The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) and information technology staff are hard at work preparing for the full launch of the Canvas learning management system (LMS).
Blackboard access ends Jan. 5
All spring 2018 courses that use the LMS will be taught in Canvas. Faculty and student access to Blackboard will end Jan. 5. CELT interim director Sara Marcketti recommends that faculty review their courses in Canvas before leaving for Thanksgiving break to ensure all course materials have migrated successfully to the new platform.
The MyCanvas Teacher at ISU website contains a number of resources to help faculty prepare for spring semester. Recent training modules include self-paced tutorials, webinars and instructions for transitioning courses from Blackboard to Canvas and for downloading grades and other files before access to Blackboard ends.
Student resources
Students can learn more about Canvas features through the MyCanvas Student at ISU website or the "?Help" icon in the left-side navigation bar. The orientation resource includes a series of learning modules to help students adjust to the new system and participate effectively in their courses.
Open labs, 24/7 support available
Iowa State offers 24/7 support for Canvas. Support options are listed in the "?Help" icon in the left-side navigation bar. Students and faculty also may receive Canvas support from the IT Solution Center, 294-4000 (press 2, then 1).
Canvas open labs for instructors will continue through early December. Sessions are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays (8-10 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.) in the Parks Library rotunda. Participants should bring a laptop and the work that needs to be accomplished.
"The labs are a great opportunity for faculty to drop in and receive support in migrating their courses, and learn best practices in course design and effective teaching practices," Marcketti said.
For more information on Canvas faculty and staff training, contact CELT staff at celt@iastate.edu. For Canvas support, contact the Solution Center, 294-4000, solution@iastate.edu.
