ULM’s sudden shift from Moodle to Canvas threw professors and students into a whirlwind of confusion.
Due to the unexpected switch, many professors scrambled to adapt to the onslaught of new tools and processes. The rush to learn how to use Canvas left students feeling unprepared and overwhelmed. However, most students and faculty members learned to love the new platform.
Canvas is all students like me who came to ULM after the switch have ever known. We have familiarized ourselves with its user-friendly features and appreciate its benefits. Unfortunately, some professors faced challenges with this new platform. Some still struggle with specific functionalities, such as setting timers for tests or allowing multiple attempts on an assignment. Sophomores, juniors and seniors also needed to adapt to the new platform.
“I’ve had trouble with the students not knowing what to do. They’ve got nothing in print or anything like that,” Professor Blair David, Agricultural Business Program coordinator
and instructor in the school of management, said.
However, most of ULM’s staff and students have acclimated to Canvas as their primary platform, often using it alongside essential student programs.
For students such as junior medical laboratories major McKinley Harris, Canvas’s customizable features have enhanced her experience. She explained that while she appreciated the familiarity of Moodle, she prefers Canvas.
“The dashboard is invaluable; it presents all my deadlines clearly, helping me stay organized and on top of my assignments,” Harris said.
Canvas’s layout allows students to access multiple modules and documents at once. Instead of having to scroll endlessly, students can find everything they need in seconds.
Canvas notifies students of upcoming assignments and deadlines using push notifications. Now, it is seemingly impossible to forget when an essay or project is due.
For students still struggling with Canvas, here are some tips to explore. Each course has weekly modules with detailed schedules. There is also a calendar with upcoming due dates for class assignments.
If you are ever stuck trying to navigate Canvas, seek help from professors or tech support.
