Canvas vs. Moodle
We considered Moodle as an LMS before adopting Canvas, and we know Moodle is a popular option for schools wanting a less antiquated and more user-friendly LMS. We made our own case for Canvas’ advantages over Moodle (as has Instructure) but we noted these comments on Instructure’s Facebook page, and agree with them (except for Blackboard being preferable to Moodle; it’s not):
- There are a lot of differences. Canvas has an intuitive user interface that is more than a skin or a look and feel. Canvas has a lot of functionality such as support of all the latest browsers including mobile browsers and apps, rescheduling of assignments by drag-n-drop on a calendar, integrated video and audio messages, integrated web conferencing. Just a few. The architecture is also next generation: cloud-based, redundant, and automatically adjusts to the load put on the system. Moodle will do. Canvas will do it well while being a joy to work with.
- Moodle encourages the “assignment repository” (outdated) philosophy even though it claims to promote the social constructivist learning environment (… HARDLY!!). With the Forums, grading is clunky and complicated; for instance, the scroll bar is at the bottom, so an instructor can’t tell what assignment it is because those are listed across the top (so scroll over, down, up, over, down). For assignments, with some options, I cannot return files with feedback, so feedback is removed from the document (assignment). Plus, it takes me about 5 minutes to add/change one grade! SLOW, and peak times are miserable because of the openware hosting (David, you probably know the more accurate terminology). Canvas encourages an interactive, community philosophy. I am looking forward to Canvas. Just as a side, I’d rather use Blackboard than Moodle.
