Canvas Outage Sparks Tech Rethink

A recent ransomware attack on Canvas disrupted coursework at institutions across North America. The outage occurred while instructors finalized grades and prepared for summer sessions, causing panic among students. The author observed reactions ranging from frustration with Instructure to calls for a return to fully analog classrooms.

However, the author argues against abandoning technology altogether, noting many students lack basic skills for analog methods and benefit from digital accessibility features. A complete rejection of technology risks administrators simply selecting another enterprise solution, repeating the cycle of reliance on large tech companies.

Inspired by projects like Domain of One’s Own and the concept of minimal computing, the author proposes institutions prioritize student needs and local solutions over profit-driven enterprise software. This approach would require investment in learning design experts and a willingness to explore lower-bandwidth, less complex digital tools, but could foster greater autonomy and accessibility. The author believes this moment presents an opportunity to forge a new path for educational technology.