D2L to Canvas Feature Comparison
This document covers tool names, equivalents, & important notes to help guide both faculty & support teams during the transition. Use this reference to understand how key D2L tools map to equivalent Canvas features.
| D2L Tool/Feature | Canvas Equivalent | Notes/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Modules | Canvas Modules organize content in a linear format, replacing D2L’s Content tool. |
| Dropbox (Assignments) | Assignments | Both platforms use the same term; Canvas assignments can be submitted online, on paper, or as no submission. |
| Quizzes | Quizzes / New Quizzes | Canvas has Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes. Some D2L question types may not transfer directly. |
| Discussions | Discussions | Very similar function, but Canvas discussions are more visually integrated and user-friendly. |
| Grades | Gradebook | Canvas Gradebook supports SpeedGrader and integration with rubrics. |
| Rubrics | Rubrics | Canvas Rubrics are built into the LMS and integrate with assignments, discussions, and quizzes. |
| Checklists | To-Do List / Requirements in Modules | Canvas does not have checklists, but To-Do lists and Module requirements provide similar functionality. |
| Calendar | Calendar | Both tools offer similar features; Canvas calendar integrates with due dates automatically. |
| Class Progress | Analytics / New Analytics | Canvas offers course analytics and progress tracking for students. |
| Course Builder | Modules + Pages | Canvas does not have a separate course builder tool; you build directly within modules. |
| News | Announcements | Canvas Announcements provide course-wide messaging and can be pre-scheduled. |
| Inbox (Conversations) | Canvas Inbox serves as an internal messaging system for all users. | |
| Groups | Groups | Both support group workspaces, discussions, and assignments. |
| Surveys | Quizzes (Ungraded) or 3rd Party Tools | Canvas does not have a built-in survey tool; use ungraded quizzes or Google Forms. |
| Intelligent Agents | New Analytics + Manual Communication | Canvas does not have automated agents; use New Analytics and message students manually. |
| Release Conditions | Module Requirements & Prerequisites | Canvas has limited release conditions compared to D2L but offers basics via module settings. |
| HTML Editor | Rich Content Editor (RCE) | Canvas’s RCE supports HTML and integrates with accessibility checkers and multimedia tools. |