The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is enhancing its digital learning environment by transitioning from Blackboard Learn to Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). This move is designed to provide a more robust, user-friendly, and mobile-compatible platform for both students and faculty. Starting Fall 2023, Canvas will be the exclusive LMS for all UTSA courses, marking the end of Blackboard Learn’s utilization after Summer 2023. This article addresses frequently asked questions to help navigate this transition smoothly, ensuring a positive learning and teaching experience within the UTSA digital ecosystem.
Understanding the Shift from UTSA Blackboard Learn to Canvas
Why Canvas LMS? The Rationale Behind the Change
UTSA’s decision to adopt Canvas LMS comes after careful evaluation of the university’s evolving needs. The previous system lacked the scalability and feature richness required to support UTSA’s forward-thinking academic initiatives. Several factors contributed to this decision:
- Enhanced Features: Canvas offers a wider array of functionalities that cater to modern pedagogical needs, improving both teaching and learning experiences.
- Scalability: Canvas is designed to grow and adapt with the university’s expanding digital learning requirements, ensuring a sustainable and future-proof platform.
- Community and Transfer Student Focus: Recognizing the significant transfer student population (40% of undergraduates), Canvas’s widespread adoption within local school districts and community colleges ensures a smoother transition for new UTSA students.
- User Satisfaction: Feedback indicated stagnant satisfaction levels with the previous LMS, highlighting the need for a more engaging and regularly updated platform like Canvas. Canvas provides regular updates and feature releases, ensuring a continuously improving user experience.
This strategic shift to Canvas underscores UTSA’s commitment to providing a cutting-edge learning environment that supports academic excellence and student success.
Timeline and Key Dates for the LMS Transition
The transition from Utsa Blackboard Learn to Canvas is structured with clear timelines:
- Fall 2023: Canvas becomes the exclusive LMS for all UTSA courses. No courses will be conducted on Blackboard Learn for the Fall semester and onwards.
- Summer 2023: The final semester for courses on Blackboard Learn.
- Course Migration: Courses from Spring 2021 to Spring 2023, previously on Blackboard, will be automatically migrated to Canvas, ensuring valuable course content is preserved and accessible.
This phased approach ensures a structured and supported transition for all users, minimizing disruption and maximizing preparedness for the new learning environment.
Support and Training for Canvas LMS
Comprehensive Support for Faculty and Students
UTSA is committed to providing extensive support and training resources to ensure both faculty and students can effectively utilize Canvas LMS.
For Faculty:
- Academic Innovation Resources: UTSA’s Academic Innovation team offers diverse training opportunities designed to familiarize faculty with Canvas. These resources cover various aspects of Canvas, from basic navigation to advanced feature utilization.
- Canvas 24/7 Support: Immediate assistance is available through multiple channels:
- Canvas Support Hotline: (210) 458-4520; option 4
- Report a Problem & Chat Support: Accessible via the ‘Help’ menu within Canvas once logged in.
- Email Support: For broader inquiries or questions related to digital tools and content migration, email [email protected] for prompt assistance from the UTSA project team.
- Sandbox Environment: Faculty automatically have access to a personal Canvas sandbox – a private, empty course space to experiment with tools and features without affecting live courses. Additional sandboxes can be requested via the Course Request Form within the Canvas ‘Help’ menu.
For Students:
- Dedicated Student Training Program: A specialized online training program launching in Summer 2023 will equip students with essential Canvas skills. Completion earns a badge, signifying readiness to leverage Canvas effectively.
- Canvas 24/7 Support: Students also have access to the same 24/7 support channels as faculty:
- Canvas Support Hotline: (210) 458-4520; option 4
- Report a Problem & Chat Support: Accessible via the ‘Help’ menu within Canvas.
- Email Support: For general Canvas inquiries, students can also email [email protected].
These comprehensive support systems are designed to empower both faculty and students to confidently transition to and excel with the Canvas LMS.
