This weekend, Canvas, the central hub for student coursework and communications, was shut down for over 12 hours, leaving students confused and worried as a blank Canvas homepage stared back at them.
In today’s academic environment, technology is embedded in nearly every aspect of a student’s life. From submitting assignments to accessing their lecture notes, students are deeply dependent on platforms like Canvas, a learning management system for organizing class materials, assignments, grades and course material all in one place.
While technology offers a plethora of resources and conveniences, it also has some vulnerabilities. The Canvas shutdown was due to a widespread failure of Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS relies on the Domain Name System (DNS), which translates domain names into IP addresses so browsers can load resources. The DNS failed, rendering Canvas inaccessible.
“I had an exam on Wednesday, and I relied heavily on the material in Canvas. It was hard not being able to access everything. I had some of it saved on my iPad, but not everything, so I tried to work with that,” Third-year Diagnostic Ultrasound Major Anna Huang said.
The shutdown didn’t just disrupt access to class materials and the ability to turn in assignments. Many students were unsure if professors would cancel classes, extend deadlines or expect a submission in a different way.
“Honestly, I was worried about my assignments that I had to turn in because I didn’t know if my professor was going to cancel my classes or push back the assignment so that we don’t lose credits,” First-year English Major Josephine McFadden said.
Professors were likewise caught off guard, scrambling to communicate with students without access to the primary platform. Some turned to email or alternate systems, but others were left without a backup plan.
“It really affected our professor because she relies on Canvas a lot. She’s always on it, so that was a struggle. We had assignments due that day, and we couldn’t upload them,” Huang said.
Canvas was functioning again by the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 20. However, in the midst of midterms, students were nervous about what would happen with the lost time.
This incident highlights a broader point: technology is everywhere. In a digital age, all schoolwork is online. Assignments are submitted online and lectures are posted after classes through online platforms. Students also primarily communicate with each other and their professors through technology.
Not all educators embrace the digital approach. Some are pushing back against so many screens in class, using technology for their context and resources instead. Some professors are switching to no-technology in their classrooms to improve students’ engagement with one another, foster critical thinking and minimize the use of AI.
Avery Snelson, a philosophy professor, has adopted a no-screen policy in his lectures.
“Critical thinking is paramount to society. We can’t have an informed citizenry that votes in its best interest or stands up for its values unless people are critical thinkers,” Snelson said.
His approach reflects a growing concern among educators. While technology can enhance access and provide additional support, it can also create hurdles, raising the question of how to prepare for the event that this happens again.
