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Learning Management System Evaluation Project

µÛÍõ»áËù selects Canvas as its new Learning Management System (LMS)

We are excited to announce that µÛÍõ»áËù has chosen Canvas as its new Learning Management System provider. This decision was made after a thorough evaluation process that included faculty, student, and staff input and experiences at all OHIO campuses. Transitioning to a modern and user-friendly learning management system is a crucial step towards achieving our vision of teaching excellence, in addition to the outstanding work being done in active learning design and campus space optimization.

To access information such as upcoming engagement opportunities, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), the implementation timeline, and training materials, please visit the Canvas Learning Management System Implementation Website.

To learn more about the process of selecting Canvas, please read the .

For a comparison of features between Blackboard and Canvas, please visit the Canvas vs Blackboard page.

RFP timeline  

  • Summer 2022: Notify campus community about forthcoming RFP  
  • Early Fall 2022: Form LMS Evaluation committee with faculty, student, and staff representatives  
  • Fall 2022: Launch official RFP  
  • Spring 2023: Award RFP  
  • Summer 2023: Announce implementation timeline for new LMS. Implementation will be a phased approach over the two years following the award of the RFP.  

RFP Evaluation Committee

The RFP Evaluation Committee will finalize requirements based on campus feedback and guide the request for proposal process. They will review vendor proposals and make a recommendation to the Provost’s Office. 

Members of the RFP Evaluation Committee are listed below.

NameTitleRepresenting
Michelle DonaldsonLearning Systems Analyst IIIOffice of Information Technology 
Aimee EdmondsonActing Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, Research and Creative Activity

Scripps College of Communication

University Curriculum Council 

Tobe GilloglyAssistant Clinical Professor/Chair, Interdisciplinary Health StudiesCollege of Health Sciences and Professions 
Michael GreeneLearning and Development AdministratorUniversity Human Resources 
Kennedy HuntsmanHonors Tutorial College student, Political Science major

Athens Campus students

Student Senate 

Shantelle JenkinsAssistant Professor of Instruction and Associate MPA DirectorVoinovich School of Leadership and Public Service 
Jennie KleinAssociate Director and Graduate Director, School of Art + Design, Professor of Art HistoryCollege of Fine Arts 
Kari LehmanVice Provost for OHIO OnlineOHIO Online
Peter Lim Application Support Analyst & IT CoordinatorRegional Higher Education
Eszti Major-RohrerManager, Enterprise Learning Systems & Academic Technology ServicesOffice of Information Technology 
Yza MelvinSenior Technology AnalystOffice of the University Registrar 
Shawn OstermannAssociate Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceRuss College of Engineering and Technology
Renee PerryIT Acquisitions ManagerOffice of Information Technology 
Melinda Rhodes-DiSalvoExecutive Director, Center for Teaching, Learning, and AssessmentCenter for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment
Sarah RistAssistant Professor of Instruction, MarketingCollege of Business 
Jay RyuProfessor, Political ScienceCollege of Arts & Sciences 
Paul Shovlin Assistant Professor of Instruction and Director of CompositionCollege of Arts & Sciences
Becky SimonsInstructional Designer and Team LeadOffice of Instructional Innovation
Jennifer SmithAssistant Professor of Instruction, Music Theory

College of Fine Arts

University Curriculum Council 

Mike SnavelySenior Director, Instructional Operations, Technology and Learner Success, Graduate and External ProgramsCollege of Business
Nick StanleyµÛÍõ»áËù Chillicothe student, Middle Childhood Education majorRegional Higher Education students
Jesse StryckerAssistant Professor, Educational StudiesPatton College of Education 
Marjorie VogtClinical Professor, NursingCollege of Health Sciences and Professions
Lindsey WardAcademic Technology Team LeadOffice of Information Technology 
Allison WhiteAssociate Professor, Chair of Applied Sciences and Professions

University College

Regional Higher Education 

Andria WilliamsDirector, Medical Education Technology SolutionsHeritage College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Frequently asked questions

Why do we need a new learning management system?

Blackboard has been OHIO’s 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, Blackboard is expected to increasingly shift Blackboard Learn users to Blackboard Ultra in the next several years, so this is an opportune time to determine if the University should migrate to a new platform, or if Blackboard’s new Ultra platform meets the needs of our community.

When will I have to switch to the new learning management system?

The RFP process will determine whether the University will migrate to Blackboard Ultra or transition to a different LMS vendor. The selection process is scheduled to conclude in Spring 2023, then a multi-year timeline is expected to be announced in Summer 2023. Faculty should expect to move to the new solution by 2026.

What support will you provide instructors for the transition to a new LMS?

The Office of Information Technology will provide a transition timeline soon after a vendor is selected to give instructors as much preparation time as possible to make the switch. Most vendors offer significant support to reduce the amount of hands-on work required, and OIT will maximize that support and supplement as necessary with training, guides, and individual consultations as necessary.

How will you support students during the transition?

Students will receive targeted outreach about the transition and OIT will provide student-specific LMS resources and training materials to support a smooth transition.

What should I do if I’m already using Blackboard Ultra?

Instructors using Blackboard Ultra can continue to use the platform and can still opt in during the 2022-2023 academic year. Please be aware that if the RFP process results in the selection of a new vendor, any courses created in Ultra will transition to the new LMS.

How can I share my feedback?

Faculty, staff, and students were invited to share feedback through multiple methods during the evaluation process, including a , participating in interviews, trying out test environments, and attending demonstrations from potential vendors. If you have additional feedback to share, you may join the Teaching and Learning Advisory Community to participate in monthly discussions about teaching and learning technologies, include the learning management system.

Project communication to date

DateCommunication link
April, 27, 2023Canvas selected as OHIO’s next Learning Management System
January 12, 2023Recordings of learning management system vendor demos available, feedback requested
January 9, 2023LMS vendor demonstrations to be held Jan. 9-11
December 1, 2022LMS vendor demonstrations planned for January
October 13, 2022Learning Management System RFP Evaluation Committee selected
August 18, 2022
July 8, 2022OIT announces learning management system evaluation project
March 17, 2022Instructors invited to share Blackboard feedback on LMS Survey