The following piece is an opinion and does not reflect the views of The Eagle and its staff. All opinions are edited for grammar, style, argument structure, and fact-checked, but the opinions are the writer’s own.
As a junior at American University, I spend about fifteen hours a week on homework. That’s already a lot, but there’s something that really complicates it: Canvas. Well, not Canvas itself—it’s how different professors use it. Each class has its own setup, and that leads to confusion and stress about assignments. This issue highlights a bigger problem of online disorganization at AU.
Every week, I make a to-do list. It includes everything from reading assignments to reminders for office hours. But piecing it all together is tricky. I often feel like I’m forgetting something crucial.
In some classes, the schedule is at the end of the syllabus. In others, it’s found in different tabs like modules or assignments. Some professors even prefer a linked Google Doc or webpage. And worse yet, a few share due dates only during class, leaving students scrambling. All these differences make it hard for us to keep track of what we need to do.
Research shows that a well-organized space can reduce anxiety. However, staying organized is tough when every professor sets up their Canvas page differently. One class might use files, another tabs, and the next modules. It’s a lot to remember.
Adding to the chaos are the frequent IT issues at AU. Professors often struggle with projectors, face audio problems, or deal with locked assignments on Canvas. These hiccups interrupt classes and hinder learning.
At AU, students pay around $40,000 each year after financial aid. With such high tuition, it’s fair to expect seamless Canvas pages and professors who know how to use the technology available. Each time a professor needs tech help, class time is lost, disrupting our education.
This column isn’t meant to criticize professors or blame them for tech issues. For instance, an adjunct professor teaching just one class may not know how to run an older projector. Therefore, the university administration needs to step in. It’s their job to ensure that faculty are trained on the tech and guided on creating user-friendly Canvas pages. It’s a disservice to students when tech problems hinder learning, especially at a school that charges so much.
As education increasingly relies on online platforms like Canvas, AU must address these tech challenges. For students to thrive, professors need better training and support. If we raise awareness around these disruptions, we can help the administration see how significant the issue is.
Addie DiPaolo is a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs and a columnist for The Eagle.
This article was edited by Quinn Volpe, Alana Parker, and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Olivia Citarella, and Emma Brown.
opinion@theeagleonline.com
