UIC Is Moving to a Modern LMS

Transitioning from Blackboard Original to a modern Learning Management System (LMS) is akin to upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone. UIC adopted Blackboard Original back in 2000, and its parent company, Anthology, is expected to announce its discontinuation soon. Following the Provost’s announcement last month, Learning Technology Services (LTS) thought it essential to highlight the advantages of moving to a modern LMS. The benefits are numerous and significant, impacting areas such as accessibility, security, additional features, usability, and enhancing student learning.

Accessibility

Modern Learning Management Systems (LMS) are designed with accessibility as a fundamental principle. They include features such as screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and customizable interfaces to support students with disabilities. For example, Canvas integrates closed captioning for video content, offers text-to-speech options, and allows for adjustable text sizes through its Studio application. These tools ensure that all students, regardless of their physical abilities, can access and benefit from educational resources. For instance, students with dyslexia can utilize the text-to-speech functionality to follow along with reading assignments more easily. In contrast, the Blackboard Original platform relies on additional applications to provide some of these accessibility features.

Security

Security is a top priority for any educational institution, and modern LMS platforms come equipped with advanced security features. These features include multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and regular security updates. For example, Blackboard Ultra provides role-based access control, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive information. Additionally, these platforms offer regular security audits and comply with international standards such as GDPR and FERPA. As Blackboard Original begins to age, it will become increasingly challenging to meet today’s accessibility and security standards.

Features

The feature set of modern Learning Management System (LMS) platforms is impressive and designed to enhance the learning experience. These systems offer integrated video conferencing, mobile app access, and seamless integration with various educational tools such as plagiarism checkers and e-libraries.

In Blackboard Ultra, the AI Design Assistant now includes a language selector to support multilingual use cases, allowing instructors to choose the desired language for generated content. The AI Design Assistant is a key component of Ultra, setting it apart from other LMS platforms. It enables faculty to source images and develop content such as assignments, quiz questions, and discussion topics. Faculty members are currently concerned about how AI is being integrated into educational technologies. The AI Design Assistant enables them to explore various features and decide which ones to use. It offers a straightforward interface that does not require prompt creation, allowing faculty to gain experience and become proficient in using AI effectively.

Canvas is beginning to introduce some AI features, with their AI Translation tool currently in beta testing. This tool allows faculty to obtain summaries of emails and discussions for future reference. Additionally, modern features built into Canvas Studio enable instructors to create interactive videos and quizzes that provide instant feedback, helping students understand their mistakes in real-time, and create threaded discussions throughout a video for faculty to follow.

Usability

Usability is where modern LMS platforms truly excel. Both Blackboard Ultra and Canvas utilize Modules instead of traditional folders to present course materials, ensuring full accessibility. These platforms feature intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that make navigation easy for both students and instructors. Additionally, Blackboard Ultra and Canvas offer drag-and-drop functionality for uploading course materials, allowing instructors to organize their content effortlessly. Students also benefit from mobile apps that enable them to access their coursework on the go, ensuring they can study anytime, anywhere, which is key for a university where most students commute to campus. Features such as automated grading and real-time feedback streamline the teaching and learning process, saving time and reducing frustration.

Student Learning

The goal of any LMS is to enhance student learning. Modern platforms support a variety of learning styles with multimedia content, interactive assignments, and collaborative tools. For example, a biology course might include virtual dissections, allowing students to explore anatomy in a hands-on way without needing physical specimens. Blackboard Ultra is working on developing VR integration with their LMS, which can bring these features into online asynchronous courses, providing virtual simulations and cases for students to interact with. These modern platforms also provide analytics and reporting features/visualizations that help instructors track student progress and identify areas where additional support is needed.

Student Perspectives

Students generally have mixed feelings about switching to a new LMS but based on a survey conducted in the spring and summer of 2024, many would appreciate the improvements once they get used to the new system. Some students mentioned that they were frustrated having to work in two LMS systems since many take classes in both Blackboard Original and Blackboard Ultra. Other students shared that it was time to retire the Blackboard Original and commented how they used a more modern LMS at another institution or high school prior to attending UIC.

Additional Feedback from the Survey:

• Improved Usability: Many students find modern LMS platforms to be more intuitive and user-friendly. The clean, organized interfaces make navigating courses and finding materials easier.
• Enhanced Features: Students often appreciate the additional features, such as integrated video conferencing, mobile app access, and interactive assignments. These tools can make learning more engaging and accessible.
• Better Accessibility: Features like closed captioning, text-to-speech, and customizable interfaces are particularly valued by students with disabilities, as they provide a more inclusive learning environment.

Challenges:

• Learning Curve: Initially, some students may struggle with the transition due to the learning curve associated with a new system. However, most adapt over time and come to prefer the new platform.
• Technical Issues: As with any technology, there can be occasional technical glitches. Students sometimes report issues with loading times or accessing certain features, which are typically resolved with updates and support.

Switching to a modern LMS is smart for any university looking to improve accessibility, security, features, usability, and student learning. It’s an investment in the future of education that pays off in more engaged, successful students. While the transition will have challenges, the long-term benefits outweigh the time and work needed to migrate to a new platform. Modern LMS platforms offer a more inclusive, and effective learning environment that meets the needs of all students, making the switch a worthwhile endeavor for any forward-thinking institution.

For more on this transition, read the comprehensive overview in this newsletter.