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FAQs

What is an LMS? Why should I care about UCA changing our LMS?

LMS stands for “learning management system,” a web-based platform that universities use to manage and deliver educational content online. It provides a central space where students can access course materials, submit assignments, view grades, and communicate with instructors.

Faculty engagement with the LMS is essential for effective teaching and learning. Regardless of the course format—online, hybrid, or face-to-face—the LMS serves as a digital hub for course delivery. It not only houses essential resources but also offers tools to enhance learning, track student engagement, and support early intervention for those who may need assistance. Features such as interactive activities, collaboration tools, and automated grading streamline instruction and improve student success.

At UCA, we currently use Blackboard Learn Original as our LMS. UCA has used Blackboard in various forms since 2000, originally adopting it as WebCT. UCA chose WebCT as its first LMS 25 years ago, which was acquired by Blackboard in 2006 and thus became UCA’s second LMS up to the present time. The last major update to Blackboard Learn Original occurred in 2019 when UCA transitioned to the SAAS framework and introduced Ultra Base Navigation (the improved landing page).

Why are we changing our LMS NOW!?!

Our current LMS contract expires in June 2026, providing us with an opportunity to evaluate and select a system that better meets our campus’s evolving needs. As teaching and learning continue to advance, it’s clear that Blackboard Learn Original no longer fully supports the flexibility, innovation, and ease of use that students, faculty, and staff need. In fact, the parent company, Anthology, is no longer making product updates to Blackboard Learn Original and is only troubleshooting existing technical issues.

This review process allows us to explore more contemporary, user-friendly, and adaptable LMS options that can enhance the learning experience and better support our academic community moving forward. Staying with the current system as-is is not a viable option.

I don’t teach fully online courses. Does this apply to me?

Yes, this applies to you! Every course at UCA is automatically assigned an online course shell in our LMS. Instructors are strongly encouraged/expected to use this space to share syllabi and post grades, ensuring students have easy access to important course information.

When will the transition to a new LMS occur?

The timeline for transitioning to a new LMS has not yet been determined, as we are committed to conducting a thorough and thoughtful review. The evaluation process will continue through the spring 2025 semester, with opportunities for campus input and careful consideration of all options before any decisions are made.

What LMS options are being reviewed?

We are currently reviewing several leading LMS options: Blackboard Ultra by Anthology, Brightspace by D2L, and Canvas by Instructure. Each option is being evaluated based on functionality, user experience, accessibility, how well it supports teaching, learning, and administrative processes, and affordability. Feedback from faculty, staff, and students will play a key role in this evaluation.

Who is conducting the LMS review process and how were they selected?

The LMS review is being conducted by the Teaching Technology Advisory Committee (TTAC), a Faculty Senate university committee designed to ensure faculty representation and input in key technology decisions. The committee includes representatives from each college, and members from key support areas like the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Academic Leadership (CETAL), Information Technology (IT), and the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS). This diverse group ensures that a wide range of perspectives and campus needs are considered throughout the review process.

How can I provide input and feedback?

We value your input and encourage everyone to participate in the LMS review process. You can provide feedback by reaching out directly to your TTAC representative, who will ensure your insights are considered in the evaluation process. Additionally, a dedicated feedback form will be available on our website for ongoing input.

How can I try out the LMS options myself?

As part of the LMS review process, you have the opportunity to explore the available platforms firsthand. You can request access to any of the sandbox environments—Blackboard Ultra, Brightspace, and Canvas—by submitting a request through IT. Simply complete a Request for a Sandbox ticket to get started!

What will be the impact on my courses?

When a new LMS is chosen, we will provide extensive support to ensure a smooth migration of your existing course materials. While some course content and structures will migrate automatically, certain elements may require adjustments or redesigns for the new platform.

Faculty will receive guidance, training, and tools to help with this process. Accessibility-related revisions in course files will be preserved.

What support can faculty, staff, and students expect during the transition?

Throughout the transition, faculty, staff, and students can expect comprehensive support to ensure a smooth experience. This includes hands-on training sessions, on-demand tutorials, user guides, and personalized assistance. Dedicated support teams in CETAL and IT will be available to address questions, troubleshoot issues, and provide guidance on course migration and system navigation. Regular updates and check-ins will also help ensure that everyone stays informed and confident during the transition process.

Will tools like Safe Assign, Ally, Kaltura, and Respondus change as well?

Depending on the new system, some tools may remain the same, while others could be replaced with similar or enhanced options. As part of the transition, we will provide updates and training to help faculty and students adapt to any changes.

Will we have to create all new content?

In most cases, you will not need to create new content. Many existing materials—such as documents, assignments, and media files—will be migrated to the new LMS. However, depending on the complexity of your course design, certain elements may require manual adjustments or reconfiguration. We will provide support and guidance to help you adapt your content where needed and ensure a smooth transition.

How will course migration to the new LMS be handled?

Course migration to the new LMS will be a guided process, with support from the selected LMS provider, IT, and CETAL. While many course materials, such as files and basic content, will transfer automatically, some elements may require manual adjustments or redesigns. Faculty will receive detailed instructions and assistance throughout the migration, including training and troubleshooting to ensure courses are successfully adapted to the new system.

What will happen to archived courses?

We understand the importance of preserving access to archived courses and their content. We will develop a plan to ensure that archived courses remain accessible for a designated period. This may involve maintaining limited access to the current LMS or migrating key archived materials to the new system. Detailed guidance will be provided on how to retrieve and save important content before the transition is complete.

Who can I contact with questions about the LMS review process?

For questions about the LMS review process, reach out to your TTAC representative or someone in CETAL or IT-Instructional Technology. They will be happy to provide updates, answer questions, and guide you on how to get involved. You can also visit uca.edu/lmsreview for additional information and updates.

 

Teaching Technology Advisory Committee

Co-Chairs – Amy Hawkins, CETAL, and Tonya McKinney, IT
College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Representatives – Michael Rosenow
College of Business Representative – Mike Casey
College of Education Representative – Jason Trumble
College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Representative – Shannon Riedmueller
College of Science & Engineering Representative – Loi Booher
Graduate School Representative – Michael Mills
Information Technology Security Representatives: Jeremy Bullock, Kevin Carmical, or Matthew Martens
Library and Honors Representative – Amber Wilson
Office of Accessibility Resources and Services – Doris Pierce
Provost/Dean Appointment – Thomas Williams