Does Harvard use Canvas for classes?
I'm a high school junior starting to look more closely at the day-to-day experiences at various colleges because I want to get a feel for what learning and organization would be like. I'm curious about Harvard specifically, and whether they use Canvas for their classes. At my high school, we've been using Canvas for a few years now, and I'm pretty comfortable with it. If Harvard uses it, I think that would make things easier to adjust to, but if not, I wonder which system they use and if it's easy to get used to.
If anyone attending Harvard (or planning to) could tell me what online platforms they use for assignments, readings, etc., I'd really appreciate it. It seems like a small detail, but I want to know what to expect!
If anyone attending Harvard (or planning to) could tell me what online platforms they use for assignments, readings, etc., I'd really appreciate it. It seems like a small detail, but I want to know what to expect!
2 weeks ago
•
15 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
At Harvard College, Canvas is indeed the main learning management system (LMS) used by most courses. Professors and teaching staff typically use Canvas to post assignments, readings, syllabi, and class announcements. Many classes also integrate grades and feedback directly into the platform, so you're able to see your progress and any comments from instructors in one place.
Harvard began using Canvas widely several years ago, and the platform is now a standard across almost all undergraduate courses. There may be some variations by department, especially if a particular professor prefers a different method for specialized assignments or resources, but Canvas is by far the most common. For example, in introductory Computer Science classes like CS50, you'll also interact with dedicated course websites and tools, but Canvas will still be used for broader communication and submissions.
If you're already comfortable with Canvas through your high school, you'll likely find the transition to Harvard's system pretty smooth. Navigating assignments, turning in work, checking due dates, and accessing lecture slides should all feel familiar. Some professors also use Canvas to run discussion boards, organize group projects, or even quiz you on readings before class.
Outside of Canvas, you may also use platforms like Piazza (a Q&A forum, especially popular in STEM courses) or Gradescope (often used for scanning and submitting written problem sets), but those are usually linked directly through your classes’ Canvas pages.
If you want to see what Harvard's Canvas looks like, there are occasionally demo pages or screenshots available online from their IT department. Knowing your way around Canvas is a definite plus and should help you hit the ground running if you end up at Harvard!
Harvard began using Canvas widely several years ago, and the platform is now a standard across almost all undergraduate courses. There may be some variations by department, especially if a particular professor prefers a different method for specialized assignments or resources, but Canvas is by far the most common. For example, in introductory Computer Science classes like CS50, you'll also interact with dedicated course websites and tools, but Canvas will still be used for broader communication and submissions.
If you're already comfortable with Canvas through your high school, you'll likely find the transition to Harvard's system pretty smooth. Navigating assignments, turning in work, checking due dates, and accessing lecture slides should all feel familiar. Some professors also use Canvas to run discussion boards, organize group projects, or even quiz you on readings before class.
Outside of Canvas, you may also use platforms like Piazza (a Q&A forum, especially popular in STEM courses) or Gradescope (often used for scanning and submitting written problem sets), but those are usually linked directly through your classes’ Canvas pages.
If you want to see what Harvard's Canvas looks like, there are occasionally demo pages or screenshots available online from their IT department. Knowing your way around Canvas is a definite plus and should help you hit the ground running if you end up at Harvard!
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years