App: Canvas
Available: Apple, Android
Cost: Free
Description: Canvas is an website used by professors and students for online classes and coursework. The app is a mobile version of that website that allows students access to their assignments, grades, announcements and calendar.
Pros: The app is easily navigable and allows students instant access to their grades and assignments.
The app will also send alerts about new assignments, recently graded assignments and announcements from professors. These notifications can easily be turned off in the settings.
The app also allows for messages to be easily sent back and fourth between students or professors. Since messages are available on the app, students won’t be tied to a computer when waiting for a reply from a professor.
Cons: The app will sometimes display old courses on the homepage, which causes confusion.
The app, at times, can become overloaded and will glitch or shut down while in use. If a message is being sent when this happens, it will not be retrievable.
Overall: The app is a valuable tool for students whose professors rely heavily on the use of canvas. The occasional glitch is a small price to pay for instant and continuous access to what is happening in their courses.
