Opinion: Canvas vs. Google Classroom

Wilson Faucette - Garrett Park Estates, MD - 5.12.2021 - 8:01

MCPS Classroom Photo: myMCPS Classroom

What Are Canvas and Google Classroom?

Canvas and Google Classroom are two educational/virtual classroom websites used by schools. In prior years, MCPS teachers had the choice between which one to use, but this year all teachers are using Canvas, at least at Tilden MS and Garrett Park ES. Google Classroom is by Google, with Google services integrated in, while Canvas is made by Instructure. 

So, Which is Better?

The short answer is that both are good for different purposes and situations. However, based on the 10 aspects of a virtual classroom that were looked at, Canvas is overall the better service for schools, by 2 points.

The 10 Aspects Of A Virtual Classroom We Used Are:

• Appearance
• Grades
• Accessibility from the web
• Assignments
• Quizzes
• Discussions
• Announcements/Communication
• External Resources
• Notifications
• Organization

1. Appearance: Google Classroom: 9, Canvas: 6

Google Classroom has a very modern, clean look, which is in line with the modern, clean look of Google. MyMCPS doesn't have the same looks, and instead looks much more rugged, with a lot more plain text. 

2. Grades: Google Classroom: 5, Canvas: 9

Grades are a large part of school. Canvas does a much better job of making grades accessible to students, and giving students the best insights about the grades. It is believed that grades can be input into Canvas, and then directly transferred to Synergy, which is the grading platform that MCPS uses. On Google Classroom, you cannot even view your total grade in a class, so that is undoubtedly a flaw. On Canvas, you can view your total grade in all subjects, by marking period, and by assignment all in one place. You can also see how your grade on an assignment compares to the rest of the class in a box and whiskers plot that shows the high, low, and mean scores. Therefore, Canvas scores significantly higher than Google Classroom in the grades category.

3. Accessibility From the Web: Google Classroom: 9, Canvas: 7

All that has to be done to get to Google Classroom is to to type classroom.google.com into the address bar. When you get to Google Classroom, you're already logged in, so there's hardly anything you have to do. To get to Canvas, you have to go to classroom.mcpsmd.org, click the link to log in for your position, and then Canvas will load. So, Google Classroom scores a little bit higher than Canvas in this category.

4. Assignments: Google Classroom: 8, Canvas: 5

Google Classroom assignments are much easier to complete and submit than Canvas assignments. That is because most assignments are on Google Docs, Slides, or Spreadsheets, and those can be easily used with Google Classroom. When using those on Canvas, you have to use cloud assignments which don't work too well and are difficult to access and submit. Therefore, Google scores higher in the assignments category.

5. Quizzes: Google Classroom: 6, Canvas: 8

Google Classroom quizzes are google forms, which don't have the same quiz functions like bookmarking questions, filling in blanks, and matching vocabulary terms that Canvas quizzes have. Canvas quizzes, which do have these features, are integrated directly into the platform, unlike Google Classroom quizzes. So, Google Classroom doesn't score quite as high in this category. 

6. Discussions: Google Classroom: 6, Canvas: 8

Google Classroom doesn't technically have discussions, although they do have it set up so you can comment on posts made by teachers, which can work in the same way as a discussion on Canvas. Discussions are really good ways to allow students to collaborate, so Google Classroom's lack of an official discussion feature is a flaw.

7. Announcements/Communication: Google Classroom: 7, Canvas: 7

Google Classroom has announcements and communications in the Class Stream, which works pretty well. Canvas has announcements at the top of the class home page, which also works pretty well. The Canvas announcements also get put on your to-do list which makes it easier to see them. So, both Google and Canvas have a pretty good announcement system.

8. External Resources: Google Classroom: 8, Canvas: 6

Google Classroom has links to external resources that work, appear well, and are accessed really easily. Canvas links don't appear well, and are not accessed as well. However, they both work like regular links.

9. Notifications: Google Classroom: 6, Canvas: 8

Google Classroom does not send very many email updates, for example when an assignment is graded. Canvas on the other hand allows you to set your notification preferences to receive as many or as few emails about what is going on in your class as you wish. Therefore, Canvas scores higher in the notifications category.

10. Organization: Google Classroom: 7, Canvas: 9

Canvas has multiple ways for you to organize your classes and assignments. They have options for a to-do list, calendar of assignments, and agenda. On Google Classroom, you just have a list of upcoming due assignments, and a calendar that is not easily accessible and does not always show everything.

Total Score:

Google Classroom: 71/100

Canvas/MyMCPS: 73/100

So, MyMCPS classroom is slightly better than Google Classroom, but it really depends on what you're using it for. If you're not going to use the platform for grading, then Google Classroom would be the better of the two platforms. However, for schools, MyMCPS classroom is probably the better of the two platforms.

What do you think? Which is better, Google or Canvas, and why? Let us know in the comments below.