Transitions: Stories of Strategic LMS Changes

Changing a learning management system is no small task. This session will explore recent strategic LMS changes at Drexel University and the University of Maryland. Motivated by a goal to have a single LMS on campus, Drexel worked with its 13 colleges and schools, and campus administrators to get the buy-in and support to achieve this goal. Similarly, Maryland worked to involve faculty and staff from its academic units to evaluate and select a new LMS for campus, Canvas by Instructure. Maryland will cover the selection, evaluation, and implementation processes highlighting the work with key constituents and stakeholders. The shift in mindset and support of a cloud system versus an individual instance will also be discussed. Drexel will focus on planning and communication strategies, and getting buy-in from academic and administrative units. Both institutions will highlight peaks and pitfalls in their processes.