Staff Writer
Further developments in the status of MyClasses have prompted the university to call upon the assistance of students and faculty come May 2014 because in June 2015, the contract that allows the university to utilize the Blackboard Inc. learning management system is set to expire.
University officials now face the predicament of renewing the contract with Blackboard Inc., or beginning to look for another platform that allows the campus community to access their academic materials.
A request for learning management system proposals was established through the University System of Maryland on April 9. By May 8, the university will know what products are up for review.
The campus community is being encouraged to help the nine member review committee test potential vendors’ products from Blackboard Inc., Instructure Inc., Desire2Learn, Moodlerooms and BrainHoney.
Student, faculty and staff testing will begin on May 19 and end July 13, with the final decision coming July 25.
“The biggest thing is that this is your voice as a student (and faculty member),” said Melissa Thomas, Manager of Instructional Design and Delivery. “The learning management system touches upon academic life; this is an opportunity for everyone to help use the tools that will be made available through their courses.”
Learning management systems deliver educational programs and activities via web, mobile device and other media platforms, and as Melissa Thomas maintains, the integration of new technologies is crucial to academic success.
“You’re going to have those who are looking for something new and improved,” said Thomas. “People find what they don’t like when they constantly use a product, but with change comes the additional task of learning something new; we want everyone’s perspective.”
For those interested in volunteering, sign up can be done on the MyClasses review website at www.salisbury.edu/instructionaldesign/lmsreview/.