Case Study: University of Derby reaches 25,000+ learners and generates £1.15M enrolment impact with Instructure’s Canvas Network

An Open Approach to Innovation on Canvas Network

The University of Derby faced a challenge to expand student engagement and showcase its pedagogical approach by developing an open, sustainable MOOC strategy. In 2015 the university chose Canvas Network — the open online learning platform and extension of the Canvas VLE provided by Instructure — to deliver scalable, flexible courses and to support Innovation Hub goals around openness and employability.

Instructure supported Derby with Canvas Network and complementary instructional-design consultancy, enabling an open, modular pedagogy, automated personalized learner experiences, and sharing of course assets via Canvas Commons. Using this solution the university ran five MOOCs that attracted more than 25,000 learners, led to over 200 conversions into fee-based courses, produced an enrolment impact of over £1.15 million in the first year and delivered more than £42,000 in brand recognition.

University of Derby

Syed Munib Hadi

Head of Derby’s Academic Innovation Hub