UNMC to pilot new learning management system

UNMC is exploring a leading-edge, accessible learning management system (LMS), and a new pilot project will provide opportunities for faculty, students and staff to assess the new system.

The pilot project, Canvas by Instructure LMS, aids in organizing course content through a flexible, intuitive format. During the past year, the University of Neraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Kearney announced the adoption of Canvas as their campus LMS to replace Blackboard at the end of the current University of Nebraska System Blackboard contract on July 1, 2018.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha also is currently investigating whether to adopt Canvas as its LMS.

Dan Moser, associate director, learning environment/internet services of information technology services, will lead a UNMC campus pilot review of Canvas this academic year, said Dele Davies, M.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs.

“This pilot will provide opportunities for faculty, students and staff from every college and unit on campus to assess Canvas in a sandbox environment and provide feedback on the product with a recommendation as to which LMS UNMC should adopt at the end of our systemwide contract on July 1, 2018,” Dr. Davies said.

Overview of Campus Plan for Assessment of Canvas
The UNMC Education Council will provide oversight for the project and will make the recommendation to Dr. Davies on the adoption of Canvas.

The Educational Technology Committee, a subcommittee of the Educational Council chaired by Moser, will develop and oversee the assessment and will provide the campus with information and, as appropriate, the plan for UNMC adoption of the Canvas. This committee has faculty and staff members from all the UNMC colleges and support services.

The Education Council has been asked to nominate faculty and staff from every college to participate in the pilot — 30 courses with representation from each college also are already under development in Canvas. If you are interested in participating in developing courses or transferring your current course to Canvas during the pilot, contact Moser at (402) 559-5684.