Canvas LMS is the best LMS solution for schools, colleges and universities.
Canvas LMS is an open source Learning Management System that serves as a central hub for online, hybrid, and in-person classrooms. Canvas LMS is a modern education tool that connects teachers and educators to their students. Its easy-to-use interface facilitates a two-way flow of communication between instructors and learners, taking teaching and learning to the next level of engagement. Canvas LMS is the best and most forward-thinking Learning Management System, providing equitable access and personalized learning from K12 to Higher Education.
What is a Learning Management System or LMS?
A Learning Management System is an educational platform that allows schools, colleges and universities to manage their online learning materials and interactions in one place. Also known as LMS, a Learning Management System gathers all course content, daily lessons, assignments, tests/quizzes, feedback, and grading. In addition, an LMS handles student-educator communications and serves as a place for instructors and learners to meet virtually. A good Learning Management System offers an easy-to-use interface accessible from a computer or mobile device.
Learning Management Systems can be installed (self-hosted) or cloud-based platforms. An installed LMS is a software application hosted locally and managed through the institution's internal servers. While a cloud-based LMS is hosted in the cloud, making it easily accessible from the internet.
Most reliable Learning Management Systems follow the IMS Global Learning Consortium, among other organizations that standardize the edtech industry. This helps assure efficient integration and communication between e-learning tools and applications. A robust LMS facilitates integration while providing security through preventative and detective mechanisms. It also has secure processes, controls, and tools. As with any other technological application, an LMS must follow data privacy laws to protect user information and ensure it's used only to support students, institutions, and education.
What are the benefits of using an LMS in your school system?
Whether learning happens fully online, hybrid, or in-person, an LMS, or Learning Management System, is the foundation of modern classroom management. It speeds up teaching and learning, provides scalability for schools, colleges and universities, and can improve student retention rates.
Here are 10 benefits of using an LMS in your school, college or university:
Automation
an LMS saves money by automating daily tasks
Productivity
an LMS saves student and teacher time by assembling all e-learning materials, tools and communications in one place
Process Acceleration
an LMS speeds up regular tasks, like grading and feedback, giving teachers more time to teach
Profitability
one way an LMS can boost institutions profitability is by providing broad access and flexibility to students, helping institutions take their businesses beyond their local markets
Student Retention
an LMS has several tools to keep today’s learners interested in learning and engaged, helping drive retention rates
Tracking of Student Progress
analytical data and reporting are generated in an LMS in order to measure student achievements
Personalized Learning
an LMS provides customized learning paths, instructions, and assignments, respecting student needs and pace
Equitable Access
in an LMS, all materials and instructions can be accessed online anywhere, anytime
Consistency
an LMS enables learners to keep learning alive even during unusual life events, helping students create a consistent learning experience
Innovation
an LMS speeds up institutions digital transformation, keeping them relevant in a very competitive and constantly changing market.
Is there an online employee training LMS like there are for schools, colleges and universities?
Yes, you can leverage LMS for schools to help train your employees for your small business or enterprise. Learning Management Systems have the same digital infrastructure required to manage corporate learning programs. However, when choosing a LMS for your company, make sure it has a dynamic set of learning and development tools that helps deliver employee training and engagement at any scale. Consider an LMS that is capable of expanding as your business grows.
An efficient Learning Management System for corporate training programs allows organizations of any size to integrate their systems to support employee training around the globe. An open source LMS provides flexibility for companies to use their current and new training tools. Top LMS platforms have years of experience, a growing community, and are committed to innovation.
During the 2020 pandemic, many in-person employee onboarding and training programs were converted to online, opening the doors for companies to foster virtual training growth. Today, the adoption of Learning Management Systems continues to expand due to the need for reskilling and upskilling workers in a rapidly changing business environment.
What does an open source LMS mean?
In a nutshell, an open source LMS means that the source code of a Learning Management System is open for all users to look at and modify.
An open source LMS allows users to access its source code to customize their learning platform. With an open source LMSs users have the flexibility to create a personalized e-learning solution with a unique look and exclusive capabilities.
One of the main benefits of open source LMS is the transparency and assurance around system security and code integrity. When a source code is open, anyone can test it for vulnerabilities—and talk about it. Otherwise, there is no way for users to check if vulnerabilities are fixed. A trusted Learning Management System shows transparency not only in its code but also in terms of costs.
