Canvas and Internet Explorer

[aouellette1]

I noticed that Canvas is not supported by Internet Explorer anymore.  I used to be able to check my Canvas at work and am now no longer able to do so as of this semester.  When did this change occur, and are there any plans to consider using IE again? Now I have to use my phone at work on my breaks, which is doable, but not as effective as having a large computer screen.  Thank you for your time.

[James · Accepted solution]

It was announced by April 23, 2019, that Canvas would no longer support Internet Explorer 11. I. n March 2018, it was downgraded to a "functionally supported" browser, although there have been issues with people using IE long before then.

Canvas has voiced no plans to bring back functional support for Internet Explorer and I would be surprised if they ever do. It's old technology (released in October 2013) that doesn't follow web standards well and so the software developers had to include so extra code just so Canvas would work with Internet Explorer. Microsoft has said that more people are switching to Edge and that Internet Explorer will be discontinued.

The change was set to happen on August 3, 2019, but Canvas changed their release cycle, so I don't know if that date was kept or it was moved to August 17.

Here is some additional information about it: Canvas Changes Archive 

You might check to see if Microsoft Edge is installed on your work computer. If it isn't and your employer is okay with you doing school work while you're on the clock, then you might ask if they can install Chrome on the computer for you. Microsoft Edge seems flaky with Canvas too (we steer students to Chrome, Firefox, or Safari). Edge is also a bit stale (hasn't had a new release in 2 years according to the Timeline of web browsers). 

[j_c_turner]

Hi 

The automatic message that displays when you try to access canvas via explorer says that explorer is no longer supported. I wonder if it would be possible to add extra information pointing users to launch a different browser. We have found out users are sometimes just perplexed by this note and think Canvas is just not working anywhere. Canvas is usually so good at communicating with its users. Could you not get one of your communication experts to write a more user-friendly message please?

Jim

[Stef_retired]

 @j_c_turner ‌, this is the redirect we have put into place for users of Internet Explorer:

The message provides a link to a page that explains the different options for upgrading browsers, and also includes a link to the supported browsers lesson. Is this not what your IE users are encountering?

[j_c_turner]

Thanks

But - 'You're using internet explorer, which is not supported' i think has a number of issues regarding clear communication. how about. 

• 'Sorry, please use a different, more modern browser to access Canvas'
• 'Sorry, Canvas isn't broken, but it IS time to change your browser'
• 'Oh dear, you need to use a different browser to access Canvas, sorry'
• 'Sorry, please switch to using Chrome to access Canvas'
• 'Are you still using internet explorer, jeez!' 

Last one is a joke. but I just think the tone and the information in this first line is just not user-friendly.

Jim

[aouellette1]

Thank you for the updated Mr. Jones.  I was wondering what had happened since I was able to use Canvas on my work computer last semester.  I usually like to login to Canvas when I am on my lunch break or after my shift prior to going home because I work nights.  I appreciate all that you do and for taking the time to answer my question.