Instructure and OpenAI Announce Global Partnership to Transform Education
Instructure, creator of the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), and OpenAI have joined forces to bring advanced AI technology directly into the Canvas platform. This partnership allows educators to integrate Large Language Model (LLM) workflows within their learning environments, aiming to boost both teaching effectiveness and student engagement.
The collaboration introduces a new Canvas-native AI integration that prioritizes educational integrity and privacy, putting control firmly in the hands of educators while offering students personalized learning experiences.
Key Features of the Integration
- Educator-Guided, Outcome-Aligned AI: Teachers can create learning activities that use OpenAI's AI capabilities while maintaining full control over how AI supports their course objectives.
- Student Agency with Teacher Visibility: Students engage in personalized AI-driven conversations inside Canvas, with educators able to monitor interactions without compromising student privacy.
- Seamless Evidence-Based Learning: AI interactions generate learning evidence that integrates directly into the Canvas Gradebook, linking AI-driven exploration with standards-based assessment.
- Focus on High-Value Educational Experiences: By automating routine tasks, educators and students can concentrate on meaningful activities that develop critical thinking and other higher-order skills.
Steve Daly, CEO of Instructure, highlighted the company’s vision: “We’re committed to delivering LMS technologies that empower educators and learners to adapt and thrive. Collaborating with OpenAI is a crucial step in enhancing meaningful learning and improving student outcomes.”
Introducing the LLM-Enabled Assignment
The first tool launched from this partnership is the LLM-Enabled Assignment. It lets educators create tailored GPT-like experiences within Canvas, defining how AI interacts with students, what learning goals it supports, and how evidence is collected.
Teachers can build these assignments using natural language prompts or with an assistant that guides them through the setup process. This makes it easier to create AI-supported learning experiences aligned with curriculum goals.
Shiren Vijiasingam, Chief Product Officer at Instructure, explained: “Students enjoy rich, interactive conversations in a familiar ChatGPT-style interface. Meanwhile, teachers receive clear evidence of learning tied to objectives and rubrics, enabling confident assessment of student progress.”
This tool allows educators to evaluate the learning process itself, not just the final answers. It also introduces students to responsible and effective AI use within a strong pedagogical framework.
Looking Ahead
The partnership between Instructure and OpenAI signals a new phase for education technology. By working together, edtech and AI companies can provide tools that support meaningful learning and adapt to technology’s pace of change.
Leah Belsky, General Manager and VP of Education at OpenAI, emphasized the impact: “This collaboration equips educators worldwide with tools to create personalized and connected learning, while freeing up time to focus on the human aspects of teaching.”
For educators interested in integrating AI responsibly and effectively in their teaching practice, exploring platforms like Canvas and keeping up with AI developments will be essential.
About Instructure
Instructure builds future-ready learning environments that support educators, institutions, and learners across K-12, higher education, and workforce development. Their goal is to amplify human potential through technology that adapts to educational needs at every stage.
About OpenAI
OpenAI is an AI research and deployment organization dedicated to ensuring artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.
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