628 Week #6 - Canvas!

​Well I must say I was intimidated by Canvas as I am with any new technology but it is something I want to use not only to satisfy requirements for 628 and 629 but for my practice in general.  If for nothing else, I very much want to start using threaded conversations with my students.  I’m happy to report that I was able to get everything done rather quickly – Canvas is indeed very easy to navigate and operate which helps me not feel intimidated by the huge amount of things it can do.  I did approach the sample stuff tonight with humor which always makes things easier for me, but I was able to do so quickly and with ease as I do when creating a PowerPoint – that makes me a happy camper!  I really do want to dive in and start using Canvas with my students but I also think it would be wise to not jump into it prematurely.  I think using Canvas is something I can bring into my classes next year, regardless of what the model is at that time.  I do have a Chrome cart in my room since I teach APEX, so I’m lucky that I’ll be able to incorporate technology into my Drama classes in a MUCH more significant way than I have previously.  This program in general has really opened me up to embracing new technology.  Just tonight I came across a new technology called “Kritik” which sets out to be “transforming students into critical thinkers through peer assessment.”  Peer assessment is such a huge part of my demo unit and my practice in general, I hope to be able to find some time to dig into this a little and see what it’s all about.  As for Canvas, I really was left in a good place after playing (and I really was playing hehe).  While it has such a vastly huge array of functions, I’m not scared because everything I’ve played with so far has gone very smoothly and I feel like I have a high degree of confidence that if I get stuck either Canvas itself will help me, or I can track down help.  Canvas is working out to be one of the big takeaways of this program!