Last fall, the campus launched a faculty- and student-driven initiative to identify the best learning management system (LMS) to meet CU Boulder’s teaching, learning and administrative needs. After several months of evaluation, the university announced the selection of Canvas. Join an information session Sept. 12 or 13 to learn more about the LMS, the upcoming transition, and how instructors can begin using it as soon as spring 2018.
Canvas was chosen for many reasons, including:
- A simplified interface that streamlines course development for instructors and helps students navigate their courses.
- Great mobile apps, such as the Canvas Teacher App that lets you post announcements, grade assignments and make changes to your course quickly and easily. The Student App allows students to receive course related notifications, submit assignments, take quizzes and participate in other learning activities.
- Real-time visibility into system status ensures that instructors and students never have to wonder if Canvas is available during important quizzes or assignment deadlines.
- An open-core architecture permits integration with many teaching and learning applications, giving instructors more options in their teaching toolkit.
Aisha Jackson, Associate Director of the Academic Technology Applications Program in the Office of Information Technology, says the transition from Desire2Learn (D2L) to Canvas will be exciting—and challenging.
“For those faculty who have expressed concerns about the disruption and challenges caused by this transition, we heard you!” Jackson said. “We will continue to support D2L through spring 2019 while we provide Canvas training, begin course migration and build support to ensure you get the best Canvas learning environment and experience from day one.”
Jackson added that instructors are encouraged to attend an upcoming Canvas information session.
“The project team wants to hear from as many people as possible so that we can continue to learn more and better understand how we can best support you during the transition.”
The Canvas information sessions are scheduled for the following times:
- Sept. 12, 9 to 10 a.m., UMC 247
- Sept. 13, 1 to 2 p.m., UMC 247
Discussion topics will include:
- Details on significant Canvas features and functionality
- How and when you can begin using Canvas to build courses for the spring 2018 semester
- Training, migration, support plans and opportunities
- The schedule and plan for retirement of the existing D2L system, which will be supported through the spring 2019 semester
For more information about the move to Canvas, visit the Desire2Learn to Canvas Migration website. For additional questions, contact the IT Service Center at help@colorado.edu or 303- 735-4357.
