Helpful Links

Navigate OHIO

About OHIO Admission Athletics
Academics Life at OHIO

Connect With Us

Bobcat Depot
1 Park Place
Athens, OH 45701
help.ohio.edu

LMS Evaluation FAQs

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.