July 10, 2014
From chief information officer Ken Stafford: Canvas Learning Management System
Submitted by Information Technology Services
Kansas State University has relied on the Axio Learning Management System to drive K-State Online for more than 16 years. While we have continuously improved our learning management system, there are features and expectations requested from our users that make it no longer feasible for us to continue to upgrade the system.
Given the age and functionality of Axio, we have been investigating options for an updated learning management system. After careful research and a yearlong pilot of the tool involving more than 120 instructors and 2,200 students, we have selected the Canvas Learning Management System as the best choice to power K-State Online.
Our goal of becoming a Top 50 public research university by 2025 also underscores the need for an updated learning management system. The K-State Online Advisory Council, the Student Technology Committee, the previous and current Student Governing Association administration, and the Faculty Senate Committee on Technology have endorsed this decision.
The upgrade to Canvas will be conducted in three phases:
- Phase one: Instructors who would like to use Canvas for the fall 2014 semester can begin their upgrade now.
- Phase two: Remaining Axio courses will upgrade to Canvas by Dec. 31, 2015.
- Phase three: This phase will be reserved for special situations, including courses that are not taught every semester and highly customized courses.
Learn more about the upgrade to Canvas. Training and support are available and will be shared on the website and in K-State Today.
Information Technology Services appreciates your patience as we embark on this major change in K-State Online. We will strive to make the transition as smooth as possible, and the end result will be a significant enhancement of K-State Online.
Sincerely,
Ken Stafford
Chief information officer