Compatibility Issues between Canvas LMS & Internet Filtering for Schools

[judywatsonn]

Hello, educators and Canvas LMS users,

I hope you are all doing well. Today, I'd like to address an issue related to the compatibility between Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) and internet filtering solutions used in schools. It appears that there are challenges in integrating Canvas LMS with certain internet filtering systems, and I'm reaching out to the community for insights and potential solutions.

As educators, Canvas LMS has become an integral part of our teaching and learning experience. It offers an efficient platform for course management, grading, and facilitating student engagement. However, since implementing internet filtering solutions in our school network to ensure safe online learning environments, we've encountered the following issues:

Restricted Access to Canvas LMS: The internet filtering software occasionally restricts access to Canvas LMS, affecting both educators and students from logging in or accessing course materials.

Blocked Course Content: Some internet filtering solutions may inadvertently block certain course content, making it inaccessible to students. This hinders the learning process and disrupts the flow of lessons.

File Upload Restrictions: Students may encounter difficulties uploading files or submitting assignments on Canvas LMS due to restrictions imposed by internet filtering software.

Delayed Communication: Internet filtering can cause delays in communication within the Canvas LMS platform, affecting the timeliness of announcements, discussions, and feedback.

As educators, our priority is to create a conducive learning environment while maintaining a safe online space for students. Internet filtering is crucial to protect students from inappropriate content and maintain a positive digital learning atmosphere. However, we also recognize the importance of seamless integration between Canvas LMS and internet filtering software to facilitate effective teaching and learning.

We have made efforts to troubleshoot these compatibility issues, including adjusting filtering settings and seeking support from both Canvas LMS and internet filtering solution providers. However, the challenges persist, and we are yet to find comprehensive solutions.

If any of you have encountered similar problems or have successfully addressed compatibility issues between Canvas LMS and internet filtering software, I kindly request you to share your experiences and insights in this thread. Additionally, if anyone has communicated with Canvas LMS support or internet filtering software providers and received relevant information, your contribution would be highly appreciated.

Let's come together as a community to find a solution to these compatibility challenges. Our collaborative efforts can ensure that Canvas LMS remains a reliable and effective platform for teaching and learning, even when integrated with internet filtering software.

Thank you for your time and support.

[crhyland]

We have been using Canvas since 2019 on iPads with Website filtering and have not had these issues.  I am assuming you have already looked at this document and checked your filters to make sure all were allowed: Canvas Domain, Email, and Server Management 

There is a file upload limit for students uploading assignment submissions. I would check the students file size on items they are trying to upload and submit: 5GB for file uploads and 500MB for media uploads.

At times we have seen blocked course content and that ended up being permissions the teacher had on their files. For example in the course files the folder that housed the media/PDF's that the students needed access to was not published so the students couldn't access the files within the folder even though that file itself was published.

We have had problems with our filter blocking other things outside of Canvas and it came down to a check box hidden/buried deep in the filter settings that needed to be checked or unchecked. 

Hopefully some of this information helps a little and you figure out what is going on.  I understand the frustrations this is causing you and your teachers and students.