Learning Management Systems

Duke Adopts Canvas LMS, Credentials, and More to Power Lifelong Learning

• By Rhea Kelly
• 06/05/23

Duke University is investing in Instructure's learning ecosystem, including Canvas LMS, Impact, Canvas Studio, and Canvas Credentials, to support learning experiences not just for current students and faculty, but also lifelong learners. The move is part of a strategic goal of "putting Duke on the map as a powerhouse for lifetime education," according to a news announcement.

"We're focused on creating accessible, affordable, high-quality educational opportunities that enable participation of diverse learners for a more just world," explained Yakut Gazi, vice provost for learning innovation and digital education, in a statement. "Our investment in Canvas is a foundational piece in enabling Duke to fulfill that vision."

"The Duke community consists of much more than currently matriculated students. It includes faculty, staff, alumni and potential learners interested in learning at our university," added Michael Greene, associate director of learning technology services and strategy at Duke. "We see Canvas as a way for anyone, regardless of their affiliation, to have access to learning experiences with Duke throughout their lifetime."

The university plans to utilize the Canvas platform to deliver learning experiences for undergraduate and graduate for-credit programs, co-curricular initiatives, alumni learning opportunities, non-credit learning for continuing studies, and more. Key criteria in the technology selection were the ability to accommodate multiple modes of access and a focus on ed tech innovation. "Duke's Fuqua School of Business and Duke University School of Medicine were early adopters of Canvas LMS, which instilled the university's confidence in Instructure as a partner and Canvas LMS as an extensible platform," the announcement said. "Having developed a strong ed tech ecosystem over the last decade, the university prioritized a long-term partner capable of innovating and meeting the unique needs of Duke students and faculty for years to come."

"We're looking forward to partnering with Duke to deliver a customized, innovative edtech experience to their community of educators and learners," said Melissa Loble, chief customer experience officer at Instructure. "A key piece of this vision is that learning extends past the four years in a classroom. Canvas will support Duke's core credit mission and provide versatile tools to support non-credit and co-curricular experiences. Moving forward, Duke will be able to offer a set of services to its faculty, departments and schools to help them achieve their respective goals outside of the 15-week course."