Our change story
What's a learning management system?
A learning management system (or LMS) is a software platform that lets instructors design, deliver, and assess learning programs and outcomes. Students can use an LMS to manage their course materials, submit assignments, check their learning progress, and more.
What's changing?
The University of Alberta is known for innovation and a deep commitment to those we serve. In line with these values and as part of the university’s Student Experience Action Plan, we’re investing in a Learning Management System (LMS) of the Future with Canvas to replace Moodle (known as eClass), affecting most student-facing courses (excluding eClass External) by Fall 2025.
Why now?
To achieve our strategic vision of the future through the Student Experience Action Plan, we need to act now. We’ve heard from across our communities that the current LMS is creating more challenges than positive impacts. With significant system outages, it’s apparent that we’ve taken Moodle (or eClass) as far as it can go. A new Canvas LMS also enables people to bring the Student Experience Action Plan to life by highlighting where we have common ground that goes beyond the goal of operational excellence.
Continuing the journey
Our journey to the LMS of the future actually started 15 years ago. Since then, our needs have evolved and we’re now ready for new horizons.
2009
eClass Upgrade
Moodle replaces Blackboard as the LMS backbone of eClass for online courses that complement mostly on-campus learning delivery
2020
Online everywhere, all at once
Instructors complete heroic conversion to 100% online learning during COVID pandemic
2022
Sustainability breaking point
Moodle support needs exceed resources due to significant system outages, combined with limited features for modern learning experience
2023
Shape strategy for University of Tomorrow
Strategic 10-year vision launched in to drive more transformational impact across the university by 2033
2024/25
LMS of the Future
Two-year rollout of a more sustainable, modern learning management system with Canvas to replace Moodle, as a priority goal of the Student Experience Action Plan
FALL 2025
Moodle courses read-only
After the final rollout of the new Canvas LMS, most student-facing courses (excluding eClass External) are read-only
How a new LMS helps us lead with purpose
The move to Canvas enables us to deliver on our strategic imperative to renew the LMS as a priority goal of the Student Experience Action Plan under theme 03 - Enabling Academic Agency and Flexibility for students. It also supports a holistic focus on theme 04 - Fostering a Student-Centred Learning Environment to set instructors up for success in putting students at the heart of everything we do. Both of these elements drive:
Innovative and flexible learning approaches
Wider range of learning credentials and paths
Data-driven insights into learning barriers and goals
Onboarding success plans for instructors
It focuses Operational Excellence effort on a people-first experience with:
Leading-edge learning design features
Increased system reliability
Seamless software updates
On-campus help + extended 24/7 vendor support
Our shared why
Our shared vision for the LMS of the Future is a bridge to what’s possible. It shows where we have common ground that can bring the university’s larger strategic Student Experience Action Plan to life through:
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