Revitalizing the Learning Experience : A Journey of Improving Student Engagement with Canvas LMS

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of learning management systems, such as Canvas LMS, which has become an essential tool for facilitating remote and hybrid learning processes. This study aims to explore the possibilities of improving the ways of utilization of the LMS for a better human-centric user experience and learning process optimization.

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate how the student user experience (UX) with Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) in Laurea UAS could be improved using service design principles. Furthermore, this research and development project explores how Lean UX methods might complement a standardized Double Diamond service design methodology in order to optimize delivering of educational content through Canvas LMS.

Canvas LMS is widely used globally, with 100 percent of Ivy League Schools utilizing it for course content and communication. The research addresses the need to improve the usability, accessibility, and engagement of Canvas LMS to enhance the student learning experience and ultimately achieve academic success.

The research methodology of this project involves a mixed-methods approach that predominantly utilizes qualitative data collection techniques. The study began with an initial ethnographic investigation to evaluate the level of satisfaction with Canvas LMS, taking into account the perspectives of master's level students, teachers, and digital support team members at Laurea UAS - the three major stakeholder segments. The subsequent stage was a data refinement research phase that included a workshop to create a customer journey. This established the foundation for the proposed Canvas Content Checklist, aimed at enhancing the user experience. Idea validation and prototyping were carried out with teachers at Laurea to evaluate the effectiveness of the support channels offered to them for creating and managing course spaces on Canvas.

This development project employed methods that prioritize rapid prototyping, iterative design, and feedback mechanisms to improve the usability and user satisfaction of Canvas LMS for students at Laurea. The thesis also includes a thorough literature review of research on Lean UX, covering essential Interaction Design concepts and their relevance to the Canvas LMS platform. The research aims to contribute practical recommendations for the design and implementation of UX enhancements in Canvas LMS, making it a valuable addition to the existing literature.

The findings of this study are expected to offer insights into how Lean UX principles can be applied in the context of educational technology to enhance the user experience of Canvas LMS in Laurea. The practical recommendations resulting from this research are valuable to Laurea faculty and staff involved in the design, development, and implementation of Canvas LMS. Ultimately, the goal of this thesis is to help improve student engagement, learning outcomes, and overall satisfaction with the Canvas LMS at Laurea. The Canvas Content Checklist will serve as a practical set of recommendations for a gradual student user experience improvement.

Keywords: customer experience, digital learning, experience management, Lean UX Design