Key Features and Benefits of Canvas LMS
1. User-Friendly Interface: Canvas offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface that enhances the user experience for both instructors and students.
2. Course Management: Instructors can organize course content, assignments, quizzes, and discussions efficiently. Canvas supports multimedia content and allows instructors to design engaging learning experiences.
3. Collaboration and Communication: Canvas facilitates communication through announcements, messaging, and discussion boards. It also supports synchronous and asynchronous communication among students and instructors.
4. Assessment and Feedback: Instructors can create various types of assessments, including quizzes, exams, and assignments. Canvas provides detailed grading tools and supports rubrics for consistent assessment.
5. Integration and Customization: Canvas integrates with numerous third-party tools and services, enhancing its functionality and customization options.
6. Mobile Accessibility: Canvas has a mobile app that allows students and instructors to access course materials, submit assignments, and participate in discussions from mobile devices.
7. Analytics and Reporting: Canvas provides analytics tools that allow instructors to track student progress and engagement. This data helps instructors make informed decisions to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
8. Accessibility and Usability: Canvas is designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, can access course materials and participate effectively.
Canvas at Palm Beach State College (PBSC)
PBSC Online is the official operator of the Canvas LMS platform. Canvas is the approved Learning Management System for Palm Beach State College (PBSC). All faculty members are required to operate and execute their courses within Canvas. This decision is based on Canvas's robust features, user-friendly interface, and ability to support PBSC's commitment to high-quality online and blended learning experiences.
Canvas LMS plays a crucial role in supporting PBSC's mission to provide quality education through online and blended learning. As the approved LMS for PBSC, Canvas ensures that faculty can deliver courses effectively and that students have access to a robust and supportive online learning environment. By leveraging Canvas, PBSC continues to innovate and enhance its educational offerings, preparing students for success in their academic and professional careers.
Third-Party Integrations, Including AI-Related Integrations:
PBSC Online's Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) supports a variety of third-party integrations, including those involving Artificial Intelligence (AI). These integrations are managed and are generally approved by PBSC Online's Online Technology unit to ensure compliance, security, and compatibility with the educational goals and standards of Palm Beach State College.
Management of Third-Party Integrations:
PBSC Online's Online Technology unit oversees all third-party integrations within Canvas. This includes integrations that enhance the functionality of the LMS and support innovative teaching and learning practices. The process for managing third-party integrations is as follows:
Approval Process:
- Initial Review: All requests for third-party integrations are initially reviewed by the Online Technology unit. This review ensures that the integration aligns with PBSC's educational objectives and technology standards.
- Associate Dean Review: Requests that pass the initial review are then forwarded to the Associate Dean of Online and International Education for further assessment (if needed). The Associate Dean evaluates the integration's impact on curriculum, pedagogy, and student experience.
- CIO Review: If necessary, requests may be escalated to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) or their designee for final approval and clearance. This step ensures that all integrations meet PBSC's technology compliance and security standards.
PBSC Online's management of third-party integrations, including AI-related integrations, ensures that Canvas remains a dynamic and effective learning environment. By following a rigorous approval process and prioritizing compliance and security, PBSC Online provides faculty and students with access to tools that enhance educational outcomes while maintaining the integrity and security of the learning environment.
Canvas Parameters
Canvas is a Learning [course] Management System that is used for the delivery of all course delivery modalities. Every course in Canvas must maintain a standard course design. Canvas can also be used for Organization Sites, Departmental Discussion Boards, and/or Webinar Meetings by departments, faculty clusters, committees, and sponsored clubs. In the sidebar to the right of the Canvas Dashboard, click Start a New Course to create a course and/or an organization site in the Palm Beach State Canvas system. If the Start a New Course button is not available in your Dashboard, send a request to Online Technology (OnlineTechnology@palmbeachstate.edu).
PBSC Online Courses in Four Delivery Modes
Fully Online Courses
This class does not require real-time interaction; instead, instructional content is available online for you to access when it best suits your schedule, and assignments are completed to deadlines. You must have access to an Internet-connected computer with a camera. Canvas login: www.palmbeachstate.edu/canvas. Fully online courses are a good choice for students who enjoy the flexibility to learn at their own pace and from any location. They work well for those who are self-motivated, comfortable with technology, and able to manage their time effectively. These courses are ideal for learners who prefer independent study, value convenience, and can stay engaged without the structure of in-person meetings.
Hybrid Courses
This class is a combination of in-class meetings and online instructional content. Your class will meet during designated times as listed on your class schedule. You must have access to an Internet-connected computer. Canvas login: www.palmbeachstate.edu/canvas. Hybrid courses are a good choice for students who enjoy both online and on-campus learning. Hybrid classes replace some of the time that would normally be spent in a classroom with online learning activities. Attendance is 50% in an on-campus classroom and 50% online.
Live Online Courses
This class is a real-time virtual course. Your class will meet online during designated times as listed on your class schedule. You must have access to an Internet-connected computer with a camera. Canvas login: www.palmbeachstate.edu/canvas. Live Online courses are a good choice for students who enjoy the convenience of distance learning while still benefiting from real-time interaction with instructors and classmates. They work well for those who value scheduled class times, active discussions, and immediate feedback, but prefer the flexibility of not having to travel a campus.
Face to Face (classroom) Courses
Face-to-face courses are traditional, on-campus classes that include a Canvas LMS component to enhance the in-person learning experience. Canvas may be used for accessing supplemental course materials, completing readings and quizzes, and submitting assignments. Students must have access to an internet-connected computer. Canvas login: www.palmbeachstate.edu/canvas. These courses require regular on-campus meetings.