Will Canvas Make a Desktop App for Windows and Mac?

[jrpierc2]

Hi,

When I started using Canvas 8 years ago, it worked very well. Now, I find it sometimes slow due to my Web browsers being bogged down (I generally have many tabs open at once). This leads to not only slow page loading but also within pages such that my typing, which is not so fast, will get ahead of the browser so I feel like I'm constantly out of sync with what I am trying to write. 

Because dedicated applications generally do not experience such issues, I started wondering if Canvas might develop a desktop app? Given that there is a mobile app already, this doesn't seem farfetched so I wanted to share this question and see where it goes.

Thank you,
Jason Pierce
UNC Greensboro   

[Jeff_F]

Hello @jrpierc2 - I can see the benefit as then Canvas would not be beholden to browser changes. Then again, aside from the initial development time and cost there would be ongoing cost to maintain and support the client. Therefore I speculate that there isn't sufficient justification to warrant the change. This is especially true as the Canvas system is designed with an open architecture that enables partners to develop tools that can be installed via LTI's. If Canvas would move to become an installed application then in order for it to be a successful venture then all of the LTI tools would need to be rewritten in such a manner so they could be installed with the proposed Canvas client. I see that as an insurmountable obstacle.

Going back to your initial paragraph, I'd like to share my experience with my technology. At home I had used the same Dell desktop computer for 15 years until my son built a new one with me on Father's Day last year. With the older computer, when I noted something was slow or otherwise not optimal I would look into upgrading the computer. For example, I upgraded components including RAM (4 to 12 to 16GB), and also installed a better graphics card. I then upgraded the hard disk drive to a solid state drive (SSD) which was a game changer. With this configuration I used three rather large monitors and at times had a few dozen browser tabs open. The ISP connection hasn't always been 10 Gbps but has been at least 1.5 Gbps since we started using Canvas in 2015. I also use a wired keyboard.

In brief, it may be the computer or connection causing the delay in typing. Or perhaps it is a Bluetooth / wireless keyboard with a poor connection.