Learning Management System Review
LMS Review Process
A review of learning management systems began Spring 2020 with the establishment of a University-wide selection committee. Working closely with stakeholders across the University, the Provost’s Office began the review process by seeking input from current and perspective users for the purpose of developing a list of features and functions that are critical for ongoing teaching, learning and community needs, as well as for the longer-term view in relation to the implementation of Suffolk 2025 imperatives.
Since 2000, Blackboard has been the University’s primary learning management system (LMS). Since that time, a new LMS’s have become available and gained in popularity. Currently, we are using Blackboard Learn, considered a legacy version of the newest version of Blackboard known as Blackboard Ultra. The review process gave the Suffolk community an opportunity to examine our short- and long-term needs, preview selected products, choose the product that best fits our needs, and develop support mechanisms for transitioning to a new LMS.
Review Committee
Chair of Committee, Linda Bruenjes, Center for Teaching & Scholarly Excellence
- Anmol Bhargo, SBS Student Representative
- Jamie Bondar, Student Success
- Ken Cosgrove, College of Arts & Sciences
- David Deangelis, Student Affairs
- Meagan Dyer, Student Government Association Representative
- Laura Ferrari, Law School
- Gary Fireman, Academic Affairs
- Caroline Foley, Sawyer Business School
- Logan Gozzi, CAS Student Representative
- Petra Hartman, Disability Services
- Jeff Lipshaw, Law School
- Christina Miller, Law School
- Loren McCready, Center for Teaching & Scholarly Excellence
- Christelle Paul, Center for Career Education & Professional Development
- Stephanie Reed, Law School Student Representative
- Monika Reisch, College of Arts & Sciences
- Tracey Riley, Sawyer Business School
- Liza Rosenof, Library Representative
- Isabella Russo, Graduate Student Association
- Johanna Stuyfzand, Sawyer Business School
- Gabriel Teninbaum, Law School
- Don Tracia, Law School
- Maya Weilundemo Ott, Center for Teaching & Scholarly Excellence
- Fouad Yatim, Information Technology Services
- Michael Zeevi, Center for Teaching & Scholarly Excellence
Timeline
March 2020 – LMS Review Committee Formed
June 2020 – LMS Surveys Administered
LMS surveys administered to students, faculty, and staff to help develop a prioritized list of features and functions critical for ongoing teaching, learning and community building.
September 2020 - LMS Requirements Determined (RFP)
September 2020 - Vendors Selected
The top four LMS market leaders in the higher education sector were selected and sent the RFP: Canvas (31%), Moodle (24%), Blackboard (23%), and Brightspace (12%).
October – November 2020 – Product Demonstrations
The LMS vendors were invited to present the LMS Review Committee on the following dates:
- Canvas: Tuesday, October 27th
- Brightspace: Friday, November 6th
- Moodle: Tuesday, November 17th
- Blackboard: Monday, November 30th
Spring 2021 - LMS Deep Dives
Two final LMS vendors invited back to meet with students, faculty, and staff, to provide a deeper dive into their product’s features and functions and how well it matches Suffolk’s needs.
September 2021 - LMS Discovery Team's Final Vendor Recommendation Forwarded to IT Executive Governance Committee for approval
The committee evaluations of the final two LMS’ are forwarded to the IT Executive Governance Committee, indicating first and second preference.
Learn about our tech tools
Canvas
Blackboard
Zoom