Archived From 2019
UVM regularly evaluates its Learning Management System, currently Blackboard Learn, to ensure that it continues to meet faculty, student, and institutional needs. UVM has been using Blackboard Learn since 2008 and last reviewed it 2016. Blackboard is the sole enterprise-level LMS and is used in courses that are on-campus, hybrid, and online, as well as non-credit. In the Spring Semester 2019, UVM launched the next evaluation cycle, not only to ascertain the general satisfaction with the current system, but to review other LMS products for the sake of comparison.
From 2019: Rationale for LMS product choices
The LMS products that the committee chose to evaluate (Canvas, Bright Space, Blackboard Ultra) have significant market share in higher education and have demonstrated an upward trend in predicted market share growth. These two factors indicate a stable product, one that is likely to be updated and improved over time.
The 2019-20 LMS evaluation is coordinated by a committee with representation from the Office of the Provost, Enterprise Technology Services (ETS), the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), and Distance and Continuing Education (CDE). An Advisory Committee, with faculty representatives from seven colleges, the Faculty Senate, Howe Library, the Registrar’s Office, the Student Government Association, and Client Services was convened in Spring 2019 and will continue to provide guidance in AY 19-20.
From 2019: Coordinating Committee Members
| Jennifer Dickinson | Associate Provost for Academic Affairs |
| Justin Henry | UVM Blackboard Administrator |
| Alex Messinger | Manager Distance Education and Information Systems, CDE |
| Julia Russell | Associate CIO; Committee Co-Chair |
| Wendy Verrei-Berenback | Assistant Director, CTL; Committee Co-Chair |
From 2019: Advisory Committee Members
| Travis Bartlett | ETS Client Services |
| Nick Bouffard | Student Government Association |
| Naima Dennis | Registrar’s Office |
| Dan Desanto | Howe Library |
| Kelsey Donovan | College of Medicine |
| Robert Erickson | College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences |
| Laurie Gelles | College of Medicine |
| Matt Kolan | Rubenstein School of Environment & Natural Resources |
| Joe Kudrle | College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences |
| Lutz Kaelber | College of Arts and Sciences |
| Cindy Leonard | College of Education and Social Services |
| Jeremy Sibold | College of Nursing and Health Sciences |
| Regina Toolin | College of Education and Social Services; Chair Educational Research and Technology Committee, Faculty Senate |
From 2019: Faculty Survey
Survey questions were developed by the LMS Review Coordinating Committee and tested by the LMS Advisory Committee, the Office of Intuitional Research, and CTL staff. The survey sample of 852 faculty was provided by the Office of Institutional Research. Two hundred eighty-five faculty responded, representing a 33.5% response rate. Details about the methods and a summary of results are now available. » Details about the methods and a summary of results are now available [PDF]. The primary goals of this survey were to:
- Gain insight into the degree to which faculty are satisfied with Blackboard
- Identify what LMS features faculty currently use and their satisfaction with those features
- Identify alignment between faculty interest in LMS features not currently included in Blackboard, have institutional importance or represent national trends
From 2019: Feature Criteria Summary
In collaboration with the Advisory Committee, we identified approximately 150 features that are important to have in a LMS. These are the major categories:Course management; Course tools (i.e., grading, collaboration, assignment collection, assessment) Content distribution, sharing, and management; Accessibility; Usability; Analytic capabilities; Integration to other University systems; Reliability, stability, and performance; User and administrator support; Fully functional mobile experience.
From 2019: Timeline
| Fall 2019 | Report progress to Advisory Committee and ERTC Faculty SenateConduct student focus groups to ascertain themes regarding use of and satisfaction with LMSsContinue review of other LMS products and write up observations | |
| Summer 2019 | Analyze faculty survey dataBegin review of other LMS products (Canvas, Bright Space, Bb Ultra), using SP 19 Feature List to guide exploration | |
| Spring 2019 | Convene Advisory CommitteeDevelop LMS Feature ListSurvey faculty regarding general satisfaction with Blackboard and interest in additional features (i.e., robust mobile experience, learner analytics, social media-like features) |