Sinclair’s recent transition to Canvas has given a new website and user interface for eLearn, and students and staff alike are still adjusting to the change. Some things such as links or certain pages not working could be growing pains, but other things like the new layout are here to stay.
Students’ reactions to the change have been mixed, as there are some things they like and some things that they dislike about how the new site differs from the old.
Some students, such as Katelyn Brunett, noted that the user interface is quite different.
“I find that the UI is less user friendly, and it’s a lot more compact,” Brunett said, also noting that a lack of tutorials for Canvas didn’t help with it being less intuitive.
However she also said that it shows a more distinct separation between modules, as well as providing clearer information about grades and due dates.
“I feel like it’s laid out a little bit better than it was before,” Brunett said.
Other students, like Chaka King, have not had major issues with the change.
“So far I like it fine…it’s certainly different from the old elearn,” King said.
Related: eLearn migrates to Canvas: Staff report a smooth, student-centered transition
King said some changes are slightly jarring and will take time to get used to, such as the main options being on the side instead of the top. But others seem to be a positive difference.
“I really like how it makes it much clearer [if] you’ve turned in an assignment or not,” King said, a sentiment that Brunett and other students shared.
Another student, who asked to be anonymous, said that the old eLearn was more visually pleasing with more varied colors, while the new one is mostly just red and white.
“The old was nicer to look at…the colors are the big thing I don’t like,” they said.
The student also said that they had grown accustomed to the old eLearn and knew where everything was; now the layout and placements are different and it will take time to adjust.
At the same time, the student noted that the old eLearn was not without its faults, and that the new eLearn might be better, though only time will tell.
“Maybe Canvas will be more confusing, or it might be less confusing. It’s too soon to say,” the student said.
Erik Larson, reporter
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