Portland State University moves to Canvas!

The Office of Academic Affairs and the PSU Learning Management System Committee are pleased to announce that the final decision has been made regarding the future of D2L at PSU. The feedback we received and the evidence we reviewed over the course of our nearly two-year project made it clear: Canvas is a better fit for PSU.  A move to Canvas will provide a Learning Management System that:

• creates a more consistent, accessible experience  
• promotes student-centered learning and student engagement 
• supports high-quality course design features for instructors
• is easier and more intuitive to use 
• is a wise investment for the future 

The challenges our community has faced teaching and learning remotely during the COVID-19  pandemic have further underscored the urgency of providing PSU faculty and students with the best possible learning management system, and we are pleased to provide our community with the opportunity to achieve this. We realize that there are many implications of this decision and are grateful for the patience and collaboration you have brought to this process. 

It’s Time for a Change

In light of the last year of remote teaching, it is more clear than ever that we rely on our campus academic technology environment to support faculty and students in the most straightforward, flexible, and robust manner possible.  A move to Canvas will allow for a higher diversity of learning experiences and teaching innovations at Portland State. According to a recent survey, PSU students want a high quality and consistent digital learning experience  with course materials online and accessible from any device. After engaging with faculty, students, and staff, the committee found that D2L is not meeting this need and presents many significant barriers to successful teaching and learning. In contrast, PSU students participating in the Canvas pilot program described Canvas as “very intuitive” and easier to access and navigate.  As one student put it, “Every time I was using D2L I just wished it was Canvas.”  With this move, PSU will be on the industry standard Learning Management System used by our regional competitors. 
 

What Happens Next

This is a time when everyone has increased pressures and responsibilities, and we are committed to providing resources to support a comfortable and successful transition.  The Office of Academic Innovation (OAI) will send regular updates, beginning in March, about faculty and student services. These services will include:

• Course migration assistance
• Faculty support and professional development 
• Student resources

Significant lead time and clear and frequent communication will be provided for each step of the migration process. No action is required on your part at this time.

If you would like more details about the upcoming switch to Canvas , we encourage you to visit the Canvas @ PSU project website or contact OAI at oai@pdx.edu.

Best,

Susan Jeffords
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs