Learning management systems (LMS) play a key role in maximizing the efficiency of operational, logistical, and managerial tasks for educational institutions, entrepreneurs, and businesses. It is reported that companies investing in employee training programs through LMS platforms experience a 24% increase in profitability in comparison to companies that do not.
An LMS can streamline training, enhance employee engagement, support seamless knowledge acquisition, and ensure effective course delivery. So, choosing the right LMS can be a daunting task as there are numerous options available in the market. However, some companies have cemented their position in the industry – and rightfully so.
Two such names Schoology and Canvas, are widely recognized names in the realm of LMS. Over the years, they have garnered a huge customer base and user trust due to their user-friendly interfaces and features. This Schoology vs Canvas guide will provide a comprehensive insight into both platforms—their list of features, pricing models, and comparisons—so you can ultimately decide which one takes precedence over the other. Let’s begin!
Schoology Vs Canvas: At A Glance
Feature
Schoology
Canvas
Assessment And Grading
Schoology offers quizzes, tests, detailed feedback, and various grading scales
Offers customizable quizzes and SpeedGrader
Integrations
Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, and various SIS systems
100+ third-party integrations, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, and others.
Mobile Apps
Mobile access on iOS and Android with offline mode
Mobile access with offline functionality and real-time notifications
Course Management
Course creation, custom user management, and resource sharing
Course management with AI features, automated workflows, and blended learning support
Collaboration And Communication
Threaded discussions, group assignments, and messaging
Direct messaging, discussion forums, and instant notifications
What Is Schoology?
Schoology LMS is a cloud-based LMS introduced by PowerSchool to provide personalized learning solutions. The platform, as the name suggests, primarily caters to education and academia industry: K-12 schools and districts as well as higher education institutions. However, it can also be leveraged for corporate and professional training due to its adaptable interface.
With its comprehensive infrastructure, Schoology provides assistance to students, teachers, employees, and team leaders alike. Renowned for its illustrious features, such as content creation tools, assessments and analytics, discussion forums, and a secure online learning environment, the platform has always simplified and promoted e-learning.
Unique Features Of Schoology
Schoology App Centre: Schoology LMS provides an integrated app center that allows a quick integration of third-party sources directly into the courses. It incorporates tools like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and various educational apps
Integrated Lesson Planner: It provides educators with customizable templates to create detailed lesson plans that can be shared with colleagues and students
Advanced Communication Tools: The platform also facilitates interaction between teachers and students through features like discussion boards, messaging, and announcements
Pros And Cons Of Schoology
Pros
The online grade book helps create tests, set grading rules, and track student progress easily
Users can organize courses easily, post announcements smoothly, and receive email alerts for messages
Syncing with District Gradebooks is very easy, and the grade book itself is a simple and efficient tool for teachers
Cons
Some users have reported to have repeatedly come across the assignment tracking error
There is no password reset function available in case you forget your password
What Is Canvas?
Canvas LMS is a web-based LMS developed by Instructure. Canvas has gained a global reputation through its user-friendly interface that enables effective communication and collaboration. The platform allows the creation, organization, management, and delivery of various kinds of content integral to e-learning and training programs.
It supports digital, blended, and online learning alongside its comprehensive list of operational features. Canvas LMS can be used not only for K-12 schools and districts, colleges, universities, and tuition centers but also in the corporate and business sectors. The platform facilitates ease and accessibility for the users, making it a reliable and trusted brand globally.
Unique Features Of Canvas
SpeedGrader: This tool enables instructors to efficiently grade assignments and provide timely feedback, streamlining the evaluation process
Interactive Analytics: Canvas provides administrators with tools to track and analyze usage data, enabling data-driven decisions to enhance teaching and learning outcomes
Blueprint Courses: It allows administrators to create, manage, and distribute course templates across multiple courses or instructors. This ensures consistency in course structure and content throughout an institution
Pros And Cons Of Canvas
Pros
The grading process is quick and effective. It allows you to review submissions, leave comments, and provide detailed feedback
Users appreciate the dashboard's clear layout, showing all upcoming tasks right at login
Easy to set up with accessible features like text-to-speech for better convenience
Cons
The notification system is a bit inefficient since the students are only notified in the announcement section, which is easy to miss
Some users might face log-in errors, especially if they forget their password: the forgotten password link is complained of not opening or working properly
Schoology Vs Canvas – Key Features Comparison
Assessment And Grading
Schoology provides a comprehensive assessment suite that includes quizzes, tests, and performance analytics. Efficient assessment and grading tools are imperative in ensuring effective training and knowledge acquisition, making this a critical aspect of any LMS. Schoology’s grading system supports various grading scales and offers detailed feedback options, which allows educators and trainers to provide constructive evaluations.
Canvas, on the other hand, offers a more flexible assessment system with customizable quizzes and assignments. Its SpeedGrader tool streamlines the grading process, enabling instructors to grade efficiently and provide timely feedback to students. Canvas’ powerful analytics dashboard helps educators track student progress effectively, leading to valuable insights into learning outcomes.
