Building on positive faculty and student feedback from comparative product evaluations during 2010-11, Wharton Computing has selected the Instructure Canvas LMS as the next-generation replacement for course web sites, assignments and grading activities currently performed using webCafé. Canvas, a cloud-based course management system with a modern user experience and cutting-edge teaching features, was selected after well-received tryouts in ten Spring and Summer 2011 courses at Wharton as well as careful vetting of the supplier, Instructure, Inc..
During the 2011-12 academic year, one-quarter of Fall courses and over 500 Spring 2012 course sections (52% of overall Spring courses) are using a Canvas site, reaching more than 5,000 distinct students. Courses participating include required core classes for undergraduates and first-year MBA students as well as many electives.
Some of the distinctive new features Canvas offers include:
- Powerful online assignment collection options — students can turn in files, fill out forms, record video, or even submit Google Docs.
- The SpeedGrader: using either a Web browser or an iPad app, instructors can flip quickly among turned-in assignments, fill in a score, and give text, audio or video feedback privately to each student.
- Built-in tools for audio and video recording, media import and podcast distribution.
- Real-time collaboration features for document editing, chat and web conferencing.
- Communication profile: be notified of announcements and site changes by text message, email, Facebook, or Twitter.
Canvas is currently available for any Wharton course upon faculty request; however, Canvas will not be the replacement for FacultyCafé or other non-course-related uses of webCafé. Beginning with the Summer 2012 term, the Wharton MBA Program for Executives is standardizing on the use of Canvas for its courses.
For More Information
- Canvas sites at Wharton [faculty, student and support staff login]: https://wharton.instructure.com
- Advice and documentation for Canvas:
- Canvas Instructor Guide (illustrated articles and videos, organized by feature)
- Advice for teaching with Canvas from the Courseware Team
- Student documentation and help for Canvas: SPIKE Support and Canvas Student Guide
- To request Canvas support or service: Contact the Wharton Computing Courseware Team at courseware@wharton.upenn.edu
