Information flow solipsism in canvas: An exploration of student privacy awareness

The proliferation of learning analytics (LA) in higher education has relied on data from learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas and Blackboard. Despite widespread LMS usage, students often lack clarity on what specific data is collected and who has access to it. This study explores undergraduate students’ understanding of data collection practices within the Canvas LMS. We analyzed survey responses of nearly 600 students, examining students’ awareness of the various roles within Canvas and their corresponding data permissions. The results reveal that students exhibit a general awareness of data collection practices but are unsure about the extent of their data’s use and misinterpret the use of data analytics, highlighting a a greater need for critical data education in universities and other educational contexts. These findings suggest a critical need for universities to enhance transparency and educate students on data privacy and LMS functionalities.

Dowell, M. L. & Greenhalgh, S. P. (2025). Information flow solipsism in Canvas: An exploration of student privacy awareness. The Internet and Higher Education, 65, 100989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2024.100989