Canvas is used by some schools, allowing students to submit assignments, answer discussions, access and upload media using Canvas Studio, and retrieve files from their Google Drive after linking Canvas with their Google account. Similar to how students can create assignments, discussions, pages, and modules, teachers can do the same with Canvas. Teachers may also use authorized external tools, or they may access “Student View,” which enables them to see how students are engaging with their courses. The number of institutions using Canvas globally is expected to reach 4,000 by 2020.
Instructure launched its Canvas iOS app in 2011, soon to be followed by its Canvas Android app in 2013, enabling support for mobile access to the platform. The apps were divided into three categories: Canvas Student, Canvas Teacher, and Canvas Parent. Canvas Student allowed students to access Canvas’ student features; Canvas Teacher, similar to students, allowed teachers to access Canvas’ teacher features; and Canvas Parent allowed parents of K-12 students to stay informed on their child’s assignments, grades, and overall schooling, all of which were similar to the functions of the website.