How would you like to learn? How would you like to teach? These are the questions that Case Western Reserve will explore over the coming months as Information Technology Services (ITS) evaluates Learning Management Systems (LMSs) in use at the university. LMSs, such as Blackboard Learn, MoodleRooms and Canvas, provide instructors with a suite of tools to manage their courses and to communicate with students. In turn, these platforms help students complete their coursework and stay atop of their academic commitments.
While Blackboard Learn is the university’s centrally supported LMS, other cohorts on campus have adopted alternative solutions to meet their needs. According to an EDUCAUSE Center for Analysis and Research Bulletin in May 2014, LMSs are poised to become increasingly important in matters of institutional affairs. Additionally, data collected in last year’s Measures of Success survey indicated the high importance that undergraduate students place on the LMS to help them be successful. A majority of respondents also indicated that they were satisfied with Blackboard Learn.
But over the last several years, there have been changes in the LMS landscape with new competitors in the marketplace. Case Western Reserve is in an ideal position to assess its LMS options as the license renewal process with Blackboard Learn begins.
“Supporting, expanding and evaluating services that further the university’s academic mission is paramount for ITS,” Sue B. Workman, vice president of ITS and chief information officer for Case Western Reserve, said. “Inside and outside of the classroom, our faculty and students depend on learning management systems to be successful. We are committed to partnering with them and implementing a shared vision for this technology at Case Western Reserve.”
This initiative will determine how Blackboard Learn might be maximized to benefit students and faculty, or it will indicate if the university should move toward an alternate solution.
ITS is organizing opportunities for members of the university community to offer feedback about LMSs. Four town hall-style events are scheduled at the follow dates, times and locations:
- 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, May 1, in 204 Bingham Building
- 2 to 3 p.m., Friday, May 1, in 101 Thwing Center
- 2 to 3 p.m., Monday, May 4, in 125 Mather Memorial Building
- 3 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, in 204 Bingham Building
All students, faculty and staff members are invited to attend these interactive sessions. The latest information about the LMS exploration—including details for future town halls—will be posted to case.edu/its/lms-exploration/. At the bottom of the page, visitors will find a Google Form that can be used to describe how Blackboard Learn or other LMSs are being used in their area, to volunteer to test alternate solutions, or to subscribe to future project updates.
Questions regarding the LMS exploration should be directed to explorelms@case.edu.