Instructure Launches Offline Feature for Canvas Student App, Furthering Equitable Access to Learning

Rhea-AI Summary

Instructure has launched an offline access feature for its Canvas Student mobile app, marking a significant advancement in equitable learning. This feature allows students to download and access pre-selected course materials without internet connectivity. A recent study by Hanover Research highlighted that 82% of higher education students see technology access as a socioeconomic barrier. The offline mode supports Instructure's mission to improve accessibility and equity in education, enabling users to manage content automatically and sync changes once reconnected. The app's interface is interactive, supports multiple users on shared devices, and can be customized at the institution level. The new feature is now available on iOS and Android.

Positive

• Launch of offline access feature for Canvas Student app.
• Supports equitable access to education.
• 82% of higher education students report technology as a socioeconomic barrier.
• Allows students to download and access content without internet.
• Enhanced, interactive in-app navigation.
• Supports multiple users on shared devices.
• Available on both iOS and Android.

Negative

• No real-time communication in offline mode.

SALT LAKE CITY, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Instructure Holdings, Inc. (Instructure) (NYSE: INST), the leading learning technology ecosystem and maker of Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), has launched an offline access feature for its student mobile application. This feature facilitates seamless, automatic, easy-to-use learning, allowing students to access a variety of pre-selected content on the go regardless of their data plan or internet connection.

Through the Canvas Student mobile app, the new offline access feature allows educational institutions to empower their students to access content and understand vital course information outside the classroom, fostering a more equitable experience for all learners. A recent study by Hanover Research for Instructure found that 82% of higher education students report access to technology as a socioeconomic barrier impacting their learning and engagement. Enabling mobile offline access makes Canvas more accessible for those with limited cellular or computer availability. Users can download content on their devices and access it anytime, anywhere, regardless of service availability.

"The LMS is the single most important tool a student uses outside the classroom to learn and engage with course content," said Shiren Vijiasingam, Chief Product Officer at Instructure. "Providing offline access to course content offers learners more flexibility in how and where they choose to learn, supporting Instructure's mission to make education more accessible and equitable."

The Canvas Student mobile app's offline feature empowers students to manage their learning content autonomously, selecting specific courses and materials for offline review. While real-time communication is not possible when using the offline mode, the new automatic sync capabilities capture offline changes, allowing students to sync course content upon reconnecting to the internet.

Additionally, the new feature provides an in-app navigation experience that is more interactive than displaying the content as a static HTML. It also allows multiple users to download content on the same device, facilitating access to educational materials on shared devices. The availability of this feature can be customized at the institution level, allowing for a tailored user experience.

The latest versions of the Canvas Student mobile app for iOS and Android are now available and introduce enhanced support for course content synchronization for offline viewing. For more information about the Canvas Offline feature, visit the Instructure site.

About Instructure

Instructure (NYSE: INST) powers the delivery of education globally and provides learners with the rich credentials they need to create opportunities across their lifetime. Today, the Instructure ecosystem of products enables educators and institutions to elevate student success, amplify the power of teaching, and inspire everyone to learn together. With our global network of learners, educators, partners and customers, we continue to deliver on our vision to be the platform that powers learning for a lifetime and turns that learning into opportunities. We encourage you to discover more at www.instructure.com.

CONTACT:
Brian Watkins
Corporate Communications
Instructure
(801) 658-7525
brian.watkins@instructure.com

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/instructure-launches-offline-feature-for-canvas-student-app-furthering-equitable-access-to-learning-302181509.html

SOURCE Instructure

FAQ

What is the new feature in the Canvas Student app?

The new feature is offline access, allowing students to download and use course materials without internet connectivity.

How does the Canvas Student app's offline feature support equitable access?

The offline feature helps students with internet or data plans by allowing them to download and access course content anytime, anywhere.

What percentage of students report technology as a socioeconomic barrier?

According to a study by Hanover Research, 82% of higher education students report technology access as a socioeconomic barrier.

Can multiple users access the offline feature on the same device?

Yes, the Canvas Student app's offline feature allows multiple users to download content on the same device.

Is the offline feature available on both iOS and Android?

Yes, the Canvas Student mobile app with the offline feature is available for both iOS and Android devices.