Learning management system (LMS) software products like Canvas and Saba help organizations tremendously when it comes to effectively implementing learning and development among team members.

Canvas and Saba became well-known LMS software products because of their efficacy in supporting the learning within various establishments.

As Canvas and Saba are both LMS software products, there are some similarities between them. In this article, we’ll compare similarities to promote a better understanding of what each software can do.

Before we begin the discussion, it’s important to emphasize that Canvas caters only to academic institutions while Saba’s primary clients are corporations from different industries. If Canvas’s main focus is the learning of students, Saba is concentrated on the training of employees.

This means that even though both Canvas and Saba are LMS software products, there’ll still be some differences in their features to meet the needs of the clients they intend to accommodate.

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Canvas and Saba: An overview

Canvas was developed by Instructure, Inc. Founded in 2008, Instructure Inc. is a Utah-based educational technology company. Canvas was launched in 2011 and since then, it has become one of the most trusted LMS by innumerable educational institutions globally.

Saba began as a small software company in 1997. Back then, Saba intended to develop an LMS software to help businesses improve the skills of their employees through training. In 2000, Saba officially became public. And, in 2005, Saba evolved into a talent management software — with expanded functionalities dedicated to performance development and management.

Comparing features and capabilities for Canvas vs. Saba

Learning assessments 

Canvas has the Quiz Stats feature that works not only to assess the capability of a learner, but also the effectiveness of the quizzes administered. This feature works to improve the quiz questions based on the learner’s performance.

For Saba, the Learning Assessment feature gauges the performance of the learner as well as the efficacy of a program or course. With this feature, organizations can administer pre-course and post-course tests to determine how effective a course or program is. The feedback of learners and their managers are gathered through this feature to identify room for improvement.

Video conferencing 

Canvas has the Conferences feature for real-time video learning. Presentations, demos, and lectures may be carried out virtually with this feature. Conferences are typically used for lectures between teachers and students as well as for group collaborations.

Saba’s Virtual Classroom feature lets learners and instructors conduct live or recorded training sessions. This feature also allows the instructors to give out scores, conduct exams, and record attendance during the virtual training.

Gamification

Canvas uses Badges to show recognition to students for their performance. This feature works to motivate students using virtual awards and appreciation. Canvas Badges are customizable.

Saba uses badges, rewards, and leaderboards to motivate and award learners who have completed the training on time. This feature from Saba may even be linked to an organization’s reward shop, so learners can exchange points for bonuses.

Analytics 

Canvas has a built-in analytics feature that lets users view several important facts regarding learning. Information such as effectiveness of a course and student performance can be easily checked with this feature. It’s important to note that the Analytics feature isn’t available to all users. Certain user permissions are required to get access.

The analytics from Saba works a little differently than Canvas analytics. For example, analytics reports may be customized and created from scratch with Saba. With the drag-and-drop function of this feature, users can build reports effortlessly. The effectiveness and engagement of training courses are reflected in the analytics report. These reports may be sent to relevant individuals through email.

Integrations for Canvas vs. Saba

There is an extensive list of possible integrations for Canvas. Some of the apps and software that can be integrated with Canvas are Student Information Systems, LinkedIn, Twitter, Amazon S3, Microsoft, and Facebook.

There are numerous apps and business software that integrate with Saba, too. These apps and software include Salesforce, Adobe, Microsoft Dynamics, Workday, and Monster.

LMS software for your organization

The valuable features of Canvas and Saba can improve the learning system of an organization, may it be an academic institution or a corporate establishment. Both LMS software products have much to offer that your decision might only depend on one factor: the type of organization you’re managing.

Keep in mind that no matter how impressive the capabilities of a software product is, you won’t benefit much from these capabilities if you won’t use the product the right way.

Canvas was specifically designed for the use of the academic industry. Therefore, it’s more practical for organizations within the academic sector to use this LMS. Saba was made for corporations and businesses. So, if you’re looking to improve the learning processes within your business, then Saba could be the better choice.

Want more LMS software options? Use our HR Software Buyers Guide.