Currently, as Canvas administrators, we lack the capability to generate reports for "inactive" students. While the existing Canvas New Analytics tool allows us to generate activity reports for "Active Students," it does not extend its functionality to cover "Inactive" students.
The primary purpose of this proposed feature is to streamline the process of gathering data on inactive students. Currently, Canvas provides robust reporting capabilities for active students, which are immensely beneficial for monitoring student progress and engagement. However, the ability to run similar reports for students who may have become inactive, for various reasons, is currently not available within the platform. This feature would prove invaluable in several scenarios, including: Attendance Disputes: Instructors and administrators often encounter situations where attendance records need to be verified or disputed. The ability to run reports for inactive students would facilitate the retrieval of historical attendance data, aiding in the resolution of disputes. Investigative Purposes: There are instances when academic or administrative investigations require access to historical course engagement data for students who are no longer active in a course or institution. The proposed feature would simplify the process of accessing this crucial information. Data Analysis: Educational institutions frequently use data analytics to gain insights into student behavior and performance trends. Incorporating inactive student data into these analyses can provide a more comprehensive understanding of student journeys and outcomes. While we acknowledge that inactive student data can be retrieved through other channels such as Canvas Data and custom development reports, it's important to note that these methods can be resource-intensive and may require a higher level of technical expertise. An update to the front-end New Analytics feature within Canvas would significantly enhance accessibility and usability. By introducing this feature, Canvas LMS would not only enhance its reporting capabilities but also contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of educational institutions and organizations. It aligns with the platform's commitment to continuous improvement and its responsiveness to the evolving needs of educators and administrators.