Winner: While Schoology offers a strong assessment suite with multiple grading scales and feedback options, Canvas’s grading workflow and real-time tracking through SpeedGrader make it the superior choice.
Integrations
Schoology offers a comprehensive suite of third-party integrations, including the ‘App Center,’ which connects users with applications designed to integrate with Schoology LMS. It saves time and reduces workload at the trainer’s end. It also integrates with various student information systems (SIS) through the ‘SIS Connect’ app, using the IMS Global OneRoster standard for data synchronization, rostering, and grade passback.
Additionally, it integrates with Performance Matters, allowing instructors to add assessments directly within their courses. Productivity tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365 are also integrated, enabling seamless collaboration and document management.
Canvas offers extensive third-party integrations, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and productivity. The platform's open architecture allows for seamless integration with hundreds of digital tools, enabling educators to consolidate their go-to apps into a single, cohesive learning environment.
These integrations are facilitated through open APIs and adherence to Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standards, ensuring smooth connectivity with a vast network of educational technology partners. Canvas supports a wide range of integrations, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365. Additionally, it connects with tools like Zoom, Turnitin, Khan Academy, Edmodo, and Nearpod to enhance the learning experience.
Winner: While Schoology does simplify the process of integration through its designated ‘App Centre,’ Canvas’ extensive list of third-party integrations facilitates different and more learning opportunities, making it the winner here.
Mobile Apps
Schoology’s mobile accessibility entails ease for the users, allowing them to access course materials, assignments, and communication tools anytime. Students can participate in discussions and view resources from any device; they can also easily submit their assignments. It is available on both available for iOS and Android.
The Android app features an Offline Mode, enabling users to download materials for access without the internet. Additionally, students can complete and submit assessments via the app, though iOS users must update to one of the latest three versions for full functionality. With built-in messaging and notifications, Schoology fosters seamless communication between students and educators, ensuring engagement, accessibility, and continuous learning.
Similarly, Canvas offers mobile applications for students, teachers, and parents on iOS and Android. The Canvas Student app enables learners to access courses, submit assignments, and check grades from anywhere. An offline feature allows students to download content for later use, with automatic syncing once online.
The software prioritizes accessibility by supporting high contrast, large text, and screen readers, ensuring inclusivity. The app also provides real-time notifications and messaging, keeping students, educators, and parents connected. These features enhance flexibility, engagement, and accessibility, making learning more effective both online and offline.
Winner: It’s a tie! Both Schoology and Canvas offer strong mobile apps with offline access, real-time communication, and accessibility features.
Course Management
Schoology offers a structured course management system, allowing educators to create, organize, and customize courses effectively. The platform features a ‘Resource Center’, enabling teachers to store, share, and manage instructional materials efficiently. System administrators can assign ‘User Management Permissions’, giving educators control over course settings, roles, and access. With these tools, Schoology ensures seamless material distribution, assignment collection, and grading, making learning interactive and organized.
Canvas provides a dynamic and customizable course management system that simplifies teaching workflows. Educators can organize coursework and streamline communication through the Canvas LMS interface, which, as a result, centralizes learning activities. The platform includes time-saving AI features, such as discussion summaries and automated translation, enhancing efficiency.
It also supports blended learning, enabling teachers to manage both in-person and online instruction seamlessly. These tools make course distribution, assignment collection, and grading highly effective, fostering an engaging learning experience.
Winner: Canvas edges out with its AI-powered features, automated workflows, and blended learning support, making course management more efficient.
Collaboration And Communication
Schoology offers strong communication and collaboration features that enhance interaction among students, teachers, and parents. The platform provides discussion forums, allowing students to participate in academic conversations, pose questions, and work together on group assignments. Educators can facilitate threaded discussions, ensuring organized dialogues and opportunities for peer learning. These features promote a collaborative environment that engages all participants in meaningful educational exchanges.
Canvas, on the other hand, also facilitates strong communication, offering a direct messaging system that enables students and educators to communicate either privately or in groups. This messaging system ensures prompt responses, clarification of tasks, and increased involvement. Canvas provides instant notifications that inform users about assignment due dates, announcements, and responses to discussions, enhancing communication and keeping everyone informed.
Winner: It’s a tie! Both platforms provide robust communication tools, including discussion forums, direct messaging, and real-time notifications.
Final Verdict – Which Learning Management System is Better?
Schoology and Canvas cater to distinct audiences by leveraging their respective strengths. Schoology is extensively utilized by K-12 schools for its organized course management, SIS connections, and intuitive interface, rendering it perfect for educational institutions and districts. Its Resource Center, lesson planning resources, and assessment tools effectively support teachers handling numerous classes.
In contrast, Canvas is preferred by higher education organizations and companies because of its AI-driven features, sophisticated grading system (SpeedGrader), and numerous third-party integrations. Canvas stands out in terms of flexibility and customization due to its blended learning assistance and accessibility options.
In the end, the ideal LMS varies based on your institution's specific requirements and set ups. Discover more about the specificities, features, and user reviews of Schoology and Canvas to make a more informed decision.
