UK and European Schools using Canvas

[f_latulipe]

Calling all UK and European K12 Schools using Canvas!

Canvas UK is talking about arranging a user group meeting for UK and other European Schools using Canvas. A Forum where we can meet, discuss specific requirements to schools based in the UK and in Europe, and share best practices.  this includes discussing some of the things we need in place to help with the growing list of legislation which may or may not affect how we use the platform.

The first gathering to potentially be in the Summer of 2018 Term, different Schools could take turn hosting these user group meetings.

Please reply to this thread to indicate if this is something you'd be interested in attending, and contributing to.

And Also please post some suggested topics / ideas for the first User Group Meeting.

[f_latulipe]

Are you interested in attending and contributing a UK based K12 User Group meeting?  (ps: You have to be an existing user of Canvas in the European K12 sector)

[f_latulipe]

Suggested topics / ideas for the User Group Meeting: (reply to this post please)

[f_latulipe]

Round table - share experiences using Blueprint Courses 

[f_latulipe]

Round table - discuss how can Canvas be configured to help us with Safeguarding regulation?  Should notifications configurations be able to be set as a default by the Systems Administrator? Should certain types of notifications always be send via email periodically (currently students can turn off notifications)?  Share ideas for practices around using or not using the 'Chat' LTI?

[f_latulipe]

This Feature request in the community would be very useful to help improve Safeguarding provisions:

https://community.canvaslms.com/ideas/1051-default-notification-settings-profiles-by-user-role?comme... 

[Renee_Carney]

 @f_latulipe  

This sounds like a fantastic idea.  I hope that you get a good response. 

If/when you do schedule this, be sure to post it to CanvasLIVE‌.  This way other community members that might not see your thread see the event listed there!  You may want to look through other events to see if there are other UK people looking to meet up.  I know that  @drimmer  has scheduled this Canvas TeachMeet, June 15th 2018 Bromsgrove, West Midlands, U.K. 

[GideonWilliams]

Apologies for missing this. Most definitely interested in this. We are a British International School in Netherlands - Yr7-13 (8-12?) 1000 users. Working with SIMS (MIS)

[f_latulipe]

How do we get Canvas to 'listen' to the requirements specific to European Schools regional requirements and make changes in the platform in realistic timeframe? There is a distinct lack of visibility of the product roadmap. The 'voting system' in the community doesn't reflect the 'value' of a feature request.

[Renee_Carney]

 @f_latulipe  

I appreciate you sharing your concerns here.  I know that it can be difficult to trust a process when you're not first hand with the day to day workings of it, so I'm hoping I can share a little bit of 'behind the community' that will help with that.  You're right that we do not share our entire roadmap, and that's intentional.  There are just some things we can't share.  We do however strategically share roadmap priorities that we need/want user feedback on in the Canvas Studio.  The priorities list is what we're working on right now - so please make sure you're following the space to get updates when they are available. 

Your comment "The 'voting system' in the community doesn't reflect the 'value' of a feature request." is a difficult comment to break down, because everyone has a different definition of "value" based on their role and perspective.  To us, each element of the ideation process has value, or we wouldn't do it!  First, every idea submitted has unique and valuable data, beyond just votes.  In our internal dashboards we can see demographics of who submitted the idea, who voted on the idea, and who commented on the idea.  This gives us a grand picture of who any and every idea matters to.

We do look at the highest voted ideas, but that's not all that we look at.  We also, often, are looking at sets of ideas by theme.  For example, a product manager may come to our team looking for ideas around 'assignments'.  We don't just look at the highest voted ideas of assignments, we look at all ideas around that theme, including those in cold storage.  So, every idea matters, even the low votes.

In addition to highest vote, and related to a theme, we also look at the themes that bring in the most submissions.  This gives us another piece of data to check our priorities against.  It's a gauge of what themes (assignments, gradebook, quizzes, etc...) people are most interested in.

And don't forget about the comment threads!  When we're looking at ideas, the comment threads play a big role.  They often contain important use cases that help us understand the problems a new idea is seeking to solve.  The underlying problem that is seeking a solution is key to development!

So, there is a lot to ideation that is unseen, like an iceberg, but that also is intentional.  We work very hard to keep a simple user experience for finding ideas and submitting new ideas.  This is why we allocate so much time and human resource to reading (moderating) and managing every idea.  We know that things could be simpler, which is why we have a wish list (feature requests) of things we'd like to see in Jive/LithiumX (community platform) to make this experience even better.  For example, we'd love to be able to merge duplicate ideas, but that's not possible, so we employ a different strategy (archive>cold storage)...

I hope this information helps you to see that the ideation process trough a different lens.  We look forward to seeing you in the forums there!

[f_latulipe]

Does this mean we need a Canvas European Product Manager to be active in the region now? 

