BetterCampus, a popular web browser extension for Canvas formerly known as BetterCanvas, was blocked by the District earlier this month due to technical issues. While the site has returned for some students, many are still unable to access it.
The extension provides functions such as a GPA calculator, grade display, and a to-do list underneath each class on the dashboard. It also allows students to customize the display of the site to their own liking.
Leading up to the release of an updated version of BetterCampus on Sept. 9, students with the browser extension began to experience technological issues. Some students were reportedly unable to access online quizzes through Canvas, while others were unable to log into their accounts entirely.
“The learning environment that morning was extremely disrupted. We identified that if the BetterCanvas extension was removed, all the problems went away. This worked for everyone,” Eric Trice, Manager of Programming, Web, and Server Services on the District’s technology and Information Services department, said. “So we blocked the extension.”
The Technology Integration Committee (TIC), a group made up of teachers and administrators in the District that choose what extensions and apps are approved for students, made the decision to block BetterCampus.
BetterCampus was the only extension banned, however, due to changes in Google’s privacy policies for students regarding apps and extensions made in March of last year, all extensions except those on the approved list are blocked and each must be individually approved by the District. Students can submit requests for extensions at Incident IQ, an online help desk for questions, reports of issues, or requests relating to student’s tech needs.
However, many students did not experience technological issues, and the District’s quick actions were followed with no widespread explanation or communication, which resulted in confusion following its removal. Additionally, the ban appears to be inconsistent across student’s accounts, as some have been able to restore and use the extension on their Canvas pages. During the testing periods where the District extension is temporarily unblocked, students are able to access the extension, which explains the irregularity across accounts.
“It was so much easier to check what I needed to do [with BetterCampus],” sophomore Stella Huang said. “The GPA calculator was so lit—it showed me all my stuff and motivated me to do my work,” she added.
Students also appreciated its customization options, including the ability to change color schemes and class icon images to make the site more aesthetically pleasing. Once the District removed the add-on, students were left wondering why their Canvas had suddenly reverted to the standard form. “I got really annoyed when my Canvas was ugly,” sophomore Kylie Leeder said.
Other Canvas extensions remain available, including Tasks for Canvas, a popular alternative. The extension displays announcements and a list of assignments on the dashboard. It also visually tracks students’ progress on their work with rings for different classes. Another extension, Canvas+, offers similar options that improve functionality and allow users to customize Canvas’ display.
TIC blocked the extension out of necessity to prevent learning interruptions from technical difficulties. As soon as BetterCanvas fixes the issues from the update, they plan to restore the extension. TIC is currently working with Canvas Support and is making progress to reinstate it. “We are all well aware of the popularity of BetterCanvas, and look forward to being able to unblock it,” Trice said.
