Adjusting to Canvas

Teachers move from websites to interactive digital learning program

District 95 is moving forward in the plan to bring technology into classrooms. Last year at the high school the District piloted the use of Canvas, a program that allows teachers, students, and parents to communicate digitally about assignments and learning. This year, Canvas is mandatory for all teachers and classes, and teachers are moving away from their websites they had used previously.

Lesly Ravenscraft, English teacher, used American Eagle, one of the old programs, to post the syllabus and schedule, but now Canvas is used on a daily basis. Still early into the year, Ravenscraft says she is trying to learn and adjust to the alteration.

Q: Do you like the change to Canvas?
A: I am not sure yet how I feel about the change. I know there are some interesting applications we can use on Canvas – I am still trying to learn what those are.
Getting familiar with Canvas is a process, but Ravenscraft, and other students, still believe that there is a value in writing down assignments.

Q: What are the positives and negatives about Canvas?
A: I believe Canvas can be an effective way for both students and parents to keep up with assignments and grades. I do, however, feel that there is value in students writing assignments down according to what the teacher has instructed instead of relying only on the Canvas website. My concern, as a teacher, is managing the website and making sure it is kept up to date. As in everything, it will take time for all to get used to.