Canvas vs Google Classroom vs Moodle: Which is the best fit?

Learning management systems (LMS) are a networking structure that connects all of the course materials, web resources, student evaluations and activities, document management and data analytics, and other necessities for an online course (American College of Education, 2021a). There are three main categories for LMS tools: Learning tools, communication tools, and productivity tools (American College of Education, 2021b). Some LMS examples include Canvas, Google Classroom, and Moodle.

LMS	Advantages	Disadvantages
Canvas	*LMS is the most promising tool that can facilitate learner-centered instruction (Akay & Gumusoglu, 2020) *Learners can communicate and interact with teachers and peers. *Students become responsible for their own learning. *Students who use LMS performed twice as better than other students (Akay & Gumusoglu, 2020) *Specifically created for education *Open architecture for limitless integration *Multi-lingual *Perfect for blended learning *Supports recording and uploading audio and video Information from (Saxena, 2020)	*not plug and play *useless tabs *not mobile-friendly
Google Classroom	*cloud-based *easy to use *accessible from all devices *speeds up assignment process *can be used at all grade levels	*no access from multiple domains *limited integrations *no quizzes/tests *difficult learner sharing (Pappas, 2015)
Moodle	customizable *app *open source *track and record student progress *automated grading *student rewards (badges)	*can’t manage big projects *not user friendly *hidden fees

These LMSs are all great choices. The only thing to decide now is which is the best one for you!

References

Akay, E. & Koral Gumusoglu, E. (2020). The impact of learning management systems on

students’ achievement in language exams. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 21(4), 206-222.

American College of Education. (2021a). Digital assessment and instruction: Module 5 [Video Part 1]. Canvas. https://ace.instructure.com/courses/1900041/external_tools/118428

American College of Education. (2021b). Digital assessment and instruction: Module 5 [Video Part 2]. Canvas. https://ace.instructure.com/courses/1900041/external_tools/118428

Pappas, C. (2015). Google classroom review: Pros and cons using google classroom in elearning. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/google-classroom-review-pros-and-cons-of-using-google-classroom-in-elearning

Remote work & Learning. (2020). Canvas for schools: Ratings, pros, and cons. Medium. https://remoteworklearning.medium.com/canvas-for-schools-rating-pros-and-cons-df17c57e609b#:~:text=Not%20mobile%2Dfriendly%3A%20Canvas%20is,files%2C%20and%20takes%20too%20long.

Saxena, S. (2020). Blackboard vs. Moodle vs. Canvas: The better LMS. Software Suggest.

https://www.softwaresuggest.com/blog/blackboard-vs-moodle-vs-canvas