Deadline extended: Review and evaluate learning management systems at CWRU

The Teaching and Learning Technologies unit of Information Technology Services (ITS) continues to lead an evaluation of how Blackboard and other learning management systems at Case Western Reserve are used. The purpose of this effort is to determine whether they remain the best choices for the university’s students, faculty and staff. ITS has organized opportunities for instructors to review and evaluate the experience of using learning management systems. Through this effort, instructors can work hands-on with three potential alternatives to the current Blackboard Learn 9.1 system. Instructors will evaluate the ease of use of an application, the approximate amount of time needed to complete tasks and the overall experience of using the application. The three alternative systems are:

• Blackboard Ultra,
• Brightspace and
• Canvas.

ITS is seeking instructors to complete this evaluation and provide feedback on each of the three alternative systems after working hands-on within them. Participants will be provided access to each of the three systems and provided optional activities to guide their experience. Instructors can access the systems on their own schedules and feedback will be solicited through an evaluation survey on or before Monday, March 14. Participation by faculty members is crucial to helping Case Western Reserve determine the future of the learning management system. This evaluation aims to obtain feedback and a direct comparison of systems from experienced users, and to ensure that a large sample of faculty is able to explore alternative learning management systems. ITS has extended the evaluation dates through spring break in an effort to accommodate instructors who anticipate having more free time during that week. If you are interested in participating in the evaluation or have specific questions about the process, please contact Eddie Bolden, ITS educational research and assessment specialist, at ecb89@case.edu prior to March 7.