Canvas
Description
Canvas is a web-based learning management system (LMS) developed by Instructure used for delivering online courses, managing assignments, and facilitating communication between teachers and students across schools, universities, and training organisations.
Developed by Instructure and first released in 2011, the platform provides a centralised environment where educators can create and organise course content, distribute assignments, conduct assessments, and track learner progress. Core functionality includes a gradebook, discussion forums, quiz and assignment tools, file sharing, a calendar, and built-in messaging.
Canvas supports integration with third-party educational applications through the Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standard, allowing institutions to connect tools such as video conferencing platforms, plagiarism detection services, and external content libraries. The platform is used by primary and secondary schools, further and higher education institutions, and corporate training providers in numerous countries.
It is delivered as a cloud-hosted service and is accessible through web browsers as well as dedicated mobile applications for students, teachers, and parents. Canvas offers analytics features for monitoring student engagement and performance, supports SpeedGrader for marking submissions, and includes accessibility features aligned with WCAG standards.
The system can be configured for blended learning, fully online courses, and competency-based education models, and supports single sign-on through common identity providers.
