NET+ Canvas Newsletter
October 2023
In this version of the NET+ Canvas Newsletter, learn about the latest updates from Instructure about Canvas, comments and feedback from the Canvas Advisory Board, as well as best practices in Canvas use around the Internet2 Community.
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Table of Contents
Instructure Updates
The latest from Instructure regarding Canvas product offerings.
13 LMS Features That Benefit Student Learning
Technology’s impact on instruction continues to transform the modern learning experience, evolving alongside the needs of K-20 education. However, one constant in K-12 and higher education is the need for a reliable and easy-to-use learning management system (LMS). With the right LMS, institutions can support and provide learning opportunities from anywhere, at any time. Now more than ever, learning is more accessible and convenient thanks to handy and helpful LMS features. Students benefit from learning management systems that are equipped with the necessary features to facilitate their success. Read more here.
100+ Student Voices: State of Student Success & Engagement in North Carolina Higher Education
Students in North Carolina know what it takes to engage and succeed, and they are clear about the support mechanisms that can help them do so. Download the 100+ Student Voices report for insights on the state of student success and engagement in North Carolina higher education. Learn more here
Upskilling and Reskilling: Definitions of a Modernized Workforce
In a world that is constantly evolving, the need for new or elevated skills is in high demand for many professions. While many working professionals look to level up, students are also looking to expand their learning outcomes, improving their success in today's workforce. With the evolution of AI and other technologies, the workforce continues to shift, producing a demand for agile thinking and skill-building. In response, higher education institutions are investing in upskilling learning opportunities and finding ways to support professionals returning to academics. Read more here
Hyflex Teaching: Using Tech to Enhance Learning Opportunities
Higher education institutions continue to transition to a consumer-based approach, putting learners’ needs at the forefront of instructional strategy. Students procure autonomy and choice regarding their learning, taking ownership of their academic success. Providing options empowers learners as they set goals, build skills, and attain notable achievements in their academic journeys. Adding flexibility to the learning environment benefits and encourages learners from all different backgrounds. As technology enhances all forms of instruction, students can choose the learning modality that best fits them. Read more here.
Click here for all things Higher Education by Instructure.
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Canvas Advisory Board Updates
Upcoming Meeting: November 8th, 2023
The next Canvas Advisory Board meeting will be on November 8th, 2023. Agenda items will be finalized and posted during the 2 weeks leading up to the meeting.
A complete listing of all Canvas Advisory Board meeting agendas can be found here.
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Meeting Recap
The agendas for our upcoming 2023 meetings have been published for your viewing. Please note, these are working documents and subject to change so please check back for any updates on a regular basis.
Thank you to all who participated in this month’s meeting for your insightful feedback, ideas, and discussion! Should you have any questions or want further information around the work being done by the NET+ Canvas Service Advisory Board or a copy of the Partner Program Report, please don’t hesitate to visit us at https://spaces.at.internet2.edu/x/7BOJCQ or contact us at netplus@internet2.edu and we will be happy to respond.
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NET+ Canvas Program Update
Service Advisory Board Goals for 2023
Goal #1
Continue to have timely discussions about Customer Experience as it relates to Instructure products and services, the NET+ Canvas program, our community, as well as future Instructure M&A conversations.
Deliverable: Continue to update/refine Canvas Institutional Profiles for effective collaboration within the program.
Deliverable: Bring to light community needs that are not being addressed otherwise in these areas.
Goal #2
Instructure to conduct semi-annual product roadmap discussion and a review of the R1 Peers/I2 product feature request list.
Deliverable: Continue to develop and refine, with Shaun Moon and Kevin Turco, a strategy and process for I2 and R1 Peer universities to provide Instructure with actionable information on pain points and unmet needs. The strategy and process should be synced with Instructure's product development cycle and allow Instructure to clearly communicate status and progress back to the universities.
Goal #3
Initiate advisory board input on Instructure’s platform strategy as it relates to third party vendors and data integration/mash-ups.
Deliverable: Focused discussion with Kevin Turco and Karl Lloyd.
Deliverable: Focused discussion on what universities are doing with Canvas data and live events. What action do the data feed?
Deliverable: Implement this goal's outcomes effectively within the Canvas Institutional Profiles for further collaboration.
Goal #4
Continue Instructure product strategy discussions with Jared Stein.
NET+ Canvas - HELPFUL LINKS
Around the Community
Commentary from I2 Canvas users: advice, best practices, feedback.
R1 Peers
The Canvas Peers Research Universities Group (or R1 Peers Group) brings together representatives from large public and private research universities to share best practices around using Canvas and the surrounding ed tech ecosystem to support teaching and learning. They also collaborate closely with Instructure (Canvas vendor) and sit on the Internet2 NET+ Canvas Service Advisory Board to improve the Canvas platform and user experience for research universities. This group represents more than 250 members from 45 institutions of higher education and research across the United States, and around the world.
For context, recently the R1 Peers Group has collaborated in the following areas:
- Tier 1 support
- Archiving
- 3rd party integrations
- Pain points
- Data privacy
LRS Standards SIG
The Learning Records Store (LRS) Special Interest Group (SIG) assembles use cases for an LRS, creates an LRS reference architecture, and develops implementation/engineering best practices. The SIG promotes open standards that enable data from a variety of teaching and learning tools to be included in the LRS.
This group is chaired by the University of Washington and meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday of the month, however the LRS SIG is currently on hold until May 2022. For more information or to join this group, please reach out to Matthew Buss (mbuss@internet2.edu). Thank you.