Eight courses test the waters in Canvas

Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) that SFU will be implementing in the months ahead, is available as a web-based platform or as a locally hosted platform. For a number of reasons, including privacy and security requirements, SFU has chosen to host Canvas locally; that is, on servers physically located at the university.

IT Services, and in particular the Institutional, Collaborative, and Academic Technologies group (ICAT), is busy installing and testing the platform. As part of the process, eight courses representing a range of Faculties, class sizes, and teaching approaches will be delivered in Canvas this semester. The courses will form a pilot project designed to identify and resolve technical issues before the LMS is rolled out on a large scale in fall 2013. The pilot project will also furnish examples of the kinds of instructional activities and opportunities instructors will be able to take advantage of in Canvas.

Here's the list of courses and instructors in the pilot project:

• BUS 362 D200 (Kamal Masri) – 38 students
• COMM 425 (Martin Laba) – 50 students
• CRIM 826 (William Glackman) – 10–12 students
• EDUC 100W (Shawn Bullock) – 35–40 students
• EDUC 864 (Alyssa Wise) – 10–15 students
• ENG 383 (Mary Ann Gillies) – 30 students
• ENGL 420W (Nicky Didicher) – 30 students
• PHIL 343 (Jillian McIntosh) – 35 students

Instructors who have specific questions about their own courses and the move to Canvas may contact the Learning Technology group in the Teaching and Learning Centre.