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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Canvas

    Score8.6 out of 10
    N/AInstructure is an educational software company based in Sandy, Utah. It is the developer of the Canvas learning management system, which is a comprehensive software package that competes with such systems as Blackboard Learning System, SumTotal and Saba.N/A

    Google Classroom

    Score8 out of 10
    N/AN/A

    $0

    per month

    Whooo's Reading

    N/AN/AWhooo's Reading offers schools and educators a variety of reading and writing assessments to help students boost their learning comprehension capabilities. Features and available assessments include: open-response reading practice questions open-response reading comprehension quizzes automatically-scored student writing real-time writing feedback strength & weakness reports after quizzes virtual bookshelf with peer ratings &…N/A
    Pricing
    CanvasGoogle ClassroomWhooo's Reading
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    Education Fundamentals
    $0
    per license/per month
    Google Workspace for Education Standard
    $3
    per student/per year
    Teaching and Learning Upgrade
    $4
    per license/per month
    Google Workspace for Education Plus
    $5
    per student/per year
    No answers on this topic
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    CanvasGoogle ClassroomWhooo's Reading
    Free Trial
    YesYesNo
    Free/Freemium Version
    YesNoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional DetailsMust contact vendor for pricing information.Education Fundamentals Version - 30-day free trial for qualifying institutions.
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    CanvasGoogle ClassroomWhooo's Reading
    Considered Multiple Products
    Instructure
    Chose Canvas
    Canvas is in the experience way better than Google Classroom. Canvas has a more robust agenda system that also allows adding in new personal deadlines. [Assignments] can be submitted past [the] deadline (if allowed),
    Incentivized
    Chose Canvas
    Canvas takes the better parts of both Skyward and Google Classroom and combines them to work pretty seamlessly - grading, assignments, attendance, document/file sharing - all integrated into one platform. In addition, the internal communication feature makes communication …
    Incentivized
    Chose Canvas
    Canvas has some unique features that are superior to Google Classroom, but I prefer Google Classroom because of its ease of use. It does have some of the same problems as Canvas though in terms of assigning work to particular students.
    Incentivized
    Chose Canvas
    Canvas is very similar to Schoology. Built on collaboration, both Canvas and Schoology have a very social media-esque feel. Both platforms offer a variety of tools and features that take the normal classroom above and beyond what can be done in Google Classroom or other LMS …
    Incentivized
    Chose Canvas
    Canvas is the most robust choice available when comparing LMS platforms. When looking at other platforms used by K-12, such as Edmodo and Google Classroom, Canvas has far more features, support, and has a higher level of user ease. The customer service provided by Canvas is one …
    Incentivized
    Chose Canvas
    Google Classroom and Canvas are very similar. We feel that Canvas is better suited for our older students and so we begin to introduce it at the middle school level. We utilize Google Classroom with our younger students as it is somewhat easier to navigate and understand for …
    Incentivized
    Chose Canvas
    I believe Canvas is worse than all of them. In my experience, it is harder to use, uglier to look at.
    Incentivized
    Chose Canvas
    Canvas is a powerful learning management tool that combines so many key elements of an actual classroom and allows teachers to mirror their classroom environment into a virtual platform. It is simply amazing what can be done on Canvas. Grading systems/analysis, progress …
    Incentivized
    Chose Canvas
    I believe Canvas out does all of these because of its robustness. It allows for more design opportunities including HTML and HTML5 and has many built-in features that are not offered by all of the other LMSs. Some of those features are discussions, assignments, pages, quizzes, …
    Incentivized
    Chose Canvas
    Canvas is the most advanced and most versatile of the products I have used in the past. It has more features and is better able to be customized by the user. Programs like Classroom, Moodle, and Edmodo are geared more toward younger users and therefore do not have the same …
    Incentivized
    Chose Canvas
    Really no comparison. We did a thorough analysis of other products. Never looked back.
    Incentivized
    Google
    Chose Google Classroom
    Canvas has a MUCH steeper learning curve than Google Classroom does. Although it has the capacity to maintain a more detailed gradebook, the tradeoff for having an easier-to-use learning management system is worth it. Google Classroom doesn't require much instruction to learn …
    Incentivized
    Chose Google Classroom
    With so many schools using Google apps, Google Classroom becomes an integral part of the classroom learning experience. Overall, Classroom gets the job done. If you are looking for something simple this is it. It isn't a full-blown LMS but it keeps everything organized in one …
    Incentivized
    Chose Google Classroom
    Google Classroom does not have all the capabilities of Canvas or Blackboard, but is a great choice for those who need an introductory digital platform. It is a great way to begin going digital, and has some great features, like the ability to share posts between classes/years. …
    Incentivized
    Whooo's Reading
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    88%
    Would buy again
    21 Answers
    97%
    Would buy again
    37 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Delivers good value for the price
    95%
    Delivers good value for the price
    18 Answers
    100%
    Delivers good value for the price
    37 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Happy with the feature set
    88%
    Happy with the feature set
    21 Answers
    89%
    Happy with the feature set
    34 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    100%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    13 Answers