I think there are a lot of European Schools that would be interested in the platform if some of the pain points were addressed sooner rather than later.

Surely the potential market share opportunity for Canvas.

[Renee_Carney]

 @f_latulipe  

Our Product Managers work on a global scale, so there is no need to narrow that down.  Please encourage your friends and colleagues to engage in the community!  That's the best way to share your perspectives and use cases in order to influence development.

Also, as  @GideonWilliams  mentioned, your CSM (customer success manager) is a great champion for you.  So, also make sure they are aware of the ideas that matter to you!

Gideon, of course I read your blog post.  I think I read it within minutes of you posting it.  I made sure the O365 team was aware of thread at the same time.  You're perspective and experience is valuable, but you may not always see direct response on it.  It is in the collective of feedback and considered as the project advances.

[f_latulipe]

Hi Renee, of course I keep my CSM in the loop.  I see the community as a way to engage with other users.

[GideonWilliams]

Thank you for this.

I am also interested to know about feedback on products for example the LTI with Office365. I am not sure you have read my post on Office365 Integration - I am really concerned...! and the comments from others. 

I have gone through the correct channels and our CMS has helped too but I have heard nothing. I have also contacted Anthony Salcito

Can you let me know if there is a process for feedback and how I know this is taken further?

[GideonWilliams]

sblyth‌ jperry‌ jonas.pitteljon‌  @craigring  A growing concern with many of us smaller users not part of large institutions. Quite a bit of understandable frustration from the Unconference part of our TeachMeet 

[GideonWilliams]

Anyone interested in a  CanvasChat next week? Can do Skype or Twitter or Medium Red button or some other tool...…

Perhaps we could each do 2-5min presentations to share something we are doing and then have general chat about stuff or just chip in with lots of things?

[f_latulipe]

After School next week would work. I can make Tu/Wed/Th.

[GideonWilliams]

After school works better for me if possible?

[l_harris]

I would really like to join a CanvasChat? Some musing I have had are...

I've been starting to read and research around digital competency frameworks for educators and their students. In my new role, I am starting to put together the main whole school development points for next academic year.

An interesting article here at the BBC:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-37429889

I am so worried that educators in England are falling behind with digital progress, and that we need to ensure we are providing our students with the life long skills needed for future employment. This article I found for FE education.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/6341...

I can't help but feel that the UK seem a little behind on this! Thanks Dr. Rimmer for posting the European Digital Competencies Framework. 

https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/publication/eur-scientific-and-technical-research-reports/european-frame...

I have been trying to see if there is anything in England? I have found the Welsh Digital Framework see below.

http://learning.gov.wales/resources/browse-all/digital-competence-framework/?skip=1&lang=en

Any one seen anything for English schools?

Lisa

[f_latulipe]

Ps the links to the details of the European Digital Competencies for Educators above have changed.

Here is the link to their main site: Digital Competence Framework for Educators (DigCompEdu) - European Commission 

[GideonWilliams]

I tagged that on Twitter. Not started to read yet but agree with what you say. The EDC framework is rather interesting. Maybe I should sit down and make a badged Canvas course for staff to examine these different elements?

When would be a good day/time next week?

[f_latulipe]

If you have time, this would be a great CPD course in the Commons. Please let us know if you do create sight a canvas course

[GideonWilliams]

I picked up this link at our Dutch Canvas Users group yesterday - http://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/abc-ld/files/2015/09/ABC_leaflet.pdf

Although they work mainly with colleges and universities I have asked about developing opportunities for schools.

Having a Skype chat in a couple of weeks with one of the co-organisers. Hoping to get onto one of the workshops that they run at UCL sometime next academic term..

 @l_harris ‌  @drimmer ‌

[f_latulipe]

University of Northampton is doing some very interesting research around Active Blended Learning (ABL) and they are using it themselves to develop blended courses.   At the heart of this is the Pedagogy for Blended Learning (Technology is an enabler).

https://www.northampton.ac.uk/ilt/current-projects/abl/ 

[canvas_support8]

I have only just seen this but I am really keen to be involved. Would definitely take part in a live 'teachmeet' to share what my institution is doing.

My two concerns are (1) lack of granular permissions that mean we have to turn off useful features  because of safeguarding risks (like e-portfolios) or have great potential for misuse (like groups). (2) the lack of features compared to other LMS - hoping that H5P.com will compensate for some of these. Canvas does some things very well but can be extremely frustrating at times!

Having said that we are seeing great uptake by staff and significant changes in pedagogy in the last 12 months supported by Canvas.

[GideonWilliams]

Hi Andy

Sounds a great idea. Can you indicate what times might work best for you?

[canvas_support8]

Hi Gideon

I am not constrained by a school timetable so can do most times during the day with enough notice. Also happy to do evenings on an occasional basis. 

