http://jnep.sciedupress.com Journal of Nursing Education and Practice 2024, Vol. 14, No. 10 REVIEWS Embracing digital learning: Benefits and challenges of using Canvas in education Qutaibah Oudat *1,2 , Mohammad Othman 2 1 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA 2 College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, USA Received: March 29, 2024 Accepted: June 18, 2024 Online Published: June 24, 2024 DOI: 10.5430/jnep.v14n10p39 URL: https://doi.org/10.5430/jnep.v14n10p39 ABSTRACT The use of Canvas as a Learning Management System (LMS) in educational settings involves several benefits and drawbacks. Canvas’ design advances asynchronous learning, granting students to engage with materials at their own pace; thus, accommodat- ing diverse learning needs and schedules. Integrated learning tools and collaborative features, including discussion forums and group projects, ground an interactive learning environment, enhancing student engagement, and mimicking real-world teamwork scenarios. Additionally, Canvas’ data analytics grant instructors valuable student performance and engagement insights. This enables them to develop targeted interventions based on the student’s needs. However, technical issues, accessibility barriers, content readability challenges for dyslexic and non-native English speakers, depersonalization, and privacy concerns have emerged as significant drawbacks. This review is the first review that contrasts Canvas with other LMS platforms like Blackboard and Moodle. In order to maximize its educational benefits, we highlighted the differences in user satisfaction and ease of use and implied the importance of strategic implementation and support. This comprehensive and unbiased analysis will also be added to aid in developing the enhanced optimized practices for Canvas implementation. This includes instructor training, technical support, and strategies to foster online community and engagement, leveraging Canvas’ strengths while mitigating its limitations to enhance educational outcomes and students’ satisfaction. Key Words: Canvas, Learning management system, Education, Educational outcomes, Digital learning, Student-centered Learning 1. I NTRODUCTION The evolution of digital technologies has significantly influ- enced various sectors, with education being one of the most profoundly affected domains. [1] The introduction and rapid adoption of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in edu- cational institutions have been pivotal in this transformation, altering traditional pedagogical methodologies and fostering new forms of engagement and learning delivery. [2] LMS platforms, such as Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle, have become central to this shift, offering diverse tools and func- tionalities that support teaching and learning processes. [3] Among these, Canvas by Instructure has distinguished itself as a leader in the field due to its flexibility, user-friendly interface, and comprehensive toolset, catering to the diverse needs of modern educational environments. [4] Adopting Canvas across educational institutions worldwide reflects a broader trend toward integrating digital platforms into teaching and learning strategies. This integration is driven by the need to enhance accessibility, facilitate innova- tive teaching methodologies, and support the diverse learning preferences of students. [5] However, the transition to digital * Correspondence: Qutaibah Oudat; Email: qoudat@calpoly.edu; Address: Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA. Published by Sciedu Press 39