Contents
Catalog Links

Canvas Learning Management System (LMS)

Overview and Institutional Requirement

Palm Beach State College (PBSC) uses Canvas as its official Learning Management System (LMS). Developed by Instructure, Canvas is a widely adopted platform that supports online, hybrid, and in-person instruction through a centralized, user-friendly environment.

Canvas enables faculty to deliver course content, facilitate communication, assess student learning, and manage course operations, while providing students with consistent access to instructional materials and learning tools.

Canvas is the approved LMS for PBSC, and all faculty are required to deliver and manage their courses within the platform. PBSC Online, through its Online Technology unit, is responsible for the administration, support, and governance of Canvas. This oversight ensures alignment with institutional standards for quality, accessibility, security, and student success.

Core LMS Capabilities

Canvas supports teaching and learning through the following core functions:

  • Course Management
    Organization of course content, assignments, discussions, quizzes, and multimedia materials.
  • Communication and Collaboration
    Announcements, messaging, and discussion tools support both real-time and asynchronous interaction.
  • Assessment and Feedback
    Tools for assignments, quizzes, grading, and rubrics enable consistent evaluation and timely feedback.
  • Analytics and Reporting
    Provides insight into student participation and performance to inform instruction.
  • Mobile Access
    Mobile applications allow access to course materials, submissions, and communication.
  • Accessibility
    Supports accessible course design to ensure equitable access for all learners.
  • Integration and Customization
    Allows approved third-party tools to extend LMS functionality.

Course Delivery Modalities

Fully Online Courses

  • No required real-time meetings
  • Instruction delivered asynchronously
  • Requires reliable internet access and a camera-enabled device

Hybrid Courses

  • Combination of on-campus and online instruction
  • Approximately 50% face-to-face and 50% online
  • Scheduled in-person meetings required

Live Online Courses

  • Real-time virtual instruction
  • Scheduled online class meetings required
  • Requires internet access and a camera-enabled device

In-person Courses

  • Traditional on-campus instruction
  • Canvas is used for course materials, assignments, and communication
  • Regular in-person attendance required

Third Party Integrations -Including AI

Canvas supports approved third-party integrations, including tools that incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI). All integrations must meet PBSC standards for:

  • Security and data privacy
  • Accessibility
  • Instructional value
  • Technical compatibility

Integration Governance and Approval Process

All Canvas integrations are reviewed and managed by the Online Technology unit. Only approved tools may be implemented within Canvas.

Approval Process

  1. Initial Review – Online Technology
    Evaluates alignment with institutional standards, security, and instructional purpose.
  2. Associate Dean Online Learning | Educational Technology | Education Abroad Review (as needed)
    Assesses impact on curriculum, pedagogy, and student experience.
  3. CIO Review (if required)
    Provides final approval for integrations with institutional or security implications.