Andy

[f_latulipe]

I've submitted a proposal for a panel discussion at CanvasCon in October:

       "EU Schools (aka K12) Panel discussion" 

Panelist should ideally be involved in driving eLearning inovation in their respective School.

I need 4-5 volunteers to join the panel  I would send you the questions ahead of time so that you can prepare your answers (or let me know which question you'd rather not comment on).

This is a great opportunity to share our collective lessons learnt / best practices / challenges.

We will hear back at the end of August if the session will make the agenda.

Please let me know if you would like to join the panel.

Tx Floriane

[canvas_support8]

Hi Floriane

I would definitely be up for taking part in this.

I am an e-learning consultant supporting OneSchool UK and EU, a network of 24 small independent schools in the UK, and 8 in the EU. We serve students aged 7 to 18 years. The network is part of a global network of around 10,000 students with schools in 18 countries, all of which have adopted Canvas as a common LMS. We launched Canvas across the school network in September 2017 after 6 months of piloting. We had a small team who devised and delivered the initial pilot users, developed training for them to 'cascade' and provide ongoing training (F2F and online), support and development. As well as the UK I have delivered training and provide Canvas support to schools in France, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden and Italy.

Our Canvas is integrated with the Panopto video platform and we will soon be launching Atomic Search, a Google-like search within Canvas. 

Canvas is core to the pedagogic approach within OneSchool which is self-directed learning, where students plan their own learning pathways supported by their teachers both face to face and online. Another unique aspect of OneSchool is the high proportion of lessons delivered using video-conferencing, especially at A Level (ages 17-18).

Please contact me directly if you wish to discuss further: andrew.murden@focus-school.com 

Andy

[f_latulipe]

Hello Andy,

this is great. I actually reached out to Dee yesterday via linked in about having someone from the Focus Group on the Panel. I'll be in touch as soon as I hear back from the canvascon organisers 

tx Floriane

[f_latulipe]

Great news, the panel discussion for the #canvascon2018 in October has been approved:

 @GideonWilliams ,‌ @drimmer ‌, lharris, (Dee and or @canvas_support8 ),nick.leney‌, @f_latulipe ‌

I will be emailing you directly with the questions etc ...

Nick and Andy, please send me your direct emails so that we can follow up offline.

I need you to urgently confirm that you are still available for the panel discussion - we will get a 35 minute slot.

 Floriane

[nick_leney]

Hi Floriane,

Wow – well done. I am booked for Canvascon so can be available. I would welcome more detail so that I can prepare properly.

Regards

Nick Leney

Assistant Head Teacher

nick.leney@interhigh.co.uk<mailto:nick.leney@interhigh.co.uk>

Tel 44 (0)1873 813900

InterHigh School

A better relationship with learning

www.interhigh.co.uk<http://www.interhigh.co.uk/>;

InterHigh Education Ltd

Company Registration No: 09403006

Certification Number 10834

ISO 9001

[l_harris]

Dear Floriane

Well done - yes, I am free. Looking forward to catching up with you all.

Lisa

[canvas_support8]

Hi Floriane,

I have discussed with Dee and we have agreed I will be on the panel. It would be simpler if I can do so in my own capacity as a freelance consultant rather than representing Focus. Please contact me on andrew@telioseducation.co.uk to continue the conversation.

Andy Murden 

E-Learning Consultant

[l_harris]

Dear Floriane

Amazing! I'm more than happy to be a part of this panel if you need me.

Lisa

[f_latulipe]

Thank you Lisa. I'll be in touch as soon as I hear back from the canvascon organisers

[drimmer]

Sounds great; not sure when I can come online and connect (Zoom is great for screen sharing and is FREE!), but would like to build a regular virtual or real life meet if possible.

CanvasCon2018‌ stream for Key Stage 1-5 (KS1-5‌ - our version of K12) sounds great, especially if Euro-focussed.

Keep me in the loop. How do I get notifications for the community?I only know what is happening here if I remember to log on...

 @f_latulipe ‌  @GideonWilliams ‌  @l_harris  &  @canvas_support8 

[f_latulipe]

click on your profile (top right) and select 'preferences' you can edit your notification settings there.

[nick_leney]

Dear Floriane,
Thank you for your proactivity in submitting this proposal. Wey Education will be supporting you and would ensure availability for the panel if required. Wey switched LMS to Canvas in September 2017, and now educate 1500+ students based across Europe and beyond. Our digital classrooms are synchronous through an Adobe Connect integration.
Regards,
Nick

[GideonWilliams]

Love the ks1-5 hashtag.

I wonder if people would be interested in an initial online meeting towards the end of next week? I will get in touch with Jonas to see if we can use Canvas to begin with? 

Would people prefer straight after school eg 4.30pm or 5.00pm or evening eg 7.00, 7.30pm. Any day better next week?