Canvas has been selected as the learning management system (LMS) that would best meet the needs of our teachers, students and staff.
The selection was the result of a long review of the current LMS landscape, an analysis of ACPS’s needs and an assessment of input and feedback from teachers and students. Canvas provides a simple user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate on devices of all sizes and it integrates well with many third-party tools used by ACPS, such as BrainPop, Discover Education, Quizlet and more.
Canvas will replace Blackboard, the first LMS used by ACPS, which has been in place since 2005. We expect the new system to be available to teachers and staff beginning in July.
A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application that has several major roles, including:
- Providing teachers with an online repository for course materials
- Providing tools teachers may use to organize, manage, and deliver a course in either an online or hybrid class environment
- Facilitating student-to-student, and student-to-teacher collaboration and communication
Once Canvas is live over the summer, training sessions will be held for teachers. A schedule of in-person training sessions will be posted once dates and times are finalized. There will also be options for self-paced online training for teachers this spring.
Blackboard courses can be imported into a Canvas course and Technology Services staff will be available to assist teachers with this import.
Technology Services is prepared to offer the level of support that each teacher or staff member requires to be successful with the transition.
You can view the complete list of FAQs and the full timeline online.
Learn more about Canvas and our implementation plan at https://www.acpsk12.org/lms/.
Thank you to all of the teachers, staff and students who provided valuable input throughout this process.