A new Canvas for learning at LJMU
LJMU has entered into a new agreement with Instructure to implement the Canvas institutional virtual learning environment (iVLE) in 2017.
Canvas will be fully operational as the University’s iVLE by the start of the 2017/2018 academic year, supporting 21,000+ students on a wide range of undergraduate and taught masters programmes.
Professor Nigel Weatherill, LJMU Vice-Chancellor said: “We want to provide our students and staff with the best possible academic experience. Working with Instructure and adopting Canvas places LJMU at the forefront of digital learning. This investment and new partnership will play a key role in delivering our ambitious teaching and learning strategy, re-affirming our commitment to delivering an inspiring and engaging experience for students and providing opportunities for staff to advance and embed best practice in teaching across the institution.”
The new agreement with Instructure follows significant consultation with staff and students, and product research, to identify the iVLE which best matched LJMU’s ambitions.
Kenny Nicholl, VP, Canvas EMEA, added: “At Canvas, our aim is to make teaching and learning easy. We do this by placing students and educators at the heart of everything we do. LJMU has an ambitious and pioneering vision for digital learning, with the students and educators at the centre, so it is a privilege to partner with a like minded institution.”
In September 2016, the University issued an invitation to tender for the iVLE. Submitted bids were duly reviewed by an Evaluation Panel, against defined criteria. On 8 November 2016, following the mandatory standstill period of 10 days, LJMU confirmed the appointment of Instructure [Canvas] to provide its new iVLE; detailed discussions then followed and the contract was duly signed on 23 December 2016.
Canvas is a cloud-based learning platform that creates a dynamic learning environment for both educators and students. It is built to meet the requirements of digitally-engaged students and university teaching staff.