The University of Indianapolis will be switching learning management systems for ACE by the end of the 2021-22 academic year, according to Ellen Miller, associate provost of research, graduate programs and academic partnerships and executive director of the Center for Aging and Community. The new system UIndy will use is Desire2Learns’ Brightspace.
The current learning management system is provided by Sakai, which the university has used since 2011, according to The Reflector archives. Before using Sakai, UIndy used Blackboard.
The contract for Brightspace was signed in January, Miller said. Brightspace was an unanimous choice that was selected following a review of UIndy’s needs.
Brightspace is an intuitive, easy-to-use platform, Miller said. It will allow faculty to create engaging learning experiences and has built-in analytics software that UIndy will use to continue to improve learning and teaching experiences.
There will be an early adopter program for some faculty and staff for limited use of Brightspace in the fall, Miller said. The majority of courses will still be published in ACE, however.
Throughout the 2020-21 academic year, both systems will be used for training and development, Miller said. Regular updates will be provided by IT and the Faculty Academy during the process, she said.
The transition to be completed sometime during the 2021-22 academic year, Miller said. UIndy’s name for the Brightspace platform has not yet been finalized, she said.
