University Advisory Committee on Selection of a Learning Management System
Drexel University’s contract for our learning management system (LMS), Blackboard Learn, is ending soon, concurrent with Blackboard Learn’s transition to Blackboard Ultra. This provides an opportunity for Drexel to conduct a formal evaluation between two leading Learning Management Systems — Blackboard Ultra and Canvas — to determine which will be best suited to support our students, faculty, and the academic transition work that lay ahead.
Given the significant and far-reaching nature of this decision, Provost Jensen and Faculty Senate Chair Owens have charged a University Advisory Committee on Selection of a Learning Management System (UAC LMS) with evaluating and recommending a LMS that enhances the learning experience for students, supports faculty in delivering high-quality education, and provides effective administrative capabilities to best meet the needs across Drexel University. The full membership of the UAC LMS is listed below.
UAC LMS Membership
- Dana Kemery, Co-Chair, College of Nursing and Health Professions; Chair, Senate Committee on Academic Support, Faculty Senate
- Johanna Inman, Co-Chair, Teaching and Learning Center
- Ken Blackney, Drexel University Information Technology
- Jaimie Dougherty, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
- Katherine Fischer, Drexel Libraries
- Tim Gorichanaz, College of Computing & Informatics
- Alan Hecht, LeBow College of Business
- Monika Jost, College of Medicine
- Ian Kollar, Kline School of Law
- Christy Love, College of Arts and Sciences
- Kelly Salmon, Salus at Drexel University
- Mike Shelmet, Drexel University Information Technology
- Mary Jean Tecce DeCarlo, School of Education
- Jervis Thompson, Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
- Steve Weber, Office of the Provost
- Amanda Leslie, Administrative Support, Office of the Provost
Pilot Study
Led by Johanna Inman, inaugural director of the Teaching and Learning Center, and Dana Kemery, associate clinical professor of undergraduate nursing and chair of the Faculty Senate Committee on Academic Support, the UAC LMS will direct a pilot study of the available options during the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 quarters, with the expectation of submitting its recommendation of a new LMS in the spring. We are seeking faculty participation in the pilot study to teach courses using either Blackboard Ultra or Canvas in the fall 2024 and/or winter 2025 quarters. With support from the Teaching and Learning Center and the Instructional Technology Group, this will be a unique opportunity to positively impact the University and its academic experience.
If you are interested in participating, please fill out the short survey sent via email by Friday, July 26.