The University launched a comprehensive review process to identify a replacement for our current version of Blackboard. Blackboard Learn is over 10 years old and will no longer be supported by the vendor after 2023. The University hopes to migrate to a new learning management system (LMS) by fall 2022.
Learning Management System Migration
Faculty input is critical to identifying a replacement Learning Management System (LMS).
Faculty are invited to explore and provide feedback on the three replacement products being considered: Blackboard Ultra, Canvas Instructure, and Desire2Learn Brightspace. There are three ways for faculty to provide feedback. Faculty can chose the data collection activities that best fit their schedule or participate in all three. Faculty will be able to provide feedback via the options below through May 7th. The Learning Management System Steering (LMS) Committee will then analyze all data collected across the University and make a recommendation to senior leadership on the platform to replace Blackboard.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact Mike Reese at mreese@jhu.edu for information about providing feedback or the process for identifying a new LMS.
1.) Live Online Demos
Attend live demos showcasing the same functions in all three platforms by CER staff and complete a short survey at the end to share your opinion. The sessions will cover the most frequently used tools : 1) uploading content, 2) using assessment tools (assignments, test, quizzes, gradebook), and 3) communication tools. The 60 minute sessions will be offered twice between 4/12-4/19.
Register for your preferred topics/dates via the links below:
- LMS Demos: Uploading Content
- LMS Demos: Assessment Tools
- LMS Demos: Communication Tools
2.) Short, pre-recorded demos
Watch pre-recorded demos (1-3 minutes long for each platform) on various tools and complete a survey sharing your opinion. The recorded demos showcase the tools ranked as the most important by faculty in the Phase 1 survey asking faculty what functions they use most often in Blackboard Learn. We expect faculty will only watch the demos for the tools they use. Please note you will be prompted to choose the demonstration videos on the second page of the survey.
3.) Pilot Sandboxes
Request an account for each platform so you can build a mock site and directly evaluate the tools and user interface. KSAS and WSE faculty can email Cheryl Wagner (cwagner2jhu.edu) for a username/password and then provide feedback on the LMS survey page. Please specify for which LMS products you would like a user account: Blackboard Ultra, Canvas Infrastructure, and Desire2Learn Brightspace.
LMS Migration Project Timeline
