by Dean Maria Eliza R. Aguila, CAMP

UP Manila constituents can look forward to using CANVAS as an additional, alternative, web-based learning management system beginning first semester of Academic Year 2020–2021. With CANVAS, teaching and learning are enhanced; faculty can simplify how they manage courses and facilitate student learning while students can streamline how they access learning materials, plan their learning progress, and effectively collaborate with their peers. The decision for UP Manila to adopt CANVAS is timely as the new normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic requires a flexible learning environment allowing online or offline remote learning and, eventually, face-to-face modes. In this flexible learning environment at UP Manila, CANVAS will be a platform for varied instructional methods to suit the diverse needs, capabilities, and resources of faculty and students. Such methods may range from low bandwidth, asynchronous methods such as readings or email, to high bandwidth, synchronous methods such as video conferencing; and many options in between, including using collaborative documents, pre-recorded videos, or asynchronous discussions, using mobile phones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers.

Since CANVAS was rolled out to the UP Manila deans last 6 April 2020, 27 faculty members have undergone a bootcamp training last 20–24 April on the fundamentals of CANVAS. Some of the CANVAS features that the trainees are anticipating using in teaching are the discussions tool, assignments tool, grading tool (Speed Grader), course analytics, and integration within CANVAS of other tools like YouTube, Zoom, Panopto, and Turnitin. The UP Manila CANVAS environment is now being prepared for use in courses in the coming academic year.

Watch out for future announcements on trainings and resources to be provided to more faculty members who will wish to use CANVAS and also for students. Please contact Marilie Aguila, Project Leader of the UP Manila CANVAS Project Management Team, at mraguila1@up.edu.ph for information.  

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Note: First published in the UP Manila Healthscape (Special COVD-19 Issue No. 5, 19 May 2020).