Canvas is Blackboard's #1 competitor in K-12 education today and it is probably going to keep growing in popularity.
As a part of our district's evaluation team on learning management systems I had a chance to experience Canvas this summer. Now, I have developed a multi-unit curriculum on Digital Citizenship that teaches internet safety and copyright use.
Students completed their first assignment in class today, but have the option of working at home -- anytime, anywhere and at any pace. They may finish early. Some will push it to the last deadline. I have no doubt that this will be an interesting experiment for all of us.