SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Webster University chose Canvas by Instructure to replace Blackboard Vista as the learning platform for its WorldClassRoom that serves online programs and traditional courses offered at more than 100 campus locations worldwide. The university also conducted a learning management system evaluation with Blackboard and Desire2Learn.

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"With campus locations on three continents, Webster University needed an LMS that would allow us to maintain our tradition of providing highly personal, student-centered education," said Dan Viele, associate vice president for academic affairs and director of the Online Learning Center at Webster University. "After a thorough evaluation process, we feel confident that Canvas will do just that."

Webster selected Canvas after conducting a survey and focus group involving students, faculty, administrators and support staff. The survey showed that students and faculty valued ease of use, mobile access and tools that facilitate communication and collaboration.

Focus group participants, who were appointed by the Provost's Office, spent several weeks testing and evaluating Blackboard, Desire2Learn and Canvas. Ultimately, 88 percent of participants selected Canvas.

"Canvas acts more like a tool to build a teaching and learning experience than an LMS that you have to fit teaching and learning activities into," said Brian Merkel, technical manager in the Online Learning Center at Webster University. "Everything from the user interface to the open source ethic gives Canvas and Instructure its quiet strength."

In addition to its main campus in St. Louis, Missouri, Webster University's network of more than 100 global campuses includes metropolitan, military and corporate locations, as well as traditional campuses in Asia, Europe and North America. The university has offered fully online undergraduate and graduate courses, alongside traditional courses, since 1999. The university's current total enrollment is 21,479.

Webster will begin using Canvas for all of its courses beginning in summer 2013. Pilot courses and student and faculty training will begin in spring 2013.

"We're excited to welcome Webster University to the Canvas Community of nearly 300 universities, colleges and school districts," said Devlin Daley, co-founder and chief technology officer. "Canvas is well-suited to Webster's global reach and focus on the individual learning experience."

For more information about Canvas and to keep learning, visit www.instructure.com.

About Webster University:
Founded in 1915, Webster University is the only Tier I, private, non-profit U.S.-based university providing a network of international residential campuses. The university is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.

About Instructure:
Instructure is a technology company committed to improving education. We provide instructors and students modern tools and resources to empower the learning experience. Instructure offers Canvas – the open, easy-to-use, cloud-native learning management system. We also provide Canvas Network, an index of open, online courses from Ivy Leagues to community colleges. To keep learning, visit www.instructure.com.

Copyright © 2013, Instructure, Inc.  All rights reserved. Instructure, Canvas and their respective logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Instructure, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other brands and names may be claimed as the property of others.

Contact:
Devin Knighton, Director of Public Relations
(801) 722-8187  |  devin@instructure.com
Twitter: @devinknighton  |  www.instructure.com

SOURCE Instructure