University Selects D2L’s Brightspace as New Learning Management System
New LMS Selected
Over the last academic year the University of Maine System has engaged in a process to evaluate and identify the Learning Management System best suited to the needs of the campus communities. Based upon feedback received from faculty across all UMS campuses and a thorough feature evaluation process also involving representation from all campuses, we have selected Desire2Learn’s (D2L) Brightspace platform to replace Blackboard Learn.
The Provost’s Council and members of Education Technology Advisory Committee would like to thank the entire University community for their participation, engagement and thoughtful feedback throughout this evaluation process. In the end, your responses focused the selection on a mobile-friendly, accessible, modern LMS best suited to support the unique teaching and learning needs of the entire University System.
Summary of Rationale for Selection
Some of the key features of the Desire2Learn Brightspace platform that will benefit the University include:
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Flexible tools and apps that are easy to add and configure
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Modern, accessible, mobile-friendly interface that is easy to use
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Stable platform where updates are provided seamlessly, without downtime
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Learning analytics tools instructors can use to track engagement with courses
In all cases, the D2L Brightspace platform consistently rated highest amongst survey respondents.
General Timeline
We will continue to use and support Blackboard through the Spring and Summer 2020 terms. We will transition to Brightspace in Fall 2020. All courses will be migrated to Brightspace and Blackboard discontinued by the end of Summer 2020.
We will offer sessions throughout the upcoming Fall term to demonstrate and discuss the features and benefits of the Brightspace environment. Additional details and timely updates will also be posted on the ETAC website (etac.maine.edu).
More Next Steps:
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Formation of Core Implementation Committee
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Completion of Comprehensive Implementation Plan and Timeline
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Initial Configuration of Platform
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Access to on-demand Training materials and demonstration courses
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Training and support available to all faculty