SpatialChat, Instructure's Canvas LMS, and HyFlex Learning

We’re currently testing a native integration between SpatialChat and Canvas LMS, designed to support more engaging, real-time learning experiences directly inside the online classroom.

For those new to it: SpatialChat is a virtual space where people can walk around and talk to others nearby—like being in a real classroom, hallway, or group study room. Instructors can create breakout areas, pin media, and host open discussions in a much more dynamic way than a traditional video grid.

Why We’re Building This Many schools are adopting HyFlex learning, where students attend both in-person and remotely. But most video tools still feel disconnected from the actual learning platform. Zoom links and pop-ups add friction, and remote students often feel left out.

By integrating Canvas directly into SpatialChat, we’re making it easier for instructors and students to interact without leaving their course page—no new tabs or logins required.

What It Does Each Canvas course gets its own virtual room, saved and ready for future sessions.

Students and teachers can move around and talk freely in different areas—great for group work, Q&A zones, or open office hours.

Participation data (like who joined and how long they stayed) can be shared with instructors to help track engagement.

It all works within the Canvas interface, so everything feels like one connected experience.

We’re currently in pre-production testing with a few universities.