Instructure, the company behind the widely used Canvas learning management system, announced two developments last week aimed at expanding the use of artificial intelligence within its learning ecosystem: a global partnership with OpenAI and the launch of a new platform called IgniteAI.
OpenAI INTEGRATION ENABLES LLM WORKFLOWS IN CANVAS
According to a news release, the partnership with OpenAI will allow educators to build large language model (LLM) workflows and create customized GPT-style experiences directly within the Canvas LMS through a feature called LLM-Enabled Assignment. Educators will be able to use this feature to define how the AI interacts with students, specify learning objectives and determine what kind of evidence should be generated and returned. Students will engage with the AI in a conversational format, and their responses will be evaluated for evidence of understanding, which will be visible to instructors.
The news release said student data will remain within the Canvas environment and is not shared with OpenAI, and teachers will maintain control over the AI prompts and learning objectives.
According to a public statement from OpenAI’s Leah Belsky, VP and general manager of education, the collaboration is intended to provide tools that allow for “richer, more personalized, and more connected learning experiences,” while also giving educators more time to focus on instructional priorities.
The news release further said the global partnership reflects a “strategic shift towards ed-tech and AI companies working side by side to shape the future of education,” suggesting industry partnerships are the way forward.
INSTRUCTURE’S NEW AI PLATFORM
In parallel with the OpenAI announcement, Instructure introduced IgniteAI, a new platform designed to streamline the use of AI across its products. Built on AWS Bedrock, a platform intended to allow developers to test new AI models, IgniteAI is part of Canvas and Mastery and intended to support both native and partner-developed AI tools.
A news release described IgniteAI as a tool for allowing educators to automate a range of tasks, from quiz and rubric creation to content alignment, grading and feedback. It also includes IgniteAgent, a chatbot that helps complete complex workflows and supports interoperability with other AI agents over Instructure’s network of over 1,100 ed-tech partners.
Early adopters at Florida International University who tested IgniteAI’s features cited its translation capabilities and direct collaboration with the company’s research and development team as key benefits, according to the news release.
“Our staff, who are keen to embrace AI, particularly appreciated features like the translation capabilities, which offer a powerful way to make education accessible for our entire student body,” said Robert Romano, IT associate director at the university, in a public statement.
Both the OpenAI integration and the launch of IgniteAI last week reflect a growing emphasis by a major ed-tech company on embedded, interoperable AI tools designed for its educator and student users.
Editor’s note: This story was developed in collaboration with GPT-4 and reviewed and edited by CDE Editorial staff.