-
What was the LMS Review Project?
UBalt conducted the learning management system (LMS) review in the Spring 2022 semester. The LMS Review Evaluation Committee, faculty, staff, and students from across the university evaluated vendor responses to academic use cases, technical use cases, and platform features. The goals of the LMS review project were:
1) To identify the most effective LMS to meet the needs of UBalt faculty and students.
2) To secure faculty and student input on LMS features and compare them with Sakai.
See the LMS Review Timeline and Project Goals infographic, showing the UBalt LMS review process.
-
Why are we changing LMS systems?
The University of Baltimore selected Sakai, an open-source learning management system approximately 11 years ago. The LMS review allowed UBalt to examine new features and capabilities offered in platforms today. During the LMS Review, we found that Canvas provided significant improvements over our current LMS, such as:
The Canvas student app allowing students to complete coursework on a mobile device.
Accessibility features that follow Section 508 guidelines.
The Canvas Instructor app giving instructors an increased ability to work with course content and grade when needed on a mobile device.
The ability to utilize Canvas's K16 partner to migrate Sakai courses into Canvas.
Robust third-party platform and Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) integrations, e.g., Panopto, VoiceThread, Turnitin.
Continuous updates as the platform improves.
-
What type of helpdesk support will be available to faculty, staff, and students?
Extensive support resources are available for faculty, staff, and students, including a 24x7 helpdesk and Canvas user community.
Students
-
When will Canvas training be available for students?
There will be a small number of courses piloted in the Canvas LMS during the Spring 2023 semester. Students enrolled in the Canvas pilot courses will receive training when their courses open at the onset of the Spring 2023 semester.
Beginning with the Summer 2023 semester, instructors will teach all UBalt courses using the Canvas LMS. Therefore, when students enroll in summer and fall 2023 courses, they will be notified if their classes will be taught using Canvas and will receive training in advance of the respective semester.
-
When is the last day for students to access Sakai course and project content?
The last day students will have access to their Spring 2023 Sakai courses is June 30, 2023.
-
What will happen to my courses housed in Sakai once access is turned off?
We will archive Sakai courses and project content not migrated to the Canvas environment and provide UBalt faculty and staff with instructions on content retrieval. If students need access to course content not migrated to Canvas, they must contact their instructor or the department chair to request access in writing.
Faculty
-
When is the last day for faculty to access Sakai course and project content?
The last day Sakai will be available for teaching is the end of the Spring 2023 semester, May 31, 2023.
The last day faculty and staff will have access to Sakai courses and projects will be January 31, 2024. -
What content will be migrated from Sakai to Canvas?
The initial semesters targeted for Canvas course and project migration will be courses taught in the Spring 2021 through Spring 2023 semesters. We will work with the Associate Deans and Department heads to identify additional courses that fall outside of our targeted semester range but are necessary for program delivery.
-
What will happen to my courses housed in Sakai once access is turned off?
We will archive Sakai courses and project content not migrated to the Canvas environment and provide UBalt faculty and staff with instructions on content retrieval. If students need access to course content not migrated to Canvas, they must contact their instructor or the department chair to request access in writing.
-
When will Canvas training be available for faculty and staff?
Canvas training for faculty and staff will be available beginning January 3, 2023.
-
What types of Canvas training will be available for faculty and staff?
Asynchronous modules and synchronous training sessions will be available for individuals and groups. In addition, consultation sessions will be available with CELTT team members and Canvas faculty fellows.
-
Is Canvas training required for faculty?
CELTT strongly recommends that faculty complete the Growing with Canvas course that will be available to you. This course is a great way to learn how to use Canvas with your students. Faculty will earn badges for their completion of modules in the Growing with Canvas course.
-
What is the recommended date for faculty to complete Canvas training?
Faculty will have five months to complete the Canvas training modules, from January 3, 2023, to May 31, 2023. We ask that faculty complete Canvas training by May 31, 2023, the end of the spring semester.
-
Do faculty have to complete Canvas training if they have used Canvas at another institution?
The answer to this question depends on the faculty member’s skill and comfort level with Canvas. CELTT recommends that faculty with Canvas experience review the training course to learn about updates to Canvas and the specifics of the UBalt Canvas instance.