By Andrea Carlson
The University of Tampa’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, David S. Stern, recently announced in January that the university will switch from Blackboard to Canvas as the schools new Learning Management System (LMS). Canvas will replace Blackboard beginning in Fall 2023 and it will be known as “SpartanLearn.”
In Fall 2022, faculty, staff, and students were asked to attend demos and complete surveys to provide feedback to compare Blackboard and Canvas. As a result, the SpartanLearn Committee found Canvas to be the best option for the university.
According to the University of Tampa’s announcement, “Canvas will provide significant improvement in usability, student engagement, a rich toolset inclusive of diverse student learning modalities and improved course analytics and reporting.”
There are positives and negatives to UT’s decision to switch LMS. Some negatives include students, faculty, and staff having to learn how to use a new system and Information Technology employees will need to be educated with the new system for the future.
I have heard debate between college students Blackboard vs. Canvas on social media for a couple years. When looking at both Blackboard and Canvas’ websites and reviews, they both have pros and cons.
Blackboard seems to be less customizable, and the interface is out of date compared to other LMS’s. I personally find Blackboard to be hard to navigate when professors use it improperly and that can be connected to the system not being user friendly for people who don’t have a lot of experience with technology.
In my experience, Blackboard is not that difficult to navigate, but I also have a lot of experience with technology. I can see how someone with less experience would struggle. I also think the design is very plain and boring.
I have never used Canvas, but through research it looks easier to use than Blackboard because of its design. It has more developed features and a more organized, clean interface.
I found that Canvas allows user interaction within the system including posting videos, images and links on course pages. Canvas also allows students to communicate with each other on course pages. According to the website, Canvas works together with other digital apps and tools.
I think many people will enjoy the more organized interface as well as the customizability. The integration of other apps and tools could create new learning options for many courses. I am sure many professors will be happy with the switch.
No matter which LMS The University of Tampa uses, there will be complaints. I have found most of my professors have struggled in the past with Blackboard, especially when they do not have a lot of technological experience.
UT will share key information using global emails including “the next steps, hands-on support, training sessions, and a kick-off event” in the future, according to January’s announcement.
Overall, I believe it will be a smooth transition for students.
More information can be found at ut.edu/SpartanLearn.