12-11-2025 –, Tango 2
How can you make a real impact with a digital learning environment at institutional level? In this session, Charlotte, Sjors and Arjen from VU Amsterdam will share their experiences of using Impact by Instructure to improve communication. For example, to make Canvas courses more student-friendly; to communicate clearly about changes in the digital learning environment, such as switching plagiarism platforms; and to support compliance with copyright laws.
You will not only hear what the VU is doing, but also how – including practical insights into project approach, collaboration between departments, and the effective use of external support.
What are the lessons learned? What preconditions are essential for success? And how can you translate this approach to your own institution? This session offers inspiration and concrete ways to use your digital learning environment to make a greater impact on the student experience and educational quality.
When renewing its contract with the digital learning environment (DLE) Canvas, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) opted to add Impact by Instructure. This tool enables institutions to integrate targeted communication and behavioural insights into the digital learning environment. VU sees this as an opportunity to further improve the use of the DLE and enhance the student experience.
Seven years ago, the switch to Canvas was a major step forward in the adoption of the DLE. But the bar has since been raised. What was once considered progressive is now the minimum standard. Students and lecturers expect an intuitive, supportive and well-designed digital learning environment. The new tool helps the VU to meet those expectations by offering communication at exactly the right time, in the right place and for the right target group.
In this session, Charlotte, Sjors and Arjen from the VU share their experiences with using Impact. They show how the tool is used to conduct communication campaigns that contribute to the following three goals.
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A more student-friendly design for Canvas courses The Canvas Student Friendly campaign supports lecturers in improving the structure and accessibility of their courses. Impact makes it possible to display tips and reminders directly in the learning environment, exactly when and where they are relevant.
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Changes in the digital learning environment When switching to a new plagiarism detection platform, the VU used Impact to inform users in a timely and targeted manner. This reduced confusion and ensured a smoother transition.
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Better compliance with copyright Through targeted communication in Canvas, lecturers are made aware of the rules surrounding copyright and how they can take this into account in their course materials.
The session is not only about what the VU is doing, but also about how. The speakers will give you insight into the project approach, the collaboration between different departments (such as IT, education policy and communication), and the smart use of external support. They will share their lessons learned: what works well as a campaign strategy, what works less well, and what preconditions are crucial for success?
In addition, the strengths and weaknesses of the tool itself are discussed. Impact proves to be powerful in reaching users within the DLE, but also requires careful coordination and monitoring. The VU plans to further expand the use of Impact, partly to stimulate the adoption of active blended learning – a priority within the university's educational vision.
What will you gain from this session?
Participants will receive concrete tools to get started with Impact or similar tools. Whether you are just starting to improve your digital learning environment or already have experience with DLE communication, this session offers inspiration, practical examples and opportunities for exchange.
