High-level summary of survey and consultation findings
As announced in September 2022, the pending contract end date (October 2023) for the University’s current learning management system (LMS) D2L Brightspace (LEARN) provided an opportune time to conduct a thorough review of the environment to better understand how the LMS may or may not be meeting the needs and expectations of our campus community.
An extensive review of the D2L Brightspace (LEARN) platform was conducted between April 2022 and January 2023 that included an external review of the LMS market and trends; consultations with peer institutions; and internally, a campus-wide survey and consultation sessions with University faculty, students, and staff.
Summary of findings
The survey received approximately 2,200 responses, and 27 consultation sessions were held with 190 participants. The project team was very pleased with the level of participation and data gathered, with representation from faculty, staff, undergraduate students, and graduate students from our academic support units and all our faculties. The team is currently analyzing this feedback and will deliver a high-level summary of findings in the coming months. Early findings indicate the LMS of the future should be the digital centre of course delivery, protect privacy and security, be accessible, be fast and responsive, provide access to data and metrics, support mobile, and support live video. Early findings also indicate that areas of improvement are related to issues within Brightspace (LEARN) functionality, Waterloo’s configuration of Brightspace (LEARN), Waterloo’s processes/procedures, and training/knowledge gaps.
Project deliverables
Project findings, based on the campus-wide survey and consultations, market research, IT Review findings, Digital Learning Strategy findings, and goals/strategies outlined in the University’s Strategic Plan will be summarized in two final reports: the LMS Review Recommendation report and the LMS Survey & Consultation Summary report. These reports will inform a recommendation for moving forward with Waterloo’s LMS environment, including an approach to licensing and resources to support a transition, should the University change LMS vendors.The project team is aiming to make these reports available to campus during the spring 2023 term. Additional information will be communicated as this work progresses.
Learn more about the LMS Review project
- View the LMS Review project page
- Watch the recording of the LMS Review online information session held September 22, 2022 (authentication required)
- Contact the project sponsor, Pam Fluttert, Director, Instructional Technologies and Media Services (ITMS), Information Systems & Technology (IST)