    95%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    19 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation went as expected
    100%
    Implementation went as expected
    14 Answers
    100%
    Implementation went as expected
    29 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Features
    CanvasGoogle ClassroomWhooo's Reading
    Learning Management
    Comparison of Learning Management features of Canvas and Google Classroom and Whooo's Reading
    Feature
    Canvas
    9.0
    42 Ratings
    11% above category average
    Google Classroom
    7.4
    60 Ratings
    8% below category average
    Whooo's Reading
    -
    Ratings
    Course authoring8.142 Ratings8.752 Ratings00 Ratings
    Course catalog or library9.838 Ratings7.639 Ratings00 Ratings
    Player/Portal9.932 Ratings6.538 Ratings00 Ratings
    Learning content9.035 Ratings8.141 Ratings00 Ratings
    Mobile friendly9.041 Ratings7.757 Ratings00 Ratings
    Progress tracking & certifications8.138 Ratings7.244 Ratings00 Ratings
    Assignments8.142 Ratings7.158 Ratings00 Ratings
    Compliance management9.033 Ratings6.934 Ratings00 Ratings
    Learning administration9.037 Ratings7.346 Ratings00 Ratings
    Learning reporting & analytics9.039 Ratings6.842 Ratings00 Ratings
    Social learning9.034 Ratings8.751 Ratings00 Ratings
    Gamification9.62 Ratings3.98 Ratings00 Ratings
    Single Sign On (SSO) Enabled Learning9.03 Ratings9.812 Ratings00 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    CanvasGoogle ClassroomWhooo's Reading
    Small Businesses
    Google Classroom
    Score8 out of 10
    Teachable
    Score9.4 out of 10
    Renaissance Accelerated Reader
    Score9.9 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    Schoology Learning
    Score8 out of 10
    Schoology Learning
    Score8 out of 10
    Renaissance Accelerated Reader
    Score9.9 out of 10
    Enterprises
    D2L Brightspace
    Score7.8 out of 10
    D2L Brightspace
    Score7.8 out of 10
    Renaissance Accelerated Reader
    Score9.9 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    CanvasGoogle ClassroomWhooo's Reading
    Likelihood to Recommend
    9.3
    (84 ratings)
    8.1
    (80 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    9.3
    (5 ratings)
    10.0
    (4 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Usability
    9.4
    (10 ratings)
    8.1
    (11 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Availability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Performance
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Support Rating
    9.0
    (11 ratings)
    1.9
    (14 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    In-Person Training
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Online Training
    8.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    8.5
    (2 ratings)
    2.0
    (2 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    8.0
    (1 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    CanvasGoogle ClassroomWhooo's Reading
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Instructure
    It is really well suited for school situations like knowing what [assignments] need to be done when, getting feedback, getting points, finding the slides that the teacher used for explaining an [assignment] or theory. I think It would be less suited in business situations because it's [primarily] made to be a [one-way] communication tool for schools. Businesses need more control on individual levels I think[.]
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Google
    Google Classroom allows teachers to post for daily lessons and assignments. It also allows teachers to be able to communicate with students easily outside of class. Students are able to stay connected and know where to find all information and resources easily in a streamlined manner for all of their classes.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Whooo's Reading
    No answers on this topic
    Pros
    Instructure
    • Creativity options for teachers to create a virtual space that still has fun graphics and accessibility options.
    • Canvas has versatility in viewing options for assignment due dates such as the calendar built in feature as well as the dashboard options to display upcoming and due assignments.
    • Allowing teachers to create community with each other and collaborate in each-other's space.
    • Discussion platforms within classrooms for students to communicate with each-other and with their teachers.
    • Easy messaging portal within each virtual classroom.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Google
    • Student-teacher communication - I love using Classroom for this because my students can always go back and check what was on Classroom by looking through the stream. This way they don't have to go dig through emails to find what they're looking for.
    • Posting to multiple classes - I can post the same announcement or assignment to multiple classes at once without having to repeat the process or send separate emails.
    • Streamlining grading - when students turn work in on Classroom, it all goes to one place and then when I'm grading I can open their documents directly from Classroom or my Drive folder. This way, I'm not looking through emails and Google Doc shared files for their assignment.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Whooo's Reading
    No answers on this topic
    Cons
    Instructure
    • Their integration with Big Blue Button was a bust for distance learning. Would be great to see them collaborate with Zoom or Google Meets.
    • Their "feature request" process is slow and cumbersome at times because it relies on user "up votes" to get ideas addressed by the developers.
    • They seem to have a lot of turn-over with their staff. We get a new Customer Success Manager far more frequently than with other vendors.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Google
    • The content management of the Classroom is not that good. The sub-section for notes, syllabus, or discussion is missing.
    • It doesn't have parental control feature.
    • It converts the excel output into a normal file. All the formulas and pivots got changed into plain text.
    Read full review
    Whooo's Reading
    No answers on this topic
    Likelihood to Renew
    Instructure
    The other LMS tools have fallen behind. One reason is they are not able to update their systems, features, toolsets in a timely manner. While other LMS providers release bug fixes and new features several times a year, schools struggle to install and implement them in a timely manner. It is not uncommon for a school to take 6 months to a year to fully install and implement new releases on other LMS platforms. With Canvas, those features are released every 3 weeks, and there is nothing for a school to do other than choose to turn them on once released. This has allowed Instructure to innovate faster, and get new features and tools to customers quicker. Other factors include great pricing, customer support, and the innovative way in which LTI is implemented in the tool.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Google
    Testing is particularly important in online learning, and Google Classroom falls far short of other learning management systems in this regard. Security is also a concern: while account control is reasonable for the account used with Google Classroom, the person controlling a particular account is often able to, for example, forward or download proprietary materials.
    Read full review
    Whooo's Reading
    No answers on this topic
    Usability
    Instructure
    The functions in Canvas are well integrated and consistent across the application, and mostly intuitive. Overall navigation and setup is streamlined through integrated features and navigation. The feedback we've gotten from our program participants is that it is easy to learn to use. It also integrates well with third party software like Google Docs and Blackboard Collaborate web conferencing software
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Google
    Simple design and seamless integration with Google tools and drive, but missing some key features. However, since it is limited in overall functions and ability to truly personalize / customize, it is quite user friendly and easy to set up and get going, other than sending out the code to your course or dropping students in via their gmail account. Users of Google Forms and sites will find the layout similar in design.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Whooo's Reading
    No answers on this topic
    Reliability and Availability
    Instructure
    No answers on this topic
    Google
    We have had very little trouble in accessing Google Classroom. Our issues, if any, have risen from our server and not the Google servers.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Whooo's Reading
    No answers on this topic
    Support Rating
    Instructure
    I do not personally use Canvas support since we have a central office that helps us. However, our central office always has the answers we need and are always able to solve our issues - so I would assume that get great support from the Canvas team on their end. They also offer great training, which uses materials directly from Canvas
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Google
    Since this platform is provided by Google, the technical support is better than any others, and we are not required to bother about the space constraints for adding the contents. If we have a good uninterrupted internet facility we can access Google Classroom without any delay or lag. They have app support in both Android and iPhone.
    Read full review
    Whooo's Reading
    No answers on this topic
    In-Person Training
    Instructure
    The training sessions were broken down into several days as well as different levels depending upon the knowledge of the user
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Google
    No answers on this topic
    Whooo's Reading
    No answers on this topic
    Online Training
    Instructure
    The online tutorials and videos are very clear and addressed the issues/questions that I had about using the system.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Google
    No answers on this topic
    Whooo's Reading
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation Rating
    Instructure
    Once you purchase and sign the contract there is nothing to install or hardware to buy. You can almost immediately start using it and have courses up and going within weeks. We signed in December and had pilot courses online ready to go for the start of school in January
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Google
    It was relatively easy to implement due to the simplicity of the platform. Even our more technology challenged teachers found it easy to get started with Google Classroom.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Whooo's Reading
    No answers on this topic
    Alternatives Considered
    Instructure
    Canvas is more secure, has a cleaner design, and has more features. For the features, they have in common canvas still stacks up against [Smart school] by going for the extra mile. Besidfor e that, [the] canvas looks a lot more [professional] than [Smart school]. I didn't make the decision myself to get canvas instead of [Smart school] but I'm happy they did.
    Read full review
    Google
    I haven't tested or evaluated another digital classroom website or application. I feel like Google Classroom is convenient for many reasons such as compatibility to Google docs, slides, etc. I also love the ability to link to YouTube and other sites. I don't know if there would be a site that is easier to maneuver.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Whooo's Reading
    No answers on this topic
    Scalability
    Instructure
    No answers on this topic
    Google
    It is very easy to push out this program across our buildings. Teachers are able to use it without much trouble.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Whooo's Reading
    No answers on this topic
    Return on Investment
    Instructure
    • Canvas has helped us provide a more robust online component to our courses.
    • Canvas has helped us better adapt to a rapidly changing educational landscape.
    • Canvas has reduced the time that we have to spend training faculty on how to use our learning management system.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Google
    • Students are able to continue learning in a remote environment
    • Parents have a single, consistent organization structure to make it easy to track assignments and progress for multiple children
    • Much better solution than the quickly assembled Zoom-and-gloom of the previous spring when school abruptly went remote with no planning
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Whooo's Reading
    No answers on this topic
    ScreenShots