There is a common misunderstanding of the terms “free” versus “open source” LMS platforms. Free means that “it does not have a price tag,” while open source means “users can access the source code.” Although users can view most open source Learning Management Systems code at zero cost, every LMS implementation involves investment. Whether it is related to servers, additional software, hardware upkeep, or security, some LMSs can become a scalable investment. An LMS that provides an all-inclusive cost structure is an excellent alternative to prevent potential hidden costs.
What benefits does a cloud based Learning Management System or LMS offer over the other options?
A cloud-based Learning Management System, or LMS for short, is a platform that users access on the web, just like any other website. By typing the LMS platform URL on the Web browser, the user will easily access the homepage of the Learning Management System and enter the platform by placing its user and login information. It is possible because all the platform data is hosted on the cloud, so all users need is an internet connection to log in from their computer or mobile device.
Another option schools have is a self-hosted LMS, which is a software that is installed on the school's servers. In this case, users need to download an application on their device to access their Learning Management System. A cloud-based Learning Management System is definitely more accessible than a self-hosted LMS.
6 benefits of a cloud-based Learning Management System over a self-hosted LMS:
Efficiency
a cloud-based LMS is hosted online, with no need for servers
Cost
a cloud-based LMS usually comes with a lower upfront cost since schools will not need to invest in servers, perpetual licenses, IT team, hosting services, etc
Accessibility
a cloud-based LMS can be accessed from anywhere, on any device without any software installation required
Uptime
the best cloud-based LMSs deliver 99.99% uptime since it doesn’t need to be unavailable for server maintenance, software upgrades, etc
Adoption
the best cloud-based LMSs have an easy-to-use interface that readjusts to any device, helping drive adoption
Scalability
the best cloud-based LMS are multi-tenant and designed to scale to tens of millions of users
What is Canvas LMS?
Canvas LMS is a cloud-based, open source Learning Management System with advanced LMS functionalities. It can be easily accessed from any device, from anywhere, anytime. With more than 30 million active users around the globe, Canvas LMS is used by people of all ages, from kindergartens to all Ivy League Universities in the United States.
Canvas LMS is the number one Learning Management System. It helps educators streamline their education experience to support students achieve success. Canvas LMS makes online learning, in-person, or a mix of the two, more efficient by serving as the central hub for all classroom materials and interactions.
Through open APIs and adherence to LTI standards, Canvas LMS provides easy integration with a network of 400+ education technology partners including Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Adobe. It allows administrators and faculty to innovate and customize courses while giving students a personalized and engaging experience.
As a commercial open source platform, Canvas LMS maintains and develops one source code tree, but offers two licenses—providing transparency (anyone can view its code) and enterprise-level support. With the commercial license, Canvas LMS is able to migrate clients’ courses, integrate with their SIS and advance their institution into the 21st century of learning management technology. All this is under an all-inclusive cost structure, with no hidden fees or extra costs as your school community grows.
Why is Canvas LMS the best Learning Management System for schools, colleges and universities?
There are many options to choose from in terms of Learning Management Systems, but your institution deserves the best. Canvas LMS is the best Learning Management System with more than a decade of experience, 30 million active users around the globe, advanced capabilities, an easy-to-use interface, and an array of tools for integration and customization, not to mention a huge community of enthusiasts worldwide that is always ready to collaborate.
Canvas LMS streamlines interaction and builds strong relationships between teachers, educators and students, across a physical, hybrid, or fully online classroom. Canvas LMS is part of the Instructure Learning Platform, an open, reliable, extensible learning ecosystem that offers the best educational tools and applications. The Instructure Learning Platform includes: Canvas by Instructure, Mastery by Instructure, Elevate by Instructure and Impact by Instructure. Combined, these solutions support all aspects of education for schools, colleges and universities.
Canvas by Instructure encompasses Canvas LMS, Canvas Studio, Canvas Catalog and Canvas Credentials. With Canvas Studio educators can make video learning more engaging and interactive, utilizing a variety of features that enable content creation, in-video discussions, embedded quizzes, and more. Canvas Catalog is a great application for administrators to promote courses. It streamlines and modernizes registration and enrollment. Canvas Credentials enriches higher education by supporting students as they map their academic and skill-building journeys for job readiness.
