UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

Blackboard’s replacement put to test

The University of North Florida (UNF) is ditching Blackboard for a new online, educational platform called Canvas.

Spinnaker spent the last several weeks doing a trial run of the site to see how it stacks up against Blackboard, and learned a lot about oceanography along the way.

One visit to the Canvas website and it’s clear this is a West Coast tech start-up geared towards millennials. There are graphics everywhere, pictures of nature (Colorado, of course) contrasted by others of city skylines and quotes like, “Welcome to research nirvana!”

Class homepage on campus. Graphic by Mark Judson
Class homepage on campus. Screenshot

Both the University of Central Florida and University of Florida have made the switch to Canvas. Spinnaker spoke to several students at each school who claim Canvas is far less problematic than Blackboard.

“I’ve heard from (my sister) Blackboard goes down a lot and will refresh and delete your assignment. I’ve never had a problem like that with Canvas,” said Courtney Dorrian, a marketing junior at the University of Florida.

Most of the experiences Spinnaker had during our trial were very similar to using Blackboard. The layout had a cleaner, tighter look, but overall the content was the same. Canvas features a Google-style calendar and sections linking all the expected content – discussions, grades, modules, etc.

Discussion board view on Canvas. Graphic by Mark Judson
Discussion board view on Canvas. Screenshot

Canvas prides itself on unique user experiences and app integration. A course’s page, for example, can integrate programs such as Dropbox or WordPress so they became usable parts of the course. This means students and teachers can easily share files, videos and pictures in one spot – no email sharing required. There’s also an analytic tool to track grades, assignment completion and a few other things, but this feature is mostly geared towards teachers.

Perhaps the biggest flaw found was Canvas’ reliance on professors designing their course to utilize the available resources, which means the features available to students may not be used at all. Canvas has a wealth of resources, integrations, unique features, but the ability to utilize them can be completely eroded if the professor doesn’t take advantage them.

Though UNF may not be in for the “educational revolution” the Canvas website claims it will bring, expect a better-functioning website with a much lower crash-rate.

Grades page on Canvas. Graphic by Mark Judson
Grades page on Canvas. Screenshot

For most Ospreys, this change alone makes it worth switching, making the resources and features an added bonus for those who end up using them.

For more information or news tips, or if you see an error in this story or have any compliments or concerns, contact [email protected].

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

Spinnaker intends for this area to be used to foster healthy, thought-provoking discussion. Comments are expected to adhere to our standards and to be respectful and constructive. As such, we do not permit the use of profanity, foul language, personal attacks, slurs, defamation, or the use of language that might be interpreted as libelous. Comments are reviewed and will be removed if they do not adhere to these standards. Spinnaker does not allow anonymous comments, and Spinnaker requires a valid email address. The email address will not be displayed but will be used to confirm your comments.
All UNF Spinnaker Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *