Canvas Instructure - Backgrounder

Dear Students and Parents,

I am writing to inform you about a new focus for this semester within the Fast Forward program.
In an effort to provide more support for students, especially those finding it difficult making it to
class, I have created a website using Canvas Instructure. Please take note of the following items:

This is not an online or distributed learning program

Canvas is not the primary way I wish students to complete the course
Not all of the content will be made available online
Using Canvas is OPTIONAL. If you do not wish to participate in any activities via
Canvas, alternative assignments will be provided in hard-copy during class time.

As well, Id like to provide you with enough information to make a decision about the risks and
benefits of using Canvas.

Background
RATIONALE
According to Microsoft, in the U.S. alone, 86% of teens say they believe its okay to illegally
download and share music, 1 in 5 teens admitted to having cyberbullied others, and 4% of the
national population reported being sexually solicited online.
(Source: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9781980)

These results indicate a need to educate students more on the risks associated with being online.
By increasing our use of social media within the curriculum, people can learn how to be
responsible, respectful, and informed digital citizens. However, this will take a team effort, and

ABOUT CANVAS
Canvas Instructure is technically called a Learning Management System (LMS) and offers a
variety of features, including online lessons, complete with video clips and interactive
applications; a discussion board that allows students to converse about topics freely in a closed
setting; and a virtual organizer, a calendar which automatically updates students on daily lessons
and due dates.
How is this helpful? Given the many challenges school poses to some students, staying up to
date on missed assignments, deadlines, and current marks will alleviate some of the anxieties
already experienced by many adult learners. Incorporating an online element to the program
allows students to come to class ready to move on to the next topic, as well as finish incomplete
assignments from home.
It offers many of the options in other forms of social media. Canvas courses all occur in a closed
setting, meaning that it requires enrolment and a (free) membership to participate. Students can
post pictures, write blogs and comment on daily activities. Moreover, it is another way to get a

Canvas Instructure - Backgrounder

hold of me should they have any questions about the course or program as a whole. Finally,
because the website is set up to allow for conversation and creativity, like other forms of social
media, it fosters notions of teamwork, class culture, and community.

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
While some of the work will be done on Canvas by collaborating with other students, please note
that ALL assignments may also be done without Canvas. There is always an option to complete
and submit any assignment in person. In English class, for example, although we will be writing
reviews on a film and then posting them to a discussion board, students also have the option to
write the review in class and keep it private. Similarly, I will be doing an orientation class on
Canvas, but this work will be optional, and those who do not wish to participate may select
another assignment to work on. Students may decide whether to collaborate and discuss on
Canvas or keep their work to themselves.

Risks
CLOUD STORAGE
While the benefits of working online can be rewarding, Canvas uses a system of organization
called cloud computing, and similar to sites like Twitter and Facebook, it stores information
(writing, personal data) on many locations. Doing so can also expose your information to
people, businesses, and even other governments.
* Instructure Properties has also explicitly stated that it is not responsible for the accuracy or
maintenance of your information. (See Terms of Use)
http://www.instructure.com/policies/terms-of-use

PERSONAL DATA
To be clear, personal data refers to anything (audio clips, texts, images) that may be used to
identify you. This also includes reference points. When you contribute to cloud technology, you
also provide information that may be used to extrapolate your geographical location. This may
be known to you (Example: Meet you at Timmys on Goldstream in 20 minutes.) or without
your knowledge using your computers IP address.
THIRD-PARTY SERVICES AND WEBSITES
Canvas may also contain links to third-party websites, and without warning, if you click on one
of these links, you may leave Instructure Properties. Once this occurs, be aware that you may be
subject to separate terms and conditions or privacy policies, as Instructure is not legally
responsible for all links in Third-Party Websites.
MISUSE AND ABUSE
Whenever social media exists, so too does the potential for its misuse. Behavioral violations will
be treated with a similar degree of severity as they would be in the classroom. Unfortunately,
once an idea is posted online, it is difficult to remove it.

Canvas Instructure - Backgrounder

* Disclaimer: While I deem Canvas to be of high educational value and will make every effort
to safeguard against any of these and other risks, please understand no online activity is 100%
risk-free.
Roles and Responsibilities
In accordance with SD43 policy, I have outlined responsibilities of which both parties should be
aware:
TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES
As stated above, there are always risks involved with social media, and I will take every effort to
guard against them by doing the following:

Keep your personal information, including names and images, private, unless given explicit
permission.
Respect the right of ownership by modeling ethical use of information (citing images, content,
teaching about plagiarism).
Choose content that I hold to be of exceptional educational quality, which will either help each
student to learn, or provide them with assistance and organization.
Ensure that, similar to our classroom, students feel safe and comfortable while working online.
Monitor discussions and provide a positive forum for social discourse.

PARENT/STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
If you or your child chooses to participate in this virtual classroom, please note that I will expect
students to do the following:

Respect the rights and freedoms of others, including not hurting or mistreating others.
Report any unsafe, inappropriate conduct, or misbehavior to me immediately
Learn and be aware of the risks involved with sharing your personal information and images with
others.

For more information on any of these policies please see the following:
http://www.sd43.bc.ca/Resources/DigitalCitizenship/Pages/RightsResponsibilites.aspx

* As with any situation involving a code or password, students are strongly advised to never
share their password. (See Westshore Centres Policy on Computer Use)

Further Reading
For additional information about Canvas Instructure please see the following resources:
http://www.canvaslms.com/about-us/

Canvas Instructure - Backgrounder

http://guides.instructure.com/m/4151/l/45151-canvas-faqs
Further details concerning Canvas Instructures Privacy policy can be found here:
http://www.canvaslms.com/policies/privacy-policy

Many of you I have spoken with already, but to ensure that everyone is aware of this idea, I
would like to receive both parent and student email addresses.

Parents Email:

__________________________________________________

Parents phone number:

__________________________________________________

Student email:

__________________________________________________

Student phone number:

__________________________________________________

Once I have this information, for those of you who have given your permission (see Permission
Slip), I will create student accounts and provide a tutorial on navigation of its features. Please
note that it is completely within your legal rights to withhold your permission. This option is
merely intended to provide extra support to students.
Thank you. Please feel free to email me about any questions or concerns you may have
regarding this letter.

Sincerely,

Andrew Still

Westshore Centre for Learning

Instructor, Fast Forward to Graduation Program
Restitution Facilitator
astill@sd62.bc.ca