The Decision
In line with their dedication to continuous teaching excellence, Coleg Gwent aimed to implement a flipped learning model, where students prepare outside the classroom using their VLE and arrive ready for face-toface learning.
Their previous open source, on-premise legacy VLE, however, was limited in what it could deliver. The platform had devolved into a static document repository, lacking the tools necessary for active blended learning. Canvas stood out among three contenders during a rigorous selection process for its:
99.9% uptime and intuitive UX
Self-managed, cloud-hosted secure platform
App and LTI integrations
Comprehensive grading and feedback tools
Flexibility and scalability
Robust analytics capabilities
From day one, we knew Canvas had the potential to do more than just store documents, unlike our previous legacy VLE. Canvas felt like a one-stop shop for everything we needed in teaching, learning, and assessment. It aligned with our vision to extend learning beyond the classroom.
Louise Taylor,
Head of Learning and Innovation
Key Insights
Home to over 19,000 students, Coleg Gwent is one of the largest Further Education (FE) institutions in Wales, with campuses across the region.
With a 96% A Level pass rate in the 2023/24 academic year, and accolades from the Pearson National Teaching Awards, WorldSkills UK and CIPD
- the college is renowned for its commitment to learner success.
Six years ago, the team at Coleg Gwent recognised that their open source, on-premise legacy VLE didn’t mirror the high calibre of their physical teaching environment, and decided to make the switch to Canvas VLE.
The Implementation
With the help of Instructure’s services team, Coleg Gwent opted for a bold, full-scale launch as opposed to a phased rollout.
Every full-time course, around 300 in total, was integrated into Canvas on some level from day one.
This mass adoption was supported by a competency based Canvas training program for staff, and a new set of usage expectations and teaching standards.
We wanted to empower staff from the outset. The training really helped demystify Canvas and build confidence across departments.
Louise Taylor,
Head of Learning and Innovation, Coleg Gwent
The Learning Platform Optimisation Service
Coleg Gwent’s journey with Instructure’s services team didn’t stop there. Several years later, Louise Taylor had concerns around stagnation on the teaching side, and platform navigability on the student side, and enrolled the team in Instructure’s Learning Platform Optimisation Service.
This service enables institutions to:
- Use Canvas VLE to its full potential
- Drive consistency and best practices among students and faculty
- Leverage insights to inform their digital learning strategy
- Deliver better ROI
Working with Instructure’s learning consultants Emily Leask and Jessica Jones, Coleg Gwent were able to:
- Simplify course navigation by reducing reliance on quick links and emphasising module views
- Update Canvas’s organisational structure to match the college’s evolving campus and faculty model
- Overhaul the annual course rollover process, enabling staff to curate rather than inherit content
- Redesign Course Home Page for clarity and accessibility
- Launch a renewed training and communications campaign
The Learning Platform Optimisation Service was our chance to pause, reflect, and reset. It challenged us to get more value out of Canvas.
Louise Taylor,
Head of Learning and Innovation
The Result
From initial Canvas rollout, through the Learning Platform Optimisation Service, to the present day - it’s been a journey of reflection and continued improvement for Coleg Gwent. Over six years, they've pioneered new approaches and it’s paid off.
Currently, staff and students are enjoying:
Unified access to learning materials - helping students find everything they need in one place and improving their student experience
Consistent assessment submission via SpeedGrader, saving teachers time and workload
Multimedia feedback through audio/video and text feedback tools, enabling richer and more equitable learning interactions
Improved usage of the platform and greater digital confidence and literacy among students - helping them feel better prepared for the working world
Canvas lets us extend learning beyond the classroom and improve learning outcomes. The virtual teaching, learning and peer-to-peer collaboration tools help students do the ground work at home, so that when they turn up to class, they hit the ground running.
Louise Taylor,
Head of Learning and Innovation
Coleg Gwent is a shining example of how a well-planned digital strategy, strong leadership, and continuous reflection can turn a VLE from a content repository into a transformative learning platform, and as the only Further Education college in Wales using Canvas VLE, Coleg Gwent sets a compelling precedent for others to follow.
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