Optimizing Book and Poster Design with Canva: Student Perspectives

Abstract

In the digital era, technological advancements have profoundly transformed how individuals interact, collaborate, and execute tasks, including educational practices. Among the myriad of design tools available, Canva stands out as a versatile and user-friendly platform widely adopted by students and educators. This study investigates the perceptions of fifth-semester students in the English Department at Raden Intan Lampung State Islamic University regarding Canva's use in academic assignments. Specifically, the research examines Canva’s role in creating books for the English for Academic Purposes course and designing posters for the Extensive Listening course. Using a qualitative research methodology, data were gathered from 25 students through a Likert-scale questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The study reveals that 84% of respondents perceive Canva as an intuitive and accessible tool, emphasizing its ease of use and extensive template library. Moreover, 80% of participants consider Canva suitable for both individual and collaborative projects, highlighting its role in enhancing teamwork. While 48% of respondents agreed and 36% strongly agreed on Canva’s ability to support creative expression and save time, 16% expressed neutral views, suggesting potential limitations for complex design needs. This research underscores Canva’s significance as a digital platform that empowers students to meet academic and creative objectives. Its affordability, adaptability across devices, and collaborative features make Canva a preferred choice for educational purposes. However, the study also identifies its constraints, particularly for advanced design tasks, calling for complementary tools in such scenarios. Future research could explore Canva’s broader impacts on academic performance and its potential in diverse educational contexts