All UMass Boston classes will operate on Canvas going forward, replacing Blackboard as the university’s primary learning management system.
Canvas allows for a user-friendly learning experience that expands upon the functions of Blackboard. According to the university’s comparison of the two programs, Canvas provides a better overall classroom experience.
“There will be a few differences and some functionality will no longer be available, but overall the teaching and learning experience will be improved,” the comparison page says.
English professor Matthew Davis talked about how Canvas has improved the classroom experience, both for him and his students.
“I do prefer Canvas to Blackboard. The main reason being the ease of the use of the interface,” Davis said. “Students seem to prefer it, too, and have an easier time engaging with course materials through the new platform.”
Canvas has the same features Blackboard does, but some are under different names, such as “Weekly Sessions” now being called “Modules,” and “Tasks” changed to “Calendar/To-Do.” Canvas Modules are designed to be a more organized way to keep tabs on assignments and track dates.
First-year IT student Kian Brady said he prefers Canvas over Blackboard. “Canvas is better. It’s more modern, convenient and faster, especially compared to Blackboard, which felt awkward and outdated,” he said.
Canvas also adds new features, such as its SpeedGrader, which allows for streamlined grading. Canvas gives instructors quick access to assignment submissions that allows them to provide direct feedback. This makes the grading process for both instructors and students to run a lot smoother.
Blackboard, the old Learning Management System, will be officially retired in July. The university chose Canvas to replace Blackboard and has been working on the transition for the past year.
Canvas also allows instructors to integrate third-party educational apps directly into the site using the External Apps and LTI Tools feature. Canvas allows instructors to implement more functionality in their courses by adding External Apps to their Canvas pages. This allows for the opportunity to expand on learning methods, such as adding apps that allow you to make flashcards to study for exam and integrating programs such as Gradescope to assist in grading.
This article appeared in print on Page 1 of Vol. LIX Issue X, published Feb. 10, 2025.
