Hello @SabinaPavlovska -
I have previously performed content analysis of the text appearing on pages, assignments, rubrics, and syllabi. To do this I would extract the data from Canvas and then work with it using the data analysis tool of choice. For example, perhaps you wish to perform sentiment analysis of discussion posts or determine how many rubrics evaluate critical thinking. Or to monitor the use or lack of use of inclusive language. Once the data is extracted, I could then use software such as SAS, SPSS, or perhaps one of the several online services that perform content analysis (and these may be an analysis tool built onto Microsoft Azure, which is a cloud computing platform much like Amazon AWS, which is what Canvas is hosted on).
How would I extract the data? I would use either Canvas Data or the Canvas API. Or perhaps both. This can be used to extract the text from the Canvas Syllabus page and it can also be used to filter for and then list the course links/ file links to the syllabi which are posted to the courses as a Word or .pdf file. To do this efficiently it helps if the instructors have a single place in the course where they are to post the syllabus and if everyone includes the word 'syllabus' in the file name, if it is an attachment. For example, the course home page or if they upload it to the Canvas Syllabus page. Canvas Data and Canvas API use will require participation and support of your institution. I should also say that using these tools is something the Canvas administrator would need to set up. So I would check with your Canvas admin and/ or your IT Department on options.
But let's go back to the research question which is about syllabi language. If there is a legal or other desire to standardize language on the syllabi then I highly encourage looking into a 3rd party syllabus tool. These can be configured in such a manner so that instructors can edit sections such as outcomes and assignments, but also have sections that are hard coded thus ensuring all syllabi have the same language. This can be the late policy for the college, notes about services for exceptional students, library, Title IX, academic integrity, and so on. At my University we have used Simple Syllabus for several years and it is simply fantastic. Another benefit is that the system retains a copy of all syllabi so when the time comes for auditing or reaccreditation you are all set. And it is possible to search the data as well.
I hope this is useful.
