Jefferson transitions learning management systems (LMS) from Blackboard to Canvas next spring (June 2020). We know that many faculty are excited and eager to get started with Canvas now. As we begin the switch, we want to answer some questions we’ve received from faculty, provide a brief timeline of the Canvas project, and offer a few action steps you can take right away!
Canvas is intuitive for faculty and provides the best learner-centered experience for our students. Based on reviews and feedback we received from learners and faculty on both campuses during LMS testing, we know Canvas is the best LMS for us!
FAQs
Timeline
Getting Started
FAQs
When will Blackboard go away?
Jefferson retires Blackboard on June 30, 2020.
Should I create my courses in Blackboard or Canvas?
We strongly recommend that newly developed courses be created in Canvas and not in Blackboard. Any course that extends beyond the June 30, 2020 retirement, must be created in Canvas. You may select between Blackboard and Canvas for courses that have previously been taught.
I’m ready to get started! Is there any training offered to faculty now?
Yes! To get started, we suggest completing the self-directed online training called “Growing with Canvas.”
Canvas created this asynchronous course with two primary goals. First, the course introduces you to Canvas as a learner to experience the platform. Second, the course showcases evidence-based course design tools and strategies available in the Canvas environment.
Please email Julie Phillips for access to the training and your personalized Canvas sandbox, where you can explore and complete Growing with Canvas tasks and assignments.
What types of resources and training guides can I utilize?
The CTL is creating a library of Canvas resources that will be available on the Canvas website (canvas.jefferson.edu) soon.These resources include step-by-step written guides and video tutorials for the most common actions and tasks. We will post a training calendar with details on workshops, dates, and links to register to the website this summer.
What in-person trainings will be offered?
The CTL will offer three types of in-person training: scheduled workshops, Canvas Camps, and one-on-one sessions.
Workshops
Early workshop titles include*:
Canvas Basics
Communicating with Canvas
Grading with Canvas
Mobile Canvas
We will hold workshops on both the Center City and the East Falls campuses. Select workshops will be available virtually, and some workshops will be recorded. Registration for these workshops will open in mid- to late-August. *Workshop titles are subject to change*
Canvas Camps
We plan on facilitating at least four Canvas Camps in Academic Year 2019-2020 in addition to workshops. These Camps will focus on building your course in Canvas. We will offer both full and half-day options for Jeffersonians.
Dates for Canvas Camps have not yet been set. We anticipate hosting Canvas Camps in late December 2019 or early January 2020, mid to late spring 2020, and the summer of 2020. We expect to host Canvas Camp on both the Center City and the East Falls campuses.
One-on-One Sessions
The CTL will host Canvas office hours for faculty to schedule one-on-one sessions. Additionally, we are happy to attend Faculty Meetings or relevant committee meetings to present a 15-minute introduction to Canvas.
If a College, department, or program has internal adoption and/or benchmark dates they are considering, we’re happy to collaborate on a series of workshops to help the College achieve its goals in Canvas.
I can’t wait until next spring! Can I be an early adopter and make the switch to Canvas now?
We suggest early adopters complete the online Growing with Canvas course as soon as possible and schedule a follow-up consultation with a curriculum and instructional design specialist. A course(s) with lower enrollment for the fall semester makes an ideal pilot course in Canvas.
Timeline
This timeline will be updated as specific events, trainings, and programs are scheduled.
| Spring 2019 |
mid- to late-June Canvas training for faculty begins
|
| Summer 2019 |
Canvas workshops, one-on-one faculty trainings, and online resources and materials become available online (canvas.jefferson.edu) and are updated summer 2019- August 2020 |
| Fall 2019 |
Canvas early adopter courses begin
Ongoing workshops and one-on-one trainings
|
| Winter 2020 |
Late December/Early January: Canvas Camp
Ongoing workshops and one-on-one trainings
|
| Spring 2020 |
Mid/Late Spring: Canvas Camp
Ongoing workshops and one-on-one trainings |
| June 2020 |
Blackboard retires. Canvas becomes the learning management system supported at Jefferson |
| August 2020 |
Canvas Camp
One-on-one sessions |
Getting Started
Ready to dive into Canvas? Here are three things you can do right away:
- Email Julie Phillips if you are interested in being an early adopter, wish to sign up for Canvas training now ,or would like us to come speak at your next faculty meeting.
- Bookmark the Canvas website and check back frequently for updated training sessions, resources, and news. Follow the CTL on Twitter for additional Canvas updates.
- Spread the word! Share your excitement with fellow faculty. We’ve got Canvas swag (buttons, pens, note pads) for those interested in helping get the word out.
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