Canvas is Richland’s new Learning Management System (LMS) that will be replacing Angel starting summer 2013.  The reason for this switch is Angel was bought out by a company whose plan is to eliminate it. The decision of which LMS to switch to from Angel was decided on a Recommendation Team made up of at least one faculty member from every division, an Academic Dean, Technical Services staff, and Online Learning staff. The Team tried out and evaluated six different systems before unanimously deciding that Canvas was the best choice for Richland faculty and students. The rationale for this recommendation was based on the following main features:

•    Straightforward navigation
•    Easy to create and submit assignments
•    Easier and more effective communication
•    Integrated audio and video
•    Mobile friendly
•    Tablet friendly
•    Integrated e-Portfolio
•    Gold Rated for accessibility
•    Course and institutional analytics

These features are only a small sampling of the benefits students and faculty will experience when transitioning to Canvas. Because of these new features and to ensure an easier transition, there is required training for both students and faculty who will be using Canvas.

The Canvas Student Orientation is mandatory for all students using Canvas (even those who have completed the Angel Orientation) and covers the many new features and how to use them.  The training is self-paced and students can work through the content at their own speed. The Orientation will be available online in Canvas when students register for any summer or fall 2013 courses, and once a student has completed the Canvas Orientation they will not need to do it again.

The Canvas Instructor Training is mandatory for all faculty wishing to use Canvas.  The training is self-paced and provides information on how to effective use the different features in Canvas to develop a course. Instructors are also provided a “Sandbox” course where they are the instructor and can build a real course in Canvas as they are going through the Training.  Canvas Instructor Training is currently available and instructors who wish to participate can contact Online Learning to get registered.

As an additional part of the transition, Canvas was piloted in two course sections during fall 2012 and sixteen course sections in spring 2013. These piloting faculty and students provide feedback and information about Canvas and how it is working to Online Learning so appropriate adjustments can be made before the full switch to Canvas.

For more information about Canvas and the transition to Canvas, please contact Kona Jones, Director of Online Learning, at kona@richland.edu or ext. 385.
 

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