Instructure Offers Platform Innovations in 4 Areas to Assist Teaching and Learning

Instructure announced several enhancements to its Canvas learning platform at its annual conference in July. The new capabilities serve teaching/learning, analytics, lifelong learning, and platform integration, the company said.

The new solutions in each of these four areas include:

Teaching and Learning:

  • AI-assisted course templating to create course page layouts (soon available in beta);
  • Module bulk publishing, improved gradebook filters, course pacing and assignment submission for students;
  • Right-and-wrong answer rationale; and
  • Integration of AI writing tutor Khanmigo (from partner Khan Academy);

Admin Analytics (available in beta now) for administrators:

  • Three separate dashboards with single and compound filters (overview, course, and student);
  • Ability to export data; and
  • Conversational AI using everyday language;

Lifelong Learning:

  • Canvas Credentials for course credentialing and learner records, including offering a learner passport in beta for a portable, shareable record of stackable, verifiable education and work-related competency evidence; and
  • Canvas Catalog for diverse course offerings;

Platform integration:

  • Integration between Canvas LMS, assessment management system Mastery Connect, Canvas Catalog, and Canvas Credentials; and
  • Addition of AI-powered chatbot PandaBot for the Instructure Community.

"This work underscores our continued commitment to build the extensibility and advanced capabilities of Canvas products, while also promoting simplicity for both educators and learners," said Shiren Vijiasingam, Instructure's chief product officer. "With the introduction of AI capabilities into our core products — both with our own innovation and that of our strategic partners found in our beta emerging AI marketplace — we aim to meet the immediate and future needs of our community with substantive improvements that help to drive best practice in pedagogy and curriculum."

To learn more, visit the company blog page.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • Complete College America Launches Center to Boost Data-Driven Student Success Strategies

    National nonprofit Complete College America (CCA) recently launched the Center for Leadership, Institutional Metrics, and Best Practices (CLIMB), with the goal of helping higher education institutions use data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes.

  • teacher

    6 Policy Recommendations for Incorporating AI in the Classroom

    The Southern Regional Education Board's Commission on AI in Education has published six recommendations for states on adopting artificial intelligence in schools, colleges, and universities. The guidance marks the commission's first release since it was established last February, with more recommendations planned in the coming year.

  • computer screen displaying a landline phone being unplugged from a single cord, with a modern office desk, keyboard, and subtle lighting in the background

    Microsoft to Discontinue Skype Services

    Microsoft has announced that it is shutting down service for its Skype telecommunications and video calling services on May 5, 2025.

  • Two figures, one male and one female, stand beside a transparent digital interface displaying AI symbols like neural networks, code, and a shield, against a clean blue gradient background.

    Report Makes Business Case for Responsible AI

    A new report commissioned by Microsoft and published last month by research firm IDC notes that 91% of organizations use AI tech and expect more than a 24% improvement in customer experience, business resilience, sustainability, and operational efficiency due to AI in 2024.