Faculty Forum Student Voice

You Said, We Did: How Canvas was implemented with Student Feedback

Student looking at screen with hand on keyboard

Listening to Students

In November 2023, a Faculty Forum event gathered student feedback on their experiences using Blackboard. Students shared what worked well and what could be improved. The most common tasks were accessing lecture materials and submitting assignments, with students emphasising the importance of knowing exactly what to do, when to do it, and understanding the intended learning objectives. The preferred formats for learning materials were PDFs, PowerPoint slides, and videos.

What You Told Us

Students valued Blackboard when it was well organised but were frustrated by inconsistent layouts and a lack of organisation across different course units. They wanted clearer guidance on tasks and deadlines, and a more consistent structure for learning materials.

How Canvas Responds

The transition to Canvas was designed to address these concerns:

  • Consistent Structure: Canvas uses a standardised side menu and module layout, so every course looks and feels familiar. All assignment submission points are now in the same place, making it easier to find what you need.
  • Clear Guidance: Staff are required to populate the Course Information module, outlining expectations, assessments, and key dates. Each unit includes pages for introductions, engagement guidance, feedback opportunities, aims and support, and assessment overviews.
  • Organised Materials: Learning materials are organised by topic and time—typically, one module per week—with clear introductions, lecture content, formative assessments, and discussion links.
  • Virtual Common Rooms: Policy and guidance have moved to dedicated Student Hub sites, while Canvas Common Rooms focus on teaching materials and support.
  • Extra Support: Canvas course units provides links to digital and study skills resources, library support, mental health services, and more.
screenshots of some of the standard Canvas Template pages found in each course unit

What Students Say About Canvas

Positive Feedback:

  • Students find Canvas easy to use, with a minimalist design and centralised resources.
  • 61% say Canvas is better than Blackboard, and 58% find it easy to use.
  • 69% feel they receive the support they need.
  • Many appreciate the clear and easy-to-follow structure.

Negative Feedback:

  • Some students find Canvas frustrating or unintuitive.
  • Issues include confusing assignment submission and overwhelming single-page content.
  • There are requests for improved video content, accessibility, and staff training.

What’s Next?

Your feedback continues to shape Canvas. The focus is now on:

  • Improving how Canvas works and the quality of materials uploaded.
  • Enhancing staff training and student support.
  • Making Canvas more accessible and user-friendly.

In summary: The move to Canvas was driven by what you told us. Student feedback led to a more organised, consistent, and supportive online learning environment. Keep sharing your thoughts—your voice makes a difference!

There’s still lot of work to do – not only with Canvas but with how the University uses all the various bits of technology that supports learning. If you’d like to be included in further discussions to help the faculty develop how we provide a blended and flexible education for students please join our mailing list.