Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Canvas LMS VS Open LMS

Compare Canvas LMS VS Open LMS and see what are their differences

Canvas LMS logo Canvas LMS

Canvas is the trusted, open-source learning management system (LMS) that's revolutionizing the way we educate. Take Canvas for a test drive with our free, two-week trial account. Sign up now! Call 800-203-6755.

Open LMS logo Open LMS

Blackboard Open LMS™ is an open learning management system (LMS), which allows you to create, personalize and track instruction for students with simple online tools.
  • Canvas LMS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-11

  www.instructure.comSoftware by Instructure

  • Open LMS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-22

Canvas LMS features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Canvas LMS offers a clean and intuitive user interface, making it easy for educators and students to navigate the platform without extensive training.
  • Mobile Accessibility
    Canvas LMS has dedicated apps for iOS and Android, allowing users to access course materials, submit assignments, and participate in discussions on the go.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Canvas LMS can seamlessly integrate with numerous third-party tools and services, including Google Drive, Microsoft Office 365, and various plagiarism detection tools.
  • Customizable Modules
    Educators can tailor the learning modules to fit the course requirements, including multimedia content, quizzes, and assignments.
  • Robust Analytics
    The LMS provides detailed analytics and reporting tools, enabling educators to monitor student progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.
  • Scalability
    Canvas LMS is suitable for institutions of all sizes, from small schools to large universities, thanks to its scalable architecture.

Possible disadvantages of Canvas LMS

  • Cost
    Canvas LMS can be expensive for some institutions, especially small ones with limited budgets, due to its subscription-based pricing model.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While Canvas LMS is easy for basic use, mastering its more advanced features may require additional training for both educators and administrators.
  • Occasional Performance Issues
    Users have reported occasional lag and performance issues, particularly during peak usage times, which can disrupt the learning process.
  • Limited Offline Access
    Students and educators can face challenges accessing course materials offline, which can be a drawback in areas with inconsistent internet connectivity.
  • Support Response Time
    Some users have experienced slow response times from customer support, which can be frustrating when urgent assistance is needed.

Open LMS features and specs

  • Customizability
    Open LMS is built on Moodle, which is highly customizable. Users can tailor the platform to fit their specific educational needs and integrate various plugins to enhance functionality.
  • Open Source Foundation
    Being based on an open-source platform like Moodle, Open LMS benefits from a large community of developers and educators who contribute to and improve the system continuously.
  • Scalability
    Open LMS is designed to handle institutions of various sizes, from small schools to large universities, allowing it to grow alongside educational organizations.
  • Comprehensive Features
    It offers a wide range of features including course management, learner tracking, and a variety of assessment tools that support diverse teaching and learning needs.
  • Cloud-Based
    As a cloud-based solution, Open LMS provides the flexibility and convenience of accessing the platform from any location with internet connectivity.

Possible disadvantages of Open LMS

  • Complexity
    Due to its extensive customizability and comprehensive feature set, Open LMS can be complex to set up and manage, potentially requiring substantial time and expertise.
  • Cost
    Although built on an open-source platform, Open LMS may involve costs related to hosting, support, and additional features which can add up for larger institutions.
  • Support Limitations
    While Open LMS provides support, it may not be as extensive or responsive as proprietary solutions, sometimes requiring users to rely on community forums for assistance.
  • Learning Curve
    Users might face a steep learning curve when beginning with Open LMS, especially if they are new to Moodle's interface and require training to use it effectively.
  • Performance Concerns
    Depending on server setup and scaling, there can be concerns about performance and speed, particularly during peak usage times or if not properly optimized.

Canvas LMS videos

An Overview of Canvas LMS

More videos:

  • Review - Canvas LMS NEW UPDATES in 2020

Open LMS videos

Introduction to BlackBoard Open LMS

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Canvas LMS and Open LMS)
Education
88 88%
12% 12
LMS
83 83%
17% 17
Online Learning
86 86%
14% 14
HRMS
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Canvas LMS and Open LMS

Canvas LMS Reviews

10 Best Google Classroom Alternatives: Which Should You Choose?
Canvas is an open-source learning management system for teaching, learning, and even designing. Within a single platform, the program provides content, grades, communication tools, and analytics. What makes this option so appealing is that it offers several customizability and integration options. Canvas is more feature-rich than most of its competitors and provides a unique...
Top 15 educational software to streamline the learning process
Canvas lets teachers design, organize, and deliver course content easily. Its flexible and adaptable online and mixed-learning environment encourages student and instructor cooperation. Canvas simplifies course and student progress management, letting educators focus on education and giving students a seamless learning experience.
10 Best Moodle Alternatives to Jumpstart Your Courses
Canvas LMS by Instructure is a learning management system designed to maximize the learning process and enhance students’ knowledge. It has a Canvas mobile app, so you can monitor students’ responses and react to them quickly, see and add announcements, and track learners’ attendance on the go.
Source: sendpulse.com
10 Best Moodle Alternatives in 2024
Canvas LMS also offers a mobile app and a fair amount of flexibility. There is a learning curve but this can be solved with online videos and training material that are readily available.
Source: cloudassess.com
The 10 Best Moodle Alternatives & Competitors (Updated for 2024)
Canvas LMS hosts robust social learning features like interactive discussion boards, forums, instant messaging, and video and audio notes. These help learners collaborate and share their learning experiences.
Source: www.docebo.com

Open LMS Reviews

10 Best Moodle Alternatives in 2024
Open LMS is a good option for companies on a budget. It is based on Moodle, but there are value-added features that do cost money. Overall it’s a solid option with offerings for both enterprise and education.
Source: cloudassess.com

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Canvas LMS and Open LMS, you can also consider the following products

Talent LMS - A super-easy, cloud LMS to train your employees, partners, customers or students.

Blackboard Learn - Blackboard provides enterprise technology and innovative solutions that enhance teaching and learning methods

Docebo - Docebo Learning Management System is the best cloud LMS system on the market for online training. AICC SCORM xAPI compliant. Mobile elearning platform

Kahoot! - Kahoot! makes it easy to create, play and share fun learning games in minutes—for any subject, in any language, on any device.

Moodle - Moodle is the world's most popular learning management system. Start creating your online learning site in minutes!

schoology - An online learning, classroom management & social networking platform that provides educators & students w/ more effective, efficient & engaging ways to learn.