Salt Lake Community College students who have smartphones have a new way to stay on top of homework; the company that runs the Canvas online learning management system has developed a mobile app.
Released early this year, the Canvas app by Instructure is designed for Apple and Android devices. The installation process takes just a few moments and as a perk for working students, the app is offered for free via iTunes or Google Play.
Canvas app features include a to-do list, grades, discussion posts, course schedules and an activity stream. Perhaps the most helpful feature offers homework and due date reminders, allowing students to keep track of upcoming assignments.
“The app is great for reminders and organization, but I wouldn’t use it to submit assignments or participate in discussion posts,” says Mandi Taylor, an interior design major.
Other students seem to echo this concern. Woodworking major Christopher Proctor says, “It seems like there are some glitches in the conversation portion of the app, I’ve had issues loading discussions and trying to use the inbox.”
Taylor adds, “It’s easy to forget about assignments but being able to check Canvas like I check other social media apps helps me to stay on top of my busy homework schedule.”
The most recent update to the Canvas app took place last week, so it may be some time before the noted issues are addressed. However, the more students submit reviews and feedback to Salt Lake-based Instructure, the more likely updates will be developed.
Since Canvas is free, students who have the available technology may find it worthwhile to download the app and see to what extent it is helpful. It makes sense for handheld devices to become an integrated part of education, as the majority of college students carry one with them constantly.
