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Overview

While Canvas is the official platform for Boise State University’s online courses, there are many other technologies that help students meet course goals. There are no one-size-fits-all technology solutions and choosing from among the ever-expanding ed-tech universe can be overwhelming. The purpose of this article is to provide considerations for selecting and integrating third-party technologies tools into an online course.

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  • “Third-party tools” are software or applications that are not natively built into Canvas.

  • Third-party tools may include, but are not limited to, Canvas “apps” (e.g., publisher courseware, FlipgridFlip, etc.) or software that students access outside of the LMS (e.g., PackBack).

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  • Why is this tool important?

  • How does the tool support student learning or assessment?

  • Will learning the tool distract students from the overall learning goal?

  • What is the impact on your grading effort?

  • Are there other ways that the tool may impact teaching and learning?

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  • Who will pay for the third-party tool?

  • How does the technology cost contribute to the overall cost of the course?

  • How much will students pay for the use of the technology? 

    • Is this a one-time fee, or are students charged per course or per semester?

    • Is there a free or lower-cost alternative?

  • How will students pay to access the technology? (e.g., Inclusive Access, directly to a publisher or vendor, etc.)

  • Will the students have access to the technology, content, or their work after the course is over?

  • Can students access the technology with their devices?

    • Is the tool available on mobile and desktop devices?

    • Is the technology compatible with multiple operating systems and/or browsers?

    • Does the tool require access to a stable, high-speed internet connection?

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You may want to consider whether there is an OIT supported technology solution. When using supported software, faculty members, staff, and students benefit from the knowledge, assistance, and vetting that OIT provides. Refer to OIT supported software and the Teaching and Learning Tools knowledge base for a list of recommended tools. 

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Many tools may integrate with Canvas, allowing you to streamline your course design and grading. Review OIT’s Canvas Third-Party Tools Directory to learn more about the integrations already in place. 

  • If you are interested in a new Canvas LTI, refer to the LTS Canvas Integration Policy for the process, timeline, and a link to the request form. 

  • You may want to pay close attention to whether you will be able to copy the integration from term to term or whether it will need to be configured each time the course is taught.

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Accessibility and privacy are important considerations when selecting technologies (University policy 8140), and instructors are responsible for selecting accessible materials and technologies (Policy 1075, Policy 2080). Consider:

  • Are the tool’s accessibility and privacy statements available?

  • How might the tool harm or create barriers for students? Will you be able to help students navigate barriers in order to be successful in the course?

  • What type of student data is created, collected, shared, or stored in the tool?

  • Who owns student work if it is created or submitted to a third-party tool?

Answering these questions alone cannot guarantee that a tool meets University requirements and instructional best practices. When you select technology, you should also determine whether the tools need to be reviewed by the Boise State University Software and Accessibility Review Board (SARB). When in doubt, contact the OIT SARB office for guidance.

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