PRODUCT CANVAS CRITIQUE
A critique on canvas as a product.
Why this product?
For this product critique I have selected the learning management software CANVAS by in-structure
Personal attachment: For the past 3 years, canvas has been one of the major parts of my learning environment. For the first two years, I was on the facilitation end of the platform and for the last year, I have been on the learning end of the curve.
Platform fluidity: This is one of the most promising platforms across K- Higher Ed.
Reach: In 2017, Instructure hit the $1 billion market cap and acquired Practice, the peer-feedback-driven, video-based professional learning tool. Canvas reached more than 30 million global users. The online Canvas community surpassed 500,000 users and Instructure acquired Portfolio and Mastery Connect and since then it has been only increasing
Comprehensive metric systems: Instructure has both qualitative and quantitative mechanisms to gather user data points. It also has over 90 % in class customer satisfaction score.
One line summary of the project
It is a learning management system that allows institution to manage digital learning including presenting assessing and engaging students to reach their outcome.
One great feature about the product
One of the great features of this product is the student learning evaluation systems. The platform allows the faculty and the admins to track each student performance in a very detailed manner. It provides the faculty with the authority to self-analyse student data. These metrics involve student attendance, platforms engagement, comments etc. It provides options like course statistics which details out the stats of enrolled students, published items, average course grades and interaction. This free fluidity of data allows the teachers to customise the course, according to needs of the students and allows them to make iterative lessons according to it to the student needs to produce better outcomes. It also allows the institution to manage the cohorts and analyse as to what is working and what is not.
One disadvantageous feature about the product
One of the downsides of canvas must be having no accessibility. Without features such as voice recognition options, support for colour blindness, screen reader compatibility, or other accessibility enhancements, Canvas may present barriers to students with visual impairments, motor disabilities, or other accessibility challenges. For students with visual impairments, the absence of screen reader compatibility can make it difficult or impossible to access course materials, navigate the platform, or engage with content effectively. Similarly, individuals with motor disabilities may struggle with the platform's interface if it lacks support for alternative input methods or keyboard shortcuts. In a diverse learning environment, it's essential for educational platforms like Canvas to prioritize and invest in accessibility features to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to participate and succeed in their academic pursuits.
Considerations for the product in a year
In the coming year, the primary focus for Canvas Instructure should be on integrating AI-driven solutions to support faculty in content creation while simultaneously addressing accessibility concerns for all users. This strategic direction aligns with the evolving needs of educational institutions and reflects a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and user-centric design
Incorporating AI tools to assist faculty in content creation can significantly enhance the process, efficiency, and improve the quality of educational materials. AI-powered features such as automated content generation, adaptive learning algorithms, and plagiarism detection can empower instructors to create engaging, personalized, and academically rigorous course materials more efficiently. By leveraging AI, Canvas can enable faculty to devote more time to teaching and interaction with students, ultimately enriching the learning experience.
It is vital for the platform to prioritize accessibility enhancements for ensuring that Canvas is accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. This would require them to have features such as voice recognition technology, screen reader compatibility, alternative input methods, and enhanced colour contrast to accommodate users with visual impairments, motor disabilities, or other accessibility challenges. By proactively addressing accessibility concerns, Canvas can cater to a more inclusive learning environment and empower all students to fully participate and succeed in their academic endeavors.
Additionally, conducting a comprehensive analysis of competitors' approaches to platform accessibility can provide valuable insights and benchmarks for Canvas to identify areas for improvement and innovation. By studying best practices and emerging trends in accessibility across the edtech landscape, Canvas can position itself as a leader in this domain and differentiate itself from competitors. This may involve conducting user research, engaging with accessibility experts, and collaborating with advocacy groups to ensure that Canvas remains at the forefront of accessibility standards and compliance.