② Pros and Cons of Web Browser vs Mobile App Access

  • Estimated Time to Complete
  • 9 minutes

Pros and Cons of Web Browser vs Mobile App Access

Welcome to Lesson 2, where you'll learn to:

  1. Identify when web browser access is best for your courses.
  2. Decide if the mobile app is right for you.
  3. Access the guides for instructions to install on your device.

Tip: Videos too small? Click the double arrow on the player to watch it full screen.

Web Browser Access

Most teachers build their courses using a web browser and the visual design looks "right" when accessed via Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. We recommend:

✔ Access your courses using a web browser first.

✔ Take a good look around to get a feel for the layout and information before heading over to the mobile app for its convenience.

✔ Check the course via web browser if you have any issues with the mobile app.

Mobile App Access

The Canvas Student App is convenient for reading, watching videos, communicating, and even submitting work on the go. The To Do feature can really help keep you on track! However, there's a few reasons to avoid using the mobile app if:

✔ Formatting is problematic, such as if you're in dark mode and info won't show properly until you turn it to light mode.

✔ Viewing the subject matter in a smaller display makes it harder to understand or work productively, such as detailed images or spreadsheets.

✔ Wired Internet is preferred, such as when taking a test and you want to ensure you don't lose your signal.

✔ You're typing a larger amount of text and a keyboard makes it easier.

✔ Your course includes digital textbooks or activities that don't function properly as not every tech is mobile-friendly.

Watch the 4.5-min Canvas Student App video tutorial to learn how it works:

00:07: What is the canvas student app? 00:10: Students can access their courses and groups from the dashboard. 00:14: Courses and groups include the same navigation items that can be viewed in the browser 00:18: version of canvas. 00:20: Students can view details on assignments, quizzes, and discussions, and 00:24: submit these items from the app. 00:27: Students can use the navigation bar to access their dashboard. 00:29: Calendar, to-do list, notifications, or inbox. 00:36: Students can manage their canvas account. Using the student app students 00:40: can manage their files, display course, grades, get help from canvas, 00:44: support change users and log out of the app. 00:49: This guide covered the canvas student app.

Install Instructions

Download the app for free from the App Store or Play Store:

✔ iOS Devices: Canvas Student iOS Guide Links to an external site.

✔ Android Devices: Canvas Student Android Guide Links to an external site.

Note: While almost all UIW students enter University of the Incarnate Word in the Canvas app school search box to connect to their courses, there's one exception! Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students access the ABSN program courses by searching uiwabsnonline.instructure.com.