This chart compares tools from Blackboard (Bb) Learn with its Canvas equivalent. Please use the information provided below to help familiarize yourself with the tools that are offered in Canvas, and where to find them. The information presented on this page is mostly tailored for instructors. For another perspective, watch ODU’s comparison video.
For targeted differences, read the Top Ten Differences Between Blackboard to Canvas.
Blackboard – Canvas Tools
| Blackboard Tool | Canvas Tool |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Release; Date Restrictions | Lock Until; Module Requirements; Module Prerequisites; Assign To |
| Blackboard Annotate | SpeedGrader |
| Content Collection | Files |
| Course List | Courses > All Courses; Dashboard |
| Learning Modules; Content Areas | Modules |
| Manual Grade Column | Assignment > No Submission |
| Retention Center; Evaluation | Course Analytics |
| Self and Peer Assessments | Assignment > Peer Review |
| Send Email/Course Messages | Conversations Inbox |
| Show/Make Available; Hide/Make Unavailable | Publish/Unpublish |
| Tests, Surveys, and Pools | New Quizzes |
| Users | People |
For detailed overviews of the listed Canvas tools, see the Canvas LMS Instructor Guide.
Bb Tools With No Direct Equivalent
| Blackboard Tool | Options in Canvas | Workaround |
|---|---|---|
| Blogs | Discussions with adjusted settings. | Please see the section for Blogs on the Migration Cleanup checklist for a workaround. |
| Folders | Module Text Headers and Indentations | Use Modules for top-level organization. Separate content within modules using text headers and indentations. |
| Journal | Discussion Board OR Text Assignment Submission | Please see the section for Journals on the Migration Cleanup checklist for a workaround. |
| Wikis | Pages with adjusted editing permissions | Pages can be set to allow students to edit under Options. Pages cannot be graded, and there is no designated comment section for users to provide feedback on individual pages. |
Integrated Tools
| Integrated Tool in Blackboard | New Tool in Canvas |
|---|---|
| Respondus Lockdown Browser / Monitor | Honorlock |
| Collaborate Ultra / Class | Zoom |
| SafeAssign | Turnitin |
| Blackboard Ally | Panorama |
The Canvas Integration List provides a full list of tools integrated in Canvas.