In fall 2017, the Learning Technologies Advisory Committee (LTAC) oversaw a review of the University’s learning management system (LMS), Blackboard Learn, which SLU has used since 2009. The review process focused on Blackboard, Canvas, and Brightspace (D2L). Result: SLU faculty, students, and deans overwhelmingly supported a transition to Canvas as SLU’s next LMS.
Blackboard closes for all students, faculty, and staff on May 20, 2022. Information can be found here.
Updates on Canvas Implementation
Canvas Update | Blackboard Closes on May 20 - What You Need To Do To Prepare
Canvas Update | Instructor training, course migration support, and Blackboard access
Canvas Updates | Course Rosters, Blackboard Access, and Future Courses in Canvas
Canvas Update | Fall Semester Start, Third-Party Integrations, Faculty Training and Support
Canvas Update | Canvas Course Visibility for Students
Canvas Update | Supported Course Migration, Faculty Training, and Non-Banner Canvas Sites
Canvas Update | New Training Options for Faculty/Instructors
Canvas Update | Canvas Now Available for Faculty/Instructors
Canvas Update | Launch Date for Faculty; Updates on Training and Migration
Canvas Update | Broad Timeline and General Information (Students)
Canvas Update | Broad Timeline and General Information (Faculty/Staff)
Update on Canvas Implementation and Appointment of Faculty/Student Focused Project Manager
COVID-19 Update: Pausing Our Transition from Blackboard to Canvas
Why Canvas?
Faculty and students engaged in the review process were excited about Canvas for numerous reasons, most of which centered on the faculty/student experience. Key factors included Canvas’s: focus on accessibility, robust student performance analytics, options to automate performance notifications to students, user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, video feedback tool, enhanced assessment features, strong mobile app, and extensive array of third-party integration options. Although current projections show Canvas likely will result in lower costs over time, cost-saving was not a driving factor behind this decision.