The University of Southern California (USC) is dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience, constantly evolving to meet the needs of its vibrant Trojan community. In line with this commitment to academic excellence, USC is excited to announce a significant upgrade to its learning management system (LMS). After careful consideration and a comprehensive review process, USC will be transitioning from Blackboard Learn to a new, more advanced platform: Brightspace by D2L, starting in the summer of 2024 term. This change marks a new chapter in USC’s digital learning environment, promising an enhanced and more user-friendly experience for both faculty and students.
This decision to move away from Blackboard Learn was made after an extensive evaluation conducted by the LMS Assessment Committee in 2022. The committee meticulously reviewed various platforms, prioritizing features that are crucial for a leading academic institution like USC. Brightspace by D2L emerged as the top choice due to its standout attributes, directly addressing the needs expressed by the USC community. These key advantages include:
- Intuitive and User-Friendly Design: Navigating online learning platforms should be seamless and efficient. Brightspace is celebrated for its modern, easy-to-use interface, designed to minimize frustration and maximize productivity for both instructors and learners. This improved user experience is a core element driving the transition from Usc Blackboard Learn.
- Enhanced Accessibility Standards: USC is deeply committed to inclusivity and ensuring equal access to education for all students. Brightspace is built with robust accessibility features, adhering to the latest standards to create a learning environment that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their needs. This commitment to accessibility surpasses previous capabilities offered by USC Blackboard Learn.
- Superior Customer Support: A smooth and reliable learning experience relies on readily available and effective support. Brightspace by D2L is known for its strong customer support offerings, ensuring that faculty and students have the assistance they need, when they need it. This enhanced support system is a significant upgrade from the support associated with USC Blackboard Learn.
The transition to Brightspace will affect schools and academic units that currently utilize Blackboard Learn for course management. These departments will be migrated to the new LMS in time for the summer 2024 term. For academic units and schools that do not presently use Blackboard, their current course management practices will remain unchanged.
The LMS Replacement program is a collaborative undertaking, bringing together expertise and insights from the Office of the Provost, Information Technology Services, Enrollment Services, various academic units, faculty members, and students. The program team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition, minimizing any potential disruptions to teaching and research activities. Faculty are especially encouraged to become champions for this positive change, collaborating with the program team and sharing their experiences with peers and colleagues. Numerous opportunities to engage with the new Brightspace platform, learn about its features, and explore its potential will be available in the coming months. Keep an eye out for further communications detailing these exciting engagement opportunities.
Discover More About USC’s Next-Generation LMS
To delve deeper into the details of Brightspace and the transition process, please visit USC’s dedicated LMS website. This comprehensive resource provides the latest updates, answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), and information on how you can get involved in the transition. We encourage you to bookmark this site and check back regularly for new information as it becomes available in the weeks ahead.
Your active participation and feedback are invaluable as USC embarks on this exciting journey of technological transformation. Together, we will ensure a successful implementation of this new LMS, further enhancing the teaching and learning experience at USC and reinforcing our commitment to academic excellence.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the USC community.
Sincerely,
Andrew T. Guzman
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
cc: Office of the PresidentAcademic DeansPresident’s Senior Leadership TeamProvost’s Leadership TeamAcademic Senate
