Comparison of Moodle, Blackboard, and Canvas
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LMS Differences
When your course is migrated from Moodle or Blackboard, some elements may not be exactly the same. Below you will find comparisons of terminology, features, tools, and question types in each Learning Management System (LMS).
Moodle vs. Canvas
PDF: Compare Moodle and Canvas: Terminology, Tools, Features, Question Types Download Compare Moodle and Canvas: Terminology, Tools, Features, Question Types
Video: Comparing Moodle and Canvas
Links to an external site. - from UNH (54:17)
Correction to this video: Classic Quizzes is still available (not being retired soon). Also, TAs must be added through SPIRE.
Blackboard vs. Canvas
PDF: Compare Blackboard and Canvas: Terminology, Tools, Features, Question Types Download Compare Blackboard and Canvas: Terminology, Tools, Features, Question Types
Video: Comparing Blackboard and Canvas Links to an external site. - from ODU (11:28)
Canvas Terminology
Here is a side-by-side comparison of common terminology used in each LMS. This is not a complete list - please refer to the PDFs above for a more detailed comparison.
| Canvas | Moodle | Blackboard |
|---|---|---|
| Dashboard | Dashboard and Navigation Tray | My UMass Amherst Page |
| Home Page | General Section in Course Page | Home Page |
| Modules | Topics | Folders |
| Module Text Headers | Labels | Items |
| Course Navigation Menu | Activities Block | Course Menu/Sidebar |
| Files | Files and Folders | Files |
| Pages | Page or Topic Description |
Content Areas/Items |
| Assignments | Assignments | Assignments |
| Discussions | Forums | Discussion Boards |
| Quizzes | Quiz or Questionnaire | Test |
| Publish Unpublish |
Show Hide |
Show/Make Available Hide/Make Unavailable |
| Module Requirements, Prerequisites, or "Lock Until" | Restrict Access, Completion Tracking | Adaptive Release, Date Restrictions |
| Peer Review Assignment | Workshop | Peer Review Tool |
External Tools and Integrations
View the full list of external tools that are integrated within Canvas by going to this page: List of Current External Tools and Request Form. Also on that page is a request form if you'd like to request additional external tools to be installed in Canvas.