Technical Aspects of Canvas LMS
Accessing and Logging into Canvas
Accessing Canvas is straightforward:
- my.UTSA Webpage: The most direct link to Canvas is always available on the my.UTSA webpage.
- Direct Link: Alternatively, navigate directly to https://utsa.instructure.com/.
Login credentials remain the same as your UTSA NetID and password, ensuring a seamless transition to accessing the new LMS.
Browser and Technical Requirements for Canvas
Canvas is designed for broad compatibility:
- Desktop Browsers: Canvas is fully compatible with the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. Specific supported versions are:
- Chrome 106 and 107
- Firefox 105 and 106
- Edge 106 and 107
- Safari 15 and 16
- Mobile Browsers: The latest versions of Safari (iOS) and Chrome (Android) are fully supported for mobile access.
- Canvas Mobile Apps: Dedicated mobile apps enhance the mobile learning experience:
- Android: Version 8.0 or later
- iOS: Version 14.0 or later
This wide range of compatibility ensures accessibility across various devices and operating systems, promoting flexible learning environments.
Course Content Migration and Availability
Automated Course Migration:
To ensure a smooth transition, UTSA is automatically migrating courses from Blackboard Learn to Canvas for the following semesters:
- Spring 2021
- Summer 2021
- Fall 2021
- Spring 2022
- Summer 2022
- Fall 2022
- Spring 2023 (Migration available Summer 2023)
Requesting Migration for Other Courses:
For courses outside these semesters, including non-academic courses or older academic courses, faculty can request migration via the Course Request Form. This form is also accessible within Canvas under the ‘Help’ menu.
Manual Export and Import Option:
Faculty also have the option to manually export courses from Blackboard and import them into Canvas. Instructions are available in a video tutorial: How to Export and Import into Canvas.
Tool and Integration Availability in Canvas
Continuity of Digital Tools:
UTSA is committed to ensuring a seamless transition of digital tools. Most current digital tools and third-party integrations used with Blackboard will be available in Canvas.
Tools No Longer Available:
It’s important to note that starting Fall 2023, Blackboard Learn, Blackboard Collaborate, and SafeAssign will no longer be available at UTSA. Canvas offers native tools and integrations that provide enhanced functionality compared to these discontinued tools.
Currently Available Integrations:
For a comprehensive and updated list of tools and integrations currently available in Canvas, please refer to this webpage.
Handling Incomplete Grades (IN) During the Transition
Process for Incomplete Grades:
UTSA has a process to manage Incomplete (IN) grades during the LMS transition. For courses with IN grades:
- Extended Access: The Academic Innovation Service Desk monitors courses with IN grades and grants students extended access to complete coursework. Instructors are notified when extended access begins. For expedited processing, the Extended Access form can be used.
- Blackboard Access for Current Incompletes: Current incompletes can be addressed in Blackboard until August 20, 2023.
- Post-August 20, 2023 Incompletes:
- Students will be enrolled in a current Canvas section of the incomplete course if available.
- If no current section exists, a new Canvas copy of the course will be created for the student and instructor. The Academic Innovation team will ensure Canvas course accessibility.
For specific questions about IN grades during the transition, email [email protected]. Further information on incomplete grades is available on the OneStop Grades web page.
Access to Archived Blackboard Courses
Blackboard Course Archival and Access:
- Migrated Courses: Blackboard courses from Spring 2021 to Spring 2023 will be migrated to Canvas.
- Archived Courses: Blackboard courses from Fall 2020 to Spring 2018 will be archived in a read-only state for record-keeping.
- Continued Access: Faculty will retain access to Blackboard and past course content in a read-only state until August 31, 2024. This ensures ample time to retrieve any necessary materials from archived courses.
This detailed guide aims to address all key questions regarding the transition from UTSA Blackboard Learn to Canvas. By providing comprehensive information and support resources, UTSA is dedicated to ensuring a successful and enriching digital learning experience for its entire community.
