Learning Management System Evaluation Project

Ohio University selects Canvas as its new Learning Management System (LMS)

We are excited to announce that Ohio University has chosen Canvas as its new Learning Management System provider. This decision was made after a thorough evaluation process that included faculty, student, and staff input and experiences at all OHIO campuses. Transitioning to a modern and user-friendly learning management system is a crucial step towards achieving our vision of teaching excellence, in addition to the outstanding work being done in active learning design and campus space optimization.

To access information such as upcoming engagement opportunities, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), the implementation timeline, and training materials, please visit the Canvas Learning Management System Implementation Website.

To learn more about the process of selecting Canvas, please read the Summary Report.

For a comparison of features between Blackboard and Canvas, please visit the Canvas vs Blackboard page.

RFP timeline 

Summer 2022: Notify campus community about forthcoming RFP 
Early Fall 2022: Form LMS Evaluation committee with faculty, student, and staff representatives 
Fall 2022: Launch official RFP 
Spring 2023: Award RFP 
Summer 2023: Announce implementation timeline for new LMS. Implementation will be a phased approach over the two years following the award of the RFP.

RFP Evaluation Committee

The RFP Evaluation Committee will finalize requirements based on campus feedback and guide the request for proposal process. They will review vendor proposals and make a recommendation to the Provost’s Office.

Members of the RFP Evaluation Committee are listed below.

Name	Title	Representing
Michelle Donaldson	Learning Systems Analyst III	Office of Information Technology
Aimee Edmondson	Acting Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, Research and Creative Activity	Scripps College of Communication University Curriculum Council
Tobe Gillogly	Assistant Clinical Professor/Chair, Interdisciplinary Health Studies	College of Health Sciences and Professions
Michael Greene	Learning and Development Administrator	University Human Resources
Kennedy Huntsman	Honors Tutorial College student, Political Science major	Athens Campus students Student Senate
Shantelle Jenkins	Assistant Professor of Instruction and Associate MPA Director	Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service
Jennie Klein	Associate Director and Graduate Director, School of Art + Design, Professor of Art History	College of Fine Arts
Kari Lehman	Vice Provost for OHIO Online	OHIO Online
Peter Lim	Application Support Analyst & IT Coordinator	Regional Higher Education
Eszti Major-Rohrer	Manager, Enterprise Learning Systems & Academic Technology Services	Office of Information Technology
Yza Melvin	Senior Technology Analyst	Office of the University Registrar
Shawn Ostermann	Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science	Russ College of Engineering and Technology
Renee Perry	IT Acquisitions Manager	Office of Information Technology
Melinda Rhodes-DiSalvo	Executive Director, Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment	Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment
Sarah Rist	Assistant Professor of Instruction, Marketing	College of Business
Jay Ryu	Professor, Political Science	College of Arts & Sciences
Paul Shovlin	Assistant Professor of Instruction and Director of Composition	College of Arts & Sciences
Becky Simons	Instructional Designer and Team Lead	Office of Instructional Innovation
Jennifer Smith	Assistant Professor of Instruction, Music Theory	College of Fine Arts University Curriculum Council
Mike Snavely	Senior Director, Instructional Operations, Technology and Learner Success, Graduate and External Programs	College of Business
Nick Stanley	Ohio University Chillicothe student, Middle Childhood Education major	Regional Higher Education students
Jesse Strycker	Assistant Professor, Educational Studies	Patton College of Education
Marjorie Vogt	Clinical Professor, Nursing	College of Health Sciences and Professions
Lindsey Ward	Academic Technology Team Lead	Office of Information Technology
Allison White	Associate Professor, Chair of Applied Sciences and Professions	University College Regional Higher Education
Andria Williams	Director, Medical Education Technology Solutions	Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Frequently asked questions

Why do we need a new learning management system?

Blackboard has been OHIO’s LMS provider for more than 20 years, and the needs of students, faculty, and staff have evolved significantly over that time. The Spring 2022 LMS faculty survey highlighted the significant growth in LMS usage and revealed needs that could be met through an improved LMS experience. Additionally, Blackboard is expected to increasingly shift Blackboard Learn users to Blackboard Ultra in the next several years, so this is an opportune time to determine if the University should migrate to a new platform, or if Blackboard’s new Ultra platform meets the needs of our community.

When will I have to switch to the new learning management system?

The RFP process will determine whether the University will migrate to Blackboard Ultra or transition to a different LMS vendor. The selection process is scheduled to conclude in Spring 2023, then a multi-year timeline is expected to be announced in Summer 2023. Faculty should expect to move to the new solution by 2026.

What support will you provide instructors for the transition to a new LMS?

The Office of Information Technology will provide a transition timeline soon after a vendor is selected to give instructors as much preparation time as possible to make the switch. Most vendors offer significant support to reduce the amount of hands-on work required, and OIT will maximize that support and supplement as necessary with training, guides, and individual consultations as necessary.

How will you support students during the transition?

Students will receive targeted outreach about the transition and OIT will provide student-specific LMS resources and training materials to support a smooth transition.

What should I do if I’m already using Blackboard Ultra?

Instructors using Blackboard Ultra can continue to use the platform and can still opt in during the 2022-2023 academic year. Please be aware that if the RFP process results in the selection of a new vendor, any courses created in Ultra will transition to the new LMS.

How can I share my feedback?

Faculty, staff, and students were invited to share feedback through multiple methods during the evaluation process, including a completing a feedback form, participating in interviews, trying out test environments, and attending demonstrations from potential vendors. If you have additional feedback to share, you may join the Teaching and Learning Advisory Community to participate in monthly discussions about teaching and learning technologies, include the learning management system.

Project communication to date

Date	Communication link
April, 27, 2023	Canvas selected as OHIO’s next Learning Management System
January 12, 2023	Recordings of learning management system vendor demos available, feedback requested
January 9, 2023	LMS vendor demonstrations to be held Jan. 9-11
December 1, 2022	LMS vendor demonstrations planned for January
October 13, 2022	Learning Management System RFP Evaluation Committee selected
August 18, 2022	Learning management system RFP to launch this fall
July 8, 2022	OIT announces learning management system evaluation project
March 17, 2022	Instructors invited to share Blackboard feedback on LMS Survey

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