Canvas LMS Software Evaluation Rubric

 

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE EVALUATION RUBRIC

Name of Evaluator: Mrs. Meesha Roland-Craigg

Software: Canvas LMS 

URL: https://www.instructure.com/canvas

Cost: Individual teachers can access an unlimited free account on Canvas, but for schools or institutions with multiple instructors, the paid option is required. Canvas charges a one-time implementation fee, varying based on factors like school size and support needs. The subscription fee depends on the total user count. For an accurate price quote, it's advised to directly communicate your institution's needs with Canvas.

Description: Canvas LMS, developed by Instructure, is a highly acclaimed Learning Management System known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. It is suitable for institutions of varying sizes. Designed for both educators and students, Canvas simplifies course management through tools for content creation, assignment tracking, and collaborative activities. Its dynamic grading system, complete with customizable rubrics, feedback options and a SpeedGrader tool, streamlines the assessment process. The platform's compatibility with various third-party integrations, mobile accessibility, and analytics tools contribute to a dynamic and flexible learning experience. Since its launch in 2011, Canvas LMS has become the leading learning management system in the educational industry.

Vendor: Instructure is an American technology company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.

Notes on Use: Canvas serves as a versatile platform for creating and managing online classes, facilitating both virtual and hybrid classrooms. It supports online learning and provides communication and collaborative tools, including announcements, messaging, emails, and discussion boards. Canvas facilitates the delivery of content in various formats, employing engaging tools such as text, multimedia, and interactive content. The platform also features options for creating and administering assessments, grading, and offering feedback. Moreover, Canvas provides analytical and reporting tools to monitor student progress, engagement, and attendance, and it facilitates the generation of reports.  

Canvas integrates with various external tools and applications, including Big Blue Button for video conferencing, Turnitin, and Copyleaks for plagiarism detection. To explore these tools, you can find direct download links or integrate them within the Canvas platform through Settings > Apps. Academic tools available include Quizlet, Nearpod, Boost, Inscribe, Trello, and Kami. Other external tools available in Canvas can be found at the following link: https://kb.iu.edu/d/aaka. Moreover, Canvas acts as a storage solution, offering up to 50MB of free storage per user. Its high level of customization allows adaptation to the specific needs of schools or individual users. The platform actively promotes professional development through training modules and resources for instructors. Additionally, Canvas supports the creation of student portfolios, providing a platform to showcase their work and achievements.

 Canvas LMS EVALUATION CRITERIA

SOFTWARE FEATURES	1 Poor	2 Below Average	3 Average	4 Above Average	5 Excellent	Score
Installation Instructions	Minimum or missing installation instructions	Instructions are difficult to follow	Instructions fairly clear and complete	Clear and user-friendly instructions	Step by steps instructions available online	5
Site Licensing Provisions	No licensing available	Somewhat expensive and/or  limited site licensing	Site licensing available at reasonable cost	Low licensing rate for educators	Multiple educators may use without a fee	5
Technical Provisions	No toll free telephone or online support available	No local support or online support. Phone support available for an hourly rate	Local support and phone support available for moderate fee. Limited online support	Local tech help is available for a few hours per day, no-charge phone support. Online support is available	Local help and to free phone support readily available at no charge. 24 hours online support	2
Ease of Update	No provision for updates	Must purchase new versions; most data will transfer to new version	Updates for less than cost of new versions; data transferable	Minimal fee for updates; data fully compatible	Free updates available online; seamless transfer of data	5
Tutorials	No tutorials provided	Tutorials may be ordered for free	Limited tutorial provided online	Online tutorials provided	Extensive online and video tutorials provided	5
Multiple Platforms	Works on only one operating system	Although purchased for one platform, versions for other platforms may be purchased	Program will run on multiple operating systems; features may vary with platform	Program will run on multiple operating systems; features may similar but not identical	Program will run on multiple operating systems with consistent features across platforms	5
Student Report Capabilities	Can record and report out data only in form they were entered	Reports can be modified so only the data re reported out	Using templates, reports can be generated; minor modifications can be made	Customizable reports and forms can be easily created and printed	Data may be reported out in any format desired	4
Notation Capabilities	No provision for notations	Can attach brief notes on problems but cannot add action taken at a time	Notes can be entered and added	Data entry forms include provision for unlimited comments on the problem and the action taken	Call up record by name; click on problem type; appropriate report appears on forms automatically	4
Special Needs Report Capabilities	No capabilities for notes or reports	Notes limited to 10 words; may be reported out on templates provided	Notes may be made up to 50 words and printed out; supplied templates may be modified by user	Limited of 100 words; both templates and instructor-designed forms may be used for reports	Unlimited notes may be made, and desired reports can be designed and printed out	5
Nonacademic Information Capabilities	Cannot record or report any nonacademic data	Limited provision to record and report nonacademic data in the same form they were entered	Numerical and text data up to 50 characters can be entered and then selectively printed out	Numerical and text data may be entered; multiple field size available; various templates for reporting	Unlimited data entry capabilities; customizable reports can be printed as desired	4

  Software Evaluation Total: - 44/50