Prior to the pandemic, Carleton was conducting an evaluation of three shortlisted learning management systems (LMS) to replace the technology underlying cuLearn (Moodle). As a reminder, Carleton needs to adopt a new LMS to better support its community, particularly relating to performance (improving speed, responsiveness and reliability), ease of use, and enhanced support to students and instructors.
Three vendors submitted proposals: Blackboard (Learn Ultra), Instructure (Canvas) and D2L (Brightspace). All three products were evaluated in January and February by faculty, contract instructors, teaching assistants, students and staff. The vendors conducted demonstrations and interviews on campus in mid-February, with all feedback and scores provided back to the evaluation team prior to the university pivoting to remote delivery.
Due to the pandemic, the finalization of the evaluation was placed on hold. Recently, the LMS evaluation team completed its work and selected the platform that will replace Moodle at Carleton. Negotiations with the provider have begun. Once negotiations have been completed, we will be able to update the community on Carleton’s new LMS.
Any change to the LMS will occur in May 2021. cuLearn will NOT be replaced for Fall 2020 or Winter 2021. As part of the LMS project roadmap, we anticipate piloting the system with volunteers in Winter 2021. There will be extensive support for Carleton’s teaching and learning community to transition to the new platform. Details around this will be shared once negotiations have concluded.