University Learning Management System Assessment is Underway
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On December 19, 2014, Provost Pallavicini established a Learning Management System (LMS) Review Task Force and Vernon Smith, Vice Provost for Distributed Learning, shall serve as Chair. University of the Pacific is deeply committed to the quality of its teaching and learning experience. Goal 1.3 from Pacific 2020 states that we will "Embrace new technologies, innovative learning models, and a vibrant culture of intellectual inquiry to serve the new generation of learners...[as] Pacific faculty pioneer, evaluate, and use the best learning models for traditional, blended, and distance courses." Evaluation and adoption of a superior LMS for University of the Pacific is critical to successfully accomplishing this and other Pacific 2020 strategic goals.
Given that new and innovative products are released on a consistent basis, it is common practice to review enterprise products to ensure that current and future needs are matched with current products and services: Pacific's last review of our LMS occurred in 2008, followed by an additional short review in 2009, before moving from Blackboard to Sakai as the University's primary LMS. While there are good reasons for an LMS review, it is also important to recognize that this review comes before any decision for a change in LMS vendors will be made. Stakeholder requirements and feedback with be a key driving factor in the University selection criteria. Ultimately, Pacific's vision is to embrace the appropriate learning management system to provide the best student and faculty experience for traditional, blended and distance course offerings.
Key Dates:
1/30/2015 - Finalize process and requirements for LMS review
2/2/2015 - The open review and feedback period for students, faculty and staff to evaluate potential vendors will occur from February 2 to February 20
3/1/2015 - A Task Force final report and implementation plan will be submitted to the office of the Provost by March 1, 2015.
What do we need from you?
High participation in testing, requirements gathering and vendor feedback survey participation will be critical! It is expected that all stakeholders will participate as part of the review process to ensure that we develop the right criteria for our LMS review and then determine if our current product is best suited for our current and future needs. The LMS Review Task Force will strive to ensure that this effort is both successful and transparent. Every possible effort will be made to ensure that faculty, staff and students have an opportunity to offer a meaningful voice and contributions to the process. Your time and active participation is both appreciated and critical for success.
For additional information or if you have any questions, please contact Tom Carlson at tcarlson@pacific.edu who will be serving as Project Manager.
Thank you again for all of your time and commitment to making this process a success.