Recordings of learning management system vendor demos available, feedback requested
Recordings of learning management system (LMS) vendor demonstrations held earlier this week are now available for viewing and feedback on the LMS Evaluation website (requires OHIO ID to log in). Feedback from the University community is requested by Friday, Jan. 20, at 5 p.m.
Vendors who responded to the LMS request for proposal (RFP) provided overviews of their platforms and key features of the student and instructor experience. The Office of Information Technology launched the RFP process with the support of the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost to select an LMS platform that best aligns with the University's evolving teaching and learning goals. Based on University feedback and thorough technical evaluations, the RFP Evaluation Committee will make a recommendation to either select a new LMS vendor or transition to Blackboard鈥檚 new Ultra platform.
Why does OHIO need a new LMS?
Blackboard has been OHIO鈥檚 LMS provider for more than 20 years, and the needs of students, faculty, and staff have evolved significantly over that time. The highlighted the significant growth in LMS usage and revealed needs that could be met through an improved LMS experience. Additionally, OIT expects that the current Blackboard Learn platform will be retired in the next 5-7 years in favor of the new Ultra platform, so this is an opportune time to determine if the University should migrate to a new platform, or if Blackboard鈥檚 Ultra platform meets the needs of our community.
What are the next steps?
After feedback is collected from students, faculty, and staff, the RFP Evaluation Committee will complete its analysis and make a recommendation to the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost. Vendor negotiations will be conducted in the spring, and an implementation timeline will be announced in summer 2023.
The implementation is expected to be a phased approach over two years, with significant support to reduce the impact to faculty as much as possible through the transition. Students will receive targeted outreach, and OIT will provide student-specific resources and training materials to support a smooth transition.
To learn more about the project, submit feedback, or get involved, visit the Learning Management System Evaluation Project page.