Will we be running both Blackboard and Canvas at the same time?

Yes, during the LMS migration project, both Blackboard Learn and Canvas will be functional. We will run a small pilot of courses in Canvas during Fall 2024 semester. Continued adoption of Canvas will continue in the Spring 2025 semester. It will mean that students may have courses in both systems during the 2024-2025 academic year.

What is the timeline for moving to Canvas?

We will be moving to Canvas over the 2024-2025 academic year. Please see the project timeline for more information.

What’s different about Canvas?

The Canvas LMS platform includes intuitive features that are focused on an improved student experience. Some features that make Canvas stand out from its competitors are:

• Greatly improved student experience with features students have asked for, such as improved calendar and to-do lists, common course structure, and an excellent mobile app
• Widely used among higher education research institutions
• Intuitive user interface, with less start-up time for new instructors and students

What tools will be available in Canvas? Will integrated tools in Blackboard be in Canvas?

Canvas has similar tools to Blackboard and other learning management systems like quizzes, announcements, discussions, and other built-in tools. Nearly all existing third-party tools integrated into Blackboard, such as Echo 360, Zoom, Kahoot!, VoiceThread, Qwickly Attendance, Kaltura, and publisher tools will be available in Canvas. More information will be communicated as the project progresses.

What support will you provide instructors for the transition to Canvas?

Course migrations can move existing Blackboard courses to Canvas. Extensive training and support options will be available in multiple modes and formats. More information will be communicated as the project progresses.

How can I be part of the pilot?

The Provost Office and faculty representatives will work with CITS Instructional Development to identify participants for each stage of the project. More information will be communicated as the project progresses.

How will course migrations work?

UMass Dartmouth is looking at several course migration options for the switch to Canvas, including a 3rd party company that specializes in migrating courses from one LMS to another. There will be zero to minimal loss of content during the migration. Some reorganization of course content by instructors will likely be necessary before the Canvas course is ready for students. More information will be communicated as the project progresses.

What will happen to my Blackboard courses?

Blackboard will be discontinued in Summer 2025. For courses that are not moved to Canvas or to access student content in courses (which will not be moved to Canvas), an archive of Blackboard courses will be maintained for data retention. More information will be communicated as the project progresses.

When will I be able to get a Canvas account to start learning and testing?

Faculty training for Canvas and wider access to Canvas for course management will occur sometime after the start of the fall 2024 semester. We anticipate having sandbox/practice courses for all faculty after the start of the fall 2024 semester.

I’m developing a new course. Which system should I use?

Blackboard is the only option for the spring and summer 2024 semesters. Only a small select group of faculty will be utilizing Canvas as part of a pilot in the fall 2024 semester. Faculty training for Canvas and wider access to Canvas for course development will occur sometime after the start of the fall 2024 semester.

What will happen with Organizations and course sites not part of official terms?

Organizations and non-course-related content will be addressed once appropriate alternatives are identified. More information will be communicated as the project progresses.

How can I provide feedback or ask questions?

Please use the Canvas Feedback and Inquiries Form to ask questions, provide feedback, and report issues.