Virginia Tech Begins Migration to Canvas LMS

After a yearlong evaluation of learning management options, Virginia Tech is moving to Instructure's Canvas LMS. "It is the right time for a new LMS at Virginia Tech to provide faculty and students with a more modern teaching and learning experience," said Scott Midkiff, the university's vice president for information technology and chief information officer, in a press release. "We are confident that Canvas offers the university community the best path forward to a new era of innovation and engagement."

The IT department's Technology-Enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS) unit led the selection process, guided by input from faculty, staff, senior leadership and students. TLOS held a series of open meetings with various segments of the university community, both to inform stakeholders and to identify key considerations for the decision-making process. The team also conducted a review of peer institutions and the LMS technology landscape. During the spring 2015 semester, several faculty tested Canvas in a number of courses across the university.

"At every stage of the evaluation process, we have been impressed with Canvas' performance and ease of use," noted TLOS Executive Director Dale Pike in a statement. "Faculty and students who have used Canvas at Virginia Tech and other institutions give rave reviews as well." Some of the benefits cited: easy media integration; mobile compatibility; flexibility for large and small courses; and learning analytics to support instructors and students.

The initial conversion phase will begin over the summer, and continue into fall 2015. To allow faculty plenty of time to migrate their courses, the university's legacy LMS will remain active and fully supported until spring 2017. TLOS will provide a range of training, tutorials and support services over the coming months.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • floating digital interface with glowing icons, surrounded by faint geometric shapes

    Digital Education Council Defines 5 Dimensions of AI Literacy

    A recent report from the Digital Education Council, a global community devoted to "revolutionizing the world of education and work through technology and collaboration," provides an AI literacy framework to help higher education institutions equip their constituents with foundational AI competencies.

  • computer screen displaying a landline phone being unplugged from a single cord, with a modern office desk, keyboard, and subtle lighting in the background

    Microsoft to Discontinue Skype Services

    Microsoft has announced that it is shutting down service for its Skype telecommunications and video calling services on May 5, 2025.

  • glowing brain, connected circuits, and abstract representations of a book and graduation cap on a light gray gradient background

    Snowflake Launches Program to Upskill 100,000 People in Data and AI

    Cloud data platform Snowflake is embarking on an effort to train and certify more than 100,000 users on its AI Data Cloud by 2027. The One Million Minds + One Platform program will provide Snowflake-delivered courses, training materials, and free access to Snowflake software, at no cost to learners.