Canvas has all the features of a modern learning management system including the ability to accept and grade assignments, conduct discussions in forums, administer quizzes and exams, store and organize course resources, communicate with students, etc. Canvas has multiple grading tools including rubrics, audio/video feedback and a dedicated grading app. Students can access course materials, view course calendars, to do lists and set their own preferences to receive notifications on their mobile devices.
Yes, there are a variety mobile apps that can be used with Canvas, but the two primary ones are the Canvas Student app and the Canvas Teacher app for instructors. These apps are available on Android devices and on iPhones and iPads running iOS 10 or newer. After downloading the app, enter CSUN's Canvas URL to access the mobile app. The URL is canvas.csun.edu. See the Canvas mobile guides for more information.
Canvas supports many external tools including Turnitin and Respondus so faculty will be able to continue to use these applications in their courses. In addition, there are other external apps available within Canvas such as the ability to directly embed YouTube, Wikipedia, Educreations, Khan Academy, etc.
Canvas is accessible with any Web-standard browser, including the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, and Respondus Lockdown Browser. See this Canvas guide on supported browsers for more information about operating system, browser and device requirements.
The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template, or VPAT, is a tool used to evaluate Canvas' conformance with Section 508 accessibility standards. View the Canvas Voluntary Product Accessibility Template and guide on Accessibility within Canvas for information on screen readers, browsers, keyboard shortcuts, and accessibility within specific Canvas features.
Canvas provides extensive user support resources including video tutorials, how-to guides and documentation, and instructor training courses. Canvas hosts a number of Community Forums for reviewing answers to previously asked questions, posting new questions, and voting up enhancement requests.
Here are some recommended resources:
You can also sign up for CSUN's face-to-face introductory workshop for faculty, Canvas Essentials, on the IT Workshop Calendar.