Why are we evaluating new Learning Management Systems?
What is the pilot process for platform evaluation?
How can I get access to the sandbox systems for Canvas and Brightspace?
When will a decision be made?
Who is involved in this process?
How can I learn how to use the new systems?
Who is funding the project?
Why are we evaluating new Learning Management Systems?
The learning management system is a central component to digital learning. It is crucial that the University have a platform that meets current faculty needs as well as positions us to adapt to the changing educational landscape. Having been on the same platform for over two decades, a reevaluation is needed.
The Academic Technology Steering Committee (ATSC) has begun the process of exploring current trends in learning management systems. The Library’s Academic Technology department has been tasked with evaluating state-of-the-art platform options. The findings from this project will be presented to the ATSC in the summer of 2019.
What is the pilot process for platform evaluation?
The LMS evaluation pilot consists of two concurrent tracks:
Track 1 consists of eight faculty members running a course in one of the pilot platforms during the Spring 2019 semester. Feedback will be gathered from the participants over the course of the semester through online surveys and feedback sessions.
Track 2 consists of an open evaluation period for each pilot system. Users will be able to login to a sandbox instance of each platform to experience the demo courses as both an instructor and a student. Feedback will be gathered from participants using an online survey.
How can I get access to the sandbox systems for Canvas and Brightspace?
The open evaluation of the LMS platforms is open to any AU faculty or staff member. Starting in mid-February, if you are interested in evaluating both Brightspace and Canvas, please email lmseval@american.edu. Once we receive your request to participate, we will give you accounts in both systems and email you a list of tasks/items to explore. If you choose to participate, we ask that you evaluate both systems equally. Your feedback is very important, and you will be asked to complete a survey at the end of the semester.
When will a decision be made?
The project group’s report will be completed in June of 2019 and submitted to the Academic Technology Steering Committee (ATSC) members. No decision as to the timing of a potential LMS change has been set.
Who is involved in this process?
The main evaluation committee includes members of the Library’s Academic Technology team. This team administers the Blackboard LMS, and has been trained extensively on both pilot systems. The faculty members running courses through the pilot systems were chosen from a pool of volunteers interested in joining the project.
How can I learn how to use the new systems?
If you’re interested in previewing the pilot systems, send and email to lmseval@american.edu. You will receive a reply with login instructions as well as links to online training materials for both systems.
Who is funding the project?
Funding for the pilot systems comes from the University Library.