During the pandemic, I've spent more time than I'm willing to admit in Tik Tok and was reminded of one of those videos that say "I'll go first." Well, I'm bringing that moment to the Canvas community with the following question. 

What is your Canvas Student app usage at your school? I'll go first!

It’s tough to put an exact number on usage. There are two ways users can access Canvas on mobile devices; the web and the app. The web is easy to understand with the usage of Google Analytics but is less popular than the app.

Looking at the web pageviews only, here is the breakdown: 

• Desktop: 84%
• Smartphone: 16%
• Tablet: less than .2%

Another unique stat is the length of a user session per every visit to Canvas:

• Desktop: 14:33
• Tablet: 9:03
• Mobile: 5:51

As for the mobile app...This requires some digging and covering your eyes to try to pull out anything worth reporting. 

Through surveys, Canvas Data, and other data sources, we can safely assume: 

• 90% of UCF students use the mobile app at least once a week.
• Mobile app usage (and some tablets) is 20-25%. Sounds small, but MILLIONS of page views every year. 

Students that use the mobile app (and web too) seem to mainly use the app for quick interactions related to:

1. How am I doing in class? (Grades)
2. What do I need to do? (Assignment and Assignment descriptions)
3. How do I do it? (To do / Calendar / Modules)

You can read more from a 2018 report, which is still very true today:

https://digitallearning.ucf.edu/msi/research/canvas/survey2018/

Even though students do take quizzes, submit assignments, and engage in discussions on mobile. Most of these interactions are much more common on a desktop. Either way, mobile access is still significant and valued by students, especially to stay connected.

With the introduction of Apple Silicon at last week's Apple WWDC 2020, the Mac is ready for the most significant transition of all time! Will we see Canvas Mobile Apps on macOS for the first time? The truth lies below!

*You'll be glad you did.

Put simply - if we weren't already, we need to begin considering mobile implications for course design. Having the checklist before, during, and after course development removes any instructional designer's best guesses at what needs to be considered.

I get excited about mobile learning because it opens up possibilities inside the classroom and outside the classroom. I believe that mobile devices, when used strategically with clear boundaries, can operate on all four levels of the SAMR technology model. I want to share two examples of mobile learning that have inspired me.

The improvements made to the Canvas Mobile app demonstrate that its development team is singing the same melody as the teacher-instructor promoters who run their courses on Canvas.

It's been a slow developing love affair Canvas Apps.

From the outset I hope everyone know how much I love Canvas. I love the mobile apps. They are great and people like  @peytoncraighill   @rseilham  an   @KristinL do an outstanding job covering and promoting the app(s). First there was the Canvas app. Then SpeedGrader, Polls and Magic Marker. Next up was the Parent app and then finally the Teacher app. I have been a part of the Canvas family for five years now and I have seen so much grow in the mobile strategies. 

It’s been quiet around here lately! To help kick start some new collaboration in CMUG,  @rseilham ,  @KristinL , and I designed a quest! Now, this quest will require some reflection and some writing. All of of the requirements center on mobile design and maximizing student engagement within the Canvas Student App.