Canvas by Instructure Review
Overview
Canvas is a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS) made by a company called Instructure. It is used by schools, universities, and businesses to create and manage online learning. Canvas is known for its clean design, mobile support, and ease of use.
Unlike Moodle, Canvas is not open-source. It is a paid service, mostly used by larger institutions. Teachers and students like it because it is modern, simple to navigate, and works well on all devices.
Features
Canvas includes many tools to help with teaching and learning online.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Course Builder | Create courses with videos, text, quizzes, and assignments |
| Drag-and-Drop Editor | Easy-to-use editor for adding course content |
| Gradebook | Automatic grading tools and feedback options |
| Calendar | Shared calendar to organize due dates and events |
| Mobile App | Works smoothly on iOS and Android phones and tablets |
| Communication Tools | Built-in chat, announcements, video calls, and discussion forums |
| Integrations | Connect with Google Drive, Zoom, Microsoft Office, and more |
| SpeedGrader | Helps teachers grade assignments quickly |
| Analytics | Track student activity and course performance |
Pricing
Canvas does not show its pricing on the website because it offers custom plans for schools and businesses. However, there is a free version for individual teachers called Canvas Free-for-Teacher.
| Plan Name | Price | Users | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free-for-Teacher | Free | 1 teacher | Good for testing or small classes |
| Institution License | Custom pricing | Large scale | Price depends on number of students and features |
| Canvas for Business | Custom pricing | Varies | Includes extra features for employee training |
To get actual prices, schools or companies need to contact Instructure for a quote.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to use: Clean and simple interface
- Cloud-based: No need to install or maintain servers
- Great mobile experience: Mobile app is fast and reliable
- Strong support: Good customer service and help center
- Many integrations: Works with other tools like Google, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams
Cons
- Not free: Only the teacher version is free; schools must pay
- Limited customization: Fewer options compared to open-source platforms
- Less control: You cannot host it yourself or change the source code
- Some features locked: Advanced features require enterprise plans
Online Reviews
Here’s a summary of what people say about Canvas on review sites:
| Source | Summary of Review |
|---|---|
| G2 | Rated 4.5/5 – Users like the ease of use and clean layout |
| Capterra | Rated 4.5/5 – Many schools find it modern and reliable |
| TrustRadius | Rated 8.5/10 – High marks for mobile access and grading tools |
| Reddit / Forums | Teachers enjoy the grading features, but some miss full control or customization |
Conclusion
Canvas is one of the best LMS options for schools, colleges, and training programs that want a modern and easy-to-use system. It’s especially strong in mobile learning, grading, and integrations with other tools.
While it’s not free for schools, the quality and support may be worth the cost—especially for institutions that want to avoid managing their own servers or dealing with technical setup.
If you’re a solo teacher or trying it out, the Free-for-Teacher plan is a great place to start.