Instructure Awards
Instructure, the creators of Canvas LMS, has been recognized over the years for trustworthiness, openness, commitment, innovation, and more. In 2022, we received the following exciting awards: Best LMS by G2 Learning Hub, Best LMS Software by Online Degree, Best Academic LMS by Talented Learning LMS Awards, among others. Nothing makes us prouder and more fulfilled than making a difference in every student and teacher's life, ultimately contributing to a better world. Being recognized for our commitments to the educational community means everything to us!
Telly Award
TrustRadius
G2 Learning Hub
The best schools in the United States choose Canvas LMS as their Learning Management System
Some Schools
Some Schools
- Penn State University Logo
- Southern University Logo
- California Community Colleges
- Salt Lake Community College eLearning software development services, educational software development services
Partners
Partners
Innovation in a Hybrid Environment: Champlain College and Canvas LMS
Canvas LMS is a versatile partner for Champlain's upside-down, outside-the-box learning philosophy serving a half on-campus and half online student population. Watch the video to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canvas LMS an open source learning management system?
Canvas LMS is an open-source Learning Management System. It means Canvas LMS’s technology runs in one digital environment (digital platform) to provide students and teachers with learning tools. In this environment or platform, an open-source (code available to anyone to view) application enables teachers and students to manage educational materials and interactions.
What is an LMS?
LMS is the short form for Learning Management System. An LMS is an application that helps teachers and students store, manage and personalize all online learning materials and interactions. An LMS can be a software application hosted locally in the school/corporation's server or cloud-based, hosted in a web server. An LMS can have its source code available to anyone to view and inspect (open source) or closed (no one has access besides its developers).
What is an example of LMS?
Canvas LMS is an example of a Learning Management System (LMS). Canvas LMS allows teachers to organize their classrooms from course management to grading and feedback and collaboration with colleagues to communicate with students and families. Canvas LMS simplifies activities while amplifying teaching so that educators can impact student achievement in-depth and at scale.
What is a cloud-based Learning Management System?
A cloud-based Learning Management System is a web-based technology that is hosted in the cloud on a web server. A cloud-based LMS allows students and teachers to access their online courses and materials from anywhere, anytime, on any device. Users only need an internet connection to log in to a cloud-based Learning Management System.
What are the advantages of the Learning Management System?
A Learning Management System (LMS) offers schools and corporations many competitive advantages while bringing innovation to any learning environment. An LMS simplifies teaching and learning with technology; it is the central hub for online, hybrid, and in-person classrooms. A Learning Management System (LMS) can give students the flexibility to learn from anywhere, anytime, while allowing institutions to expand their offerings to a broader range of learners.
Is there a free version of Canvas LMS to try out?
Yes, Canvas LMS offers Free-for-Teacher, providing basic functionality to students and teachers to explore courses and learn basic Canvas LMS features. Educators can deliver courses, create content, and personalize learning with Mastery Paths, Outcomes, and standards-based gradebooks. Users can also utilize Canvas mobile app suite and integrate external applications to its free Canvas LMS version.
Is Canvas LMS a cloud-based or self-hosted Learning Management System?
Canvas LMS is a cloud-based learning platform. Canvas LMS was born in the cloud to provide education for all. Canvas LMS was built to deliver the best possible end-user experience and unparalleled reliability and security. Canvas LMS has been a native SaaS from the start and has stayed true to its promise of delivering 99.99% uptime.
Can students use Canvas LMS for free?
Yes. Canvas LMS is 100% free for students. You can access your free Canvas LMS student account if your school uses Canvas or through a free (non-school-associated) Canvas LMS account. Students can log in to their learning management system account by clicking here.
Is Canvas LMS a SaaS?
Yes. Canvas LMS has been a native SaaS (Software as a Service) from the start and has stayed true to its promise of delivering 99.99% uptime. Canvas LMS is a reliable learning management system. It offers a multi-tenant SaaS architecture supported by Amazon Web Services providing seamless hosting, security, backups, and hands-free updates requiring no downtime.
How long has Canvas LMS been around?
Canvas LMS was launched in 2011 by Instructure. In 2012, Instructure began offering open, online courses for everyone, everywhere. It soon became the leading learning management system, unseating the most popular LMSs in the educational